Jeep Cherokee 2019 Range Review

With over fifty manufacturers all producing multiple products, consumers are spoilt for choice! But choosing can be tricky and sometimes confusing.

Once you’ve narrowed down which car is right for you, then you need to decide on which model variant best meets your lifestyle needs, and budget.

Our range reviews break down the commonalities between variants and the all-important differences that can see an entry-level and top-spec model divided by tens of thousands of dollars, in some cases.

You also benefit from the collective experience of the carsales team on these reviews as we take a group approach to pulling them apart… so you don’t have to.

For many buyers, it is the Jeep brand that springs to mind with the mere mention of off-road driving. Jeep is synonymous with rugged and capable SUVs. But is there more to it?

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee is one of four SUVs in the Jeep stable and it brings family-friendly proportions to its credentials.

The Cherokee sits towards the top of the Jeep product offering, larger than the Jeep Compass and smaller than the flagship Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee range features a choice of two petrol engines paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Four trim levels – Sport, Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk – complete a four-variant line-up priced from $35,950 - $48,450 (plus on road costs).

There are some options packages to consider, but overall it’s a fairly simple product offering to comprehend.

The entry-level Jeep Cherokee Sport is unique in the line-up. It’s the only front-wheel-drive Jeep Cherokee in the range and is powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that delivers 130kW/229Nm.

The Cherokee Sport is matched to a nine-speed automatic transmission (the sole transmission offering) and returns an ADR Combined fuel consumption of 8.5L/100km.

The four-cylinder Cherokee will move from 0-100km/h in 9.6sec, according to the brochure.

The move up to Jeep Cherokee Longitude and Jeep Cherokee Limited introduces Jeep’s 3.2-litre V6 engine that delivers 200kW/315Nm. It’s paired to that same nine-speed automatic transmission as the Sport and delivers a claimed ADR Combined fuel consumption of 9.8L/100km.

Jeep says the V6-powered Cherokee Longitude and Limited will accelerate 0-100km/h in 7.5sec.

The top-shelf Cherokee Trailhawk shares the V6 engine and transmission pairing of the Longitude and Limited, but adds sophisticated 4x4 credentials into the mix. Its ADR Combined fuel consumption jumps to 10.2L/100km, and with a touch more weight at hand accelerates 0-100km/h in 8.5sec.

Whether you need front, all or four-wheel drive or a four or six-cylinder engine will help you narrow your decision early in the piece.

The more powerful and flexible V6 drivetrain is our preference, particularly if you want to tow. The four-cylinder Sport offers a braked towing capacity of 1500kg compared to 2200kg in the V6 variants.

Once your engine and driveline choices have been decided, it’s equipment and interior finishes that further differentiate the Jeep Cherokee range.

The Jeep Cherokee Sport’s entry-level asking price ($35,950 plus on-road costs) is reflected in its equipment, or lack thereof, compared to its higher-grade siblings.

You miss out on push-button start, hands-free tailgate, rear parking sensors, electric adjust seats and satellite navigation. But you do get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity that satisfies the tech needs and wants of many budget-conscious buyers.

The Cherokee Sport’s cloth trim and manually-adjustable seats are indicative of its entry-level position, but it should be noted the Jeep Sport’s cabin is far from budget. A reversing camera with dynamic guidelines and cruise control is standard across the range.

A 7.0-inch touchscreen display with digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control and six-speaker sound system are standard on the Cherokee Sport, these features also shared by the Cherokee Longitude.

USB and auxiliary audio ports are also included, as are a pair of 12-volt outlets (one in the cargo area) in all Cherokee variants.

All four-cylinder Jeep Cherokee variants receive a five-star ANCAP safety rating. ANCAP hasn’t tested the V6 range, but we note that all Cherokee variants include seven airbags as part of the standard safety checklist.

Cherokee models also include standard autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert across the model range.

Priced from $41,950 (plus on-road costs) the Cherokee Longitude looks similar to the Sport inside, but includes more technology and the aforementioned V6 engine with all-wheel drive.

Over and above the features found in the Sport, the Longitude adds eight-way electrically-adjustable driver and front passenger seats, rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, hands-free tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlights, keyless entry with push-button start, remote start, paddle shifters and a leather-wrapped gear knob.

The optional Longitude Technology Group ($1650) adds adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, side distance warning and advanced park assist with parallel and perpendicular park function – it can even drive itself out of tricky parking spaces all by itself!

Featuring the same mechanical underpinnings as the Cherokee Longitude, it’s the equipment and interior finesse that sets the Cherokee Limited apart.

Priced from $46,950 (plus on-road costs), the model graduates to a premium interior with leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats. It also includes even more technology including satellite navigation, parallel and perpendicular park assist, adaptive cruise control, auto high-beam, chrome exterior details and tinted privacy glass.

The Cherokee Limited also gets the larger 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen (up from 7.0 inches), a nine-speaker premium sound system, and a 7.0-inch colour instrumentation cluster.

The Cherokee Limited also features styling 18-inch alloy wheels that feel fitting of its more refined personality.

There’s an obvious divide between the Cherokee Limited and the lower grade Sport and Longitude variants, but there’s still one more Cherokee variant to go.

In keeping with Jeep’s off-road heritage we find the most expensive Cherokee Trailhawk offering the highest level of ability – and the most equipment – of any variant in the Cherokee range.

The Cherokee Trailhawk is defined by a sophisticated 4x4 system which adds hill decent control and rock-crawling mode to its credentials. The Trailhawk is also higher off the ground, has off-road focussed suspension and a rear locking differential.

These features all add up to a Cherokee that’s more capable away from the beaten track. Add a pair of tow hooks, four under body skid plates, and a full size spare wheel, and you’ve graduated to a proper off-roader for the asking price of $48,450 (plus on-road costs).

Not surprisingly the Cherokee Trailhawk reverts to smaller 17-inch alloys to offer buyers a wider choice of off-road tyres. The upholstery is finished in a cloth/vinyl combination with accented stitching, while on the floor we find mud-resistant rubber floor mats front and rear.

Outside, the Trailhawk is differentiated by unique badges and black decals that accentuate its superior off-road demeanour.

The Cherokee Trailhawk is also available with the optional Premium Package ($2950) which adds heated and ventilated front leather seats with memory function, a sliding second row seat, security alarm, carpeted cargo area, auto high-beam and adaptive cruise control.

A dual panoramic sunroof (an option on Limited and Trailhawk only) will set you back $2200.

The medium-sized Jeep Cherokee SUV competes with a mixed bag of vehicles. It plays in one of Australia’s busiest new car segments, and challenges rivals that include the Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan X-TRAIL and Subaru Forester to name a few.

The competition is tough in this segment with many vehicles adding all-wheel drive to their tick list. However, you’ll be hard pressed to match the ability of the Cherokee Trailhawk for the price – it’s the only vehicle in its class with low-range four-wheel drive.

The Jeep Cherokee Sport brings the look and feel of a capable and rugged family SUV while the Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk in particular can make your off-road adventures a reality. How far off road you plan on heading – if at all – will likely determine which Jeep Cherokee you choose.

As we’ve mentioned already, the Jeep Cherokee range is priced from $35,950 - $48,450 (plus on-road costs), which means it caters to a wide variety of budgets.

Jeep offers a five-year/100,000km warranty on all Cherokee variants, the deal including five years’ capped-price servicing and lifetime roadside assistance, provided the vehicle is service through an authorised Jeep dealership.

For us, the Jeep Cherokee’s strong 3.2-litre V6 engine is the pick of the pack, which rules out the entry-level four-cylinder Cherokee Sport variant for us.

We also prefer the value for money offering – and styling of – the Cherokee Limited when viewed against the Longitude variant. Spending a few extra dollars secures a stronger equipment list and a classier look, inside and out, plus you get the bonus of that terrific V6 engine and all-wheel drive.

But if money is no object then it’s the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk that takes the gong. The powerful V6 engine and sophisticated four-wheel drive system are hard to beat for the price. It’s a combination that better connects the Cherokee with its off-road heritage and confidentially takes you further off road than any other SUV in this segment. We simply love it.

How much does the 2019 Jeep Cherokee Sport FWD cost?
Price: $35,950 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 130kW/229Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.5L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 197g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP (2016)

How much does the 2019 Jeep Cherokee Longitude AWD cost?
Price: $41,950 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.2-litre six-cylinder petrol
Output: 200kW/315Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel: 9.8L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 228g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Not tested

How much does the 2019 Jeep Cherokee Limited AWD cost?
Price: $46,950 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.2-litre six-cylinder petrol
Output: 200kW/315Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel: 9.8L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 228g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Not tested

How much does the 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4x4 cost?
Price: $48,450 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 3.2-litre six-cylinder petrol
Output: 200kW/315Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Fuel: 10.2L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 236g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Not tested