What's New in the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?
The previous entry-level Sport trim has been discontinued. So the Latitude (which used to be one up from the Sport) is now the base model, while a new Latitude Plus trim comes in just above it. This means the amount of standard equipment has gone up, but there's also been a revision of standard and optional features.
Which Cherokee is the Best?
Assuming the specialist Trailhawk model has its own kind of buyer, the Limited is a great choice if the budget is there. Alternatively, look at a Latitude Plus and select as many safety options as possible.
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How Much Does a 2018 Jeep Cherokee Cost?
The 2018 Jeep Cherokee is offered in Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited, Trailhawk and Overland trims. All Cherokees except the Trailhawk come with front-wheel drive as standard, offering all-wheel drive (Active Drive I) as an option. Latitude Plus, Limited and Overland models with all-wheel drive are eligible for the Active Drive II upgrade, which adds low-range gearing and an off-road suspension. The Trailhawk comes standard with a special version of Active Drive II that includes a locking rear differential.
The Latitude ($25,490) comes with 17-in aluminum wheels, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights, fog lights, LED daytime running lights and taillights, roof rails, hill-start assist, height-adjustable front seats, a tilt-telescopic steering wheel, cruise control, a rear wiper, a rearview camera, trailer sway control, Bluetooth connectivity, a 5-in touchscreen display and a 6-speaker audio system with an SD card reader, USB charging port and auxiliary input jack. This trim level is eligible for a new Tech Connect package that includes Uconnect with an 8.4-in screen, satellite radio and an Amazon Alexa device.
The Latitude Plus ($27,390) has the Uconnect infotainment system with 8.4-in touchscreen as standard (including Amazon Alexa compatibility), plus satellite radio, a fold-flat front passenger seat with integrated cushion storage, keyless entry with push-button start, a 115-volt auxiliary power outlet, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with auxiliary audio controls, and cloth/leather seating surfaces.
The Limited ($30,890) adds 18-in aluminum wheels, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat (the passenger seat remains manual), a 7-in driver information display, dual-zone automatic climate control, a self-dimming rearview mirror with a universal garage door opener, a heated steering wheel, a leather-wrapped shift knob, USB connectivity and remote start. For 2018, it also receives a power lift gate, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection, and rear parking sensors.
The Trailhawk ($32,090) loses the Limited's standard power driver's seat (it's an extra-cost option) and a few other convenience items, but gains a more sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, its own design of 17-in alloy wheels, skid plates, an off-road suspension with a 1-in lift (raising ground clearance to a useful 8.7 inches), front and rear tow hooks, flared fenders and sporty cloth/vinyl/leather upholstery (leather is optional). It also gets blind spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection for 2018, plus dual-zone automatic climate control and rear parking sensors.
The lavish Overland ($35,190) features body-colored fascias and side cladding, 18-in polished alloy wheels, powered driver and front passenger seats that are also heated and ventilated (memory with the driver's seat), a steering wheel with wood trim, a leather-wrapped instrument panel, Berber mats, an upgraded audio system and navigation. All-wheel-drive versions of the Overland have the V6 engine as standard.
Some of the higher trims' standard features are optional in the lower levels. The Technology Group package (Limited, Overland and Trailhawk only) brings adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, a forward-collision warning system with automatic braking, lane-departure warning and parallel/perpendicular parking assist. There's also a lesser Safety Tec package consisting of the blind spot monitoring system, rear cross-path detection, rear parking sensors and heated side mirrors.
When properly equipped, a V6-powered Cherokee can tow a maximum of 4,500 pounds. With the rear seats up, cargo space is 24.6 cu ft., about 5 cu ft. short of average. With the rears folded down, it's still only 54.9 cu ft.; many rivals have at least 10 cu ft. more.