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 Forester was all new for 2019, so Subaru hasn't made many changes for 2020; however, there are a few new features that buyers might find interesting. The standard adaptive cruise control system gains a lane-centering feature, the tire-pressure monitor now displays the pressure in each tire, an LED lamp illuminates the license plate on all models, and a rear-seat reminder alerts the driver to check the back seat upon exiting the vehicle if the rear doors were opened prior to the start of the trip. Premium models now come standard with the contents of last year's All-Weather package—heated exterior mirrors, heated front seats, and a windshield wiper de-icer—and touring models get LED cargo-area dome lights.
Pros Good at most everything that matters to crossover buyers, spacious cabin, relaxed ride and handling.
Cons Lethargic acceleration, uninspired design, few luxuries come standard.
The 2020 Subaru Forester comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: continuously variable-speed automatic.New lane centering function added to list of standard driving aids.All-Weather package now standard on Premium models.
Pros Standard all-wheel drive A full complement of driver assist features is standard Enhanced off-road capability thanks to better-than-average ground clearance Generous cargo capacity
Cons Engine is underpowered Modest tow rating limits maximum utility
It looks visually similar to the last model, so has enough changed to entice buyers into the all-new Subaru Forester?
Pros Loaded with safety and convenience features Ultra-wide passenger door opening aperture Full-time all-wheel drive system Fuel efficient four-cylinder petrol engine
Cons Archaic three-year warranty 12,500km service intervals Higher starting price
