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
With warm hatch performance matched to all-wheel drive surety, the Audi Q2 2.0 TFSI quattro is arguably the sweet spot in the German car maker's compact SUV range.
Pros Quick without being manically so Adroit handling Edgy styling Seamless seven-speed S tronic transmission Excellent off-road dynamics
Cons Plenty of road and wind noise Some cheap elements in the cabin Pretty cramped second row Boot space well short of class leaders
The 2018 Audi Q2 2.0 TFSI Quattro has arrived, and it all makes sense. And there have been a couple of extra little tweaks to the Audi Q2 2018 range. There isn't much major visual differentiation between the newly added 2.0 TFSI Quattro version and the more affordable petrol model aside from this version rolling on 18-inch wheels as opposed to the 17s of the base petrol, and the entry-level model misses out on body-colour mouldings around the wheels, side skirts and bumpers. Both the quattro models look identical to one another.
Pros Decent levels of equipment New petrol AWD model is a peach A fairly charming thing overall
Cons Limited boot space in quattro models Back seat isn't massive Lacks some storage
The Audi Q2 is a small SUV with a smart interior, plenty of optional high-tech touches and a raised driving position, but the rear seats are quite upright and therefore not particularly comfy.
Pros Relaxing to drive Stylish, well-built interior Great high-tech options
Cons Back seats a little too upright Expensive top-spec models Poor rear visibility
