The 2017 Jeep Cherokee still antes up considerable trail-riding talent, but other crossover SUVs do a better job of daily driving. The name is one of the oldest applied to a modern-day SUV, but the 2017 Jeep Cherokee is no Conestoga wagon. It's a thoroughly modern family wagon, recast from its hardcore sport-utility roots into something much broader, more capable in all sorts of conditions.
Pros Family-sized interior (albeit with no third row) Daring exterior Front seat comfort Quick enough with the base engine Strong active-safety set
Cons Exterior styling doesn't feel fully committed-to Numb steering Gas mileage okay but not excellent Transmission woes come and go
The 2017 Jeep Cherokee ranks 13 out of 18 Compact SUVs. The 2017 Jeep Cherokee combines an upscale and spacious cabin with good off-road capability. Although you can find a smoother ride and larger cabin in competitors like the Honda CR-V or Ford Escape, the Cherokee’s off-road capability means it strikes a pretty rare balance in this class.
Pros Premium-quality cabin Spacious and comfortable seating Great off-road capability with 4WD option
Cons Sluggish base engine Below-average fuel economy Small cargo space
The 2017 Cherokee gets only minor equipment revisions, including standard xenon headlights on every trim but the base Sport. This is also the first full year for the top-of-the-line Overland trim that was introduced in mid-2016.
Pros Available V6 engine provides smooth and assertive power Absorbent suspension smooths out rough surfaces Capable and user-friendly 8.4-inch touchscreen on many models Trailhawk offers unique off-road capability for a small crossover.
Cons Sluggish acceleration with four-cylinder engine Less cargo capacity than other small crossovers.
The 2018 Subaru Forester ranked #5 in Compact SUVs. Currently the Subaru Forester has a score of 8.5 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 36 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Excellent cargo capacity Spacious rear seats Good mpg ratings, even with standard all-wheel drive Many available safety features
Cons Interior design and build quality trail some rivals' Fewer tech features than rivals
The 2018 Subaru Forester continues to offer top safety scores, remarkable space inside, and all-round versatility; it’s still one of the best small SUVs, and a good value for money.
Pros Fun to drive, good ride Excellent safety ratings and systems Good outward visibility Standard all-wheel drive Peppy Turbo option, CVT among the best
Cons Front seats small for some Priciest trims still not that premium No manual gearbox for turbo engine Paddle shifters only on turbo
For 2018, the Subaru Forester offers a new Black Edition trim package that adds black-finished wheels, body trim and grille. The interior also receives black cloth upholstery and black gloss dashboard trim. Limited trim levels also get a new cargo area cover, while Touring trims now include Subaru's EyeSight safety package as standard along with automatic high beams and reverse automatic braking.
PROS All-wheel drive comes standard and doesn't sink fuel economy High ground clearance offers better than average off-road ability Airy interior with plenty of room for adults both front and rear Optional turbocharged engine makes Forester very quick
CONS Modest tow rating limits overall utility Cabin design and materials are just average Handling isn't as sporty as some rivals CVT feels less responsive and refined than a traditional automatic
