2022 Jeep Cherokee Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

The 2022 Jeep Cherokee is beginning to show its age but continues to be popular thanks to its lifestyle branding and off-road pedigree. Apart from the slightly smaller Jeep Compass and the Ford Bronco Sport, trail-ready versions of the Cherokee can go places most rivals cannot. It can also pull more than its peers thanks to a 4500-pound max-towing capacity. Still, the Cherokee's interior suffers from an anonymous design and unremarkable materials compared with what's inside snazzier alternatives such as the Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson. The Jeep is available with a pair of engines, none particularly noteworthy. The 2022 Cherokee has composed handling and a smooth ride as well as an assortment of standard driver assists, but just because it wears a seven-slot grille doesn't mean it's automatically as desirable as more-modern alternatives from other manufacturers.

What's New for 2022?

For 2022, Jeep slims the Cherokee's lineup down to four distinct trim levels, including the newly introduced X model. Along with unique exterior graphics and special seat inserts, the Cherokee X has a 1.0-inch suspension lift and chunkier all-terrain tires. It also comes standard with the V-6 powertrain. Every 2022 Cherokee comes standard with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and SiriusXM satellite radio, which replaces the previously standard 7.0-inch unit. The Latitude Lux model also adds new standard features that include a 7.0-inch gauge-cluster display, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 115-volt power outlet, and more.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We'd choose the Trailhawk model, which gets the stout V-6 as standard. An advanced all-wheel-drive system that features a locking rear differential is included, too. Other desirable standard features include an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a full-size spare tire, red tow hooks, a matte-black hood decal, an off-road suspension that increases the ride height, and 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. We'd also select the Trailer Tow package, which unlocks the Cherokee's maximum towing capacity of 4500 pounds.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 270-hp 3.2-liter V-6 is the standard engine, and a torquier turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is optional. Both pair with a nine-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive. While we've yet to test the turbo engine at the track, we've spent time with it during our first drive. We found it to be lackluster compared with the V-6 due to its dull responses to throttle inputs; the four-cylinder Cherokee also has less towing capacity (4000 pounds maximum towing capacity versus the V-6 Cherokee's towing capacity of 4500 pounds). As you'd expect from a Jeep, the Cherokee drives with heftiness and solidity, making it feel larger than its rivals. Relatively firm suspension tuning controls body roll in corners without compromising the ride quality. Impacts are absorbed without much excess reverberation, and the Jeep never feels floaty on the highway. We wish the steering provided more feedback from the road, but it's nicely weighted and accurate. A firm-feeling brake pedal engenders calm in panic-braking scenarios, and the Cherokee's 70-mph-to-zero emergency-braking performance is average for its class.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The Cherokee has among the worst fuel economy in its compact crossover-and-SUV segment, according to both the EPA and our real-world testing. The most fuel-efficient version features the turbocharged four-cylinder that tops out at 23 mpg city and 31 highway. We've yet to subject the four-cylinder version to our 75-mph fuel-economy route, but its EPA estimates aren't much higher than those for the V-6. Compared with the last Overland we put through our testing regimen, the latest version earned 25 mpg highway—or 1 mpg more than before. For more information about the Cherokee's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

With supportive seats and easy-to-use controls, the Cherokee's cabin is comfortable. However, given that the Cherokee is larger on the outside than many of its competitors, we'd expect it to feel more spacious on the inside. Small windows and high windowsills contribute to the feeling of confinement. The Cherokee's cargo area is smaller than most vehicles this size, and interior cubby storage is average at best. It's more difficult to load items into the rear than into some of its rivals due to the Jeep's high lift-over height. In addition, its cargo area is significantly smaller than top rivals such as the Ford Escape (34 cubes) and the Honda CR-V (39).

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Jeep's available Uconnect infotainment system is among the best in the business, with well-organized menus and ample features. The standard touchscreen measures 8.4 inches. Starting on the Latitude Plus trim, every model adds two USB ports on the back of the center console for use by rear-seat passengers. Every Cherokee has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot is available.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Jeep now provides an array of standard driver-assistance technology as well as several optional assists. For more information about the Cherokee's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Cherokee's warranty coverage is average for its class. Competitors such as the Kia Sportage and the Hyundai Tucson are the only rivals that offer significantly longer powertrain warranties. However, all models do come with three years of free maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Three years of complimentary maintenance is included

More Features and Specs