The 2018 Jeep Cherokee’s weak base engine power, below-average cargo volume, and low predicted reliability rating contribute to its place in the bottom half of our rankings. However, it does have some positives, such as a comfortable ride and admirable off-road abilities.
Pros Comfortable, upscale cabin Easy-to-use infotainment system Remarkable off-road capabilities in this price range
Cons Less cargo space than most compact SUVs Underpowered base engine Below-average fuel economy Low predicted reliability rating
The 2018 Jeep Cherokee performs its crossover chores as asked, but loves the off-road tasks more.
Pros Lovely cabin trim Very good front seats Trailhawk off-road skills Lots of active-safety options Good infotainment
Cons Styling alternates from odd to derivative Fuel economy is just okay 9-speed’s occasional hiccups Interior space arrangement
Go with the Trailhawk if your budget allows. While it's more expensive than most of the other Cherokee trim levels, its exclusive feature set makes the most of the Cherokee's off-road abilities, and that's the main reason to buy a Cherokee instead of another crossover in the first place.
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 Less cargo capacity than other small crossovers Sluggish acceleration with four-cylinder engine
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is unranked in Midsize SUVs due to missing safety data. Currently, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L's overall score is not available, though its Critics' Rating, Performance score, and Interior score are based on our evaluation of 8 pieces of research and data.
Pros Impressive off-road ability Cushioned ride Well-crafted interior Roomy, comfortable seats in all three rows
Cons Some rivals are more agile
The Grand Cherokee L is all-new for 2021.Three rows of seating.Interior filled with modern, premium touches and tech features.Kicks off the fifth Grand Cherokee generation for 2021.
Pros Impressive list of standard and optional advanced driver aids Unibody construction brings much-needed refinement Handsome interior design Better off-road capability than most SUVs
Cons Base V6 engine provides underwhelming acceleration
This year marks the beginning of a new generation of Grand Cherokee with the arrival of the three-row L model. It makes its debut before the updated two-row Grand Cherokee (reviewed separately), which will switch to this new design for 2022. A 4Xe plug-in hybrid model is likely coming for the 2022 model year.
Pros Deluxe cabin environs, plenty of off-road capability, room for up to seven riders.
Cons Base V-6 not as refined as optional V-8, awkward proportions on smaller diameter wheels, most desirable models are pricey.
