The Jeep Cherokee is the brand’s entry into the competitive compact SUV class. It’s a bit overdue for a redesign compared to more modern competitors, and it only comes in two trims for 2023. One emphasizes premium features, while the other is a rugged off-roader. However, every 2023 Jeep Cherokee comes standard with 4-wheel drive (4WD).
In the world of practical compact SUVs that are good off-road, the Cherokee competes with the Subaru Forester, Ford Bronco Sport, and Mazda CX-50.
Let’s look at the two trims available for the Cherokee and find the right SUV for you.
2023 Jeep Cherokee Altitude Lux: $37,695
The Cherokee Altitude Lux prioritizes premium features over off-road capability, but it’s still a proficient off-roader. Power comes from a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. It produces 180 horsepower and returns EPA fuel economy of 21 mpg city/29 mpg highway. The Selec-Terrain system lets you choose among Auto, Snow, Sport, and Sand/Mud drive modes.
Exterior features on the Altitude Lux model include 17-inch gloss-black wheels, LED headlights and taillights, fog lights, and a power liftgate. On the inside, you get leather upholstery, heated, power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, push-button start, remote start, a 115V power outlet, and an auto-dimming mirror.
The standard infotainment system is a Uconnect 4C system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen loaded with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, navigation, SiriusXM, HD Radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Standard safety tech features include full-speed adaptive cruise control, advanced brake assist, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and parallel and perpendicular park assist.
The optional Lux Elite Package makes this a more premium SUV. It adds a power sunroof, a hands-free power liftgate, a memory driver’s seat and mirrors, ventilated front seats, and an Alpine premium audio system.
When you factor in the $1,595 destination fee ($1,645 in Hawaii), the starting price of the Cherokee Altitude Lux comes to $39,290. If you get one with a 60-month loan at 3% interest with no money down, the monthly payment will be approximately $706. See 2023 Jeep Cherokee Altitude Lux models for sale near you
2023 Jeep Cherokee Altitude Lux includes:
Standard 4WD — Four-wheel drive comes standard on every Jeep Cherokee, giving it the off-road capability you’d expect from the brand.
Leather seats — With leather upholstery, these heated and power-adjustable seats give the Cherokee a premium feel.
Uconnect 4C — This user-friendly infotainment system is packed with desirable features. Includes Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, navigation, SiriusXM, and HD Radio.
2023 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk: $41,295
As its rugged appearance suggests, the Cherokee Trailhawk improves the off-road chops of this SUV. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine putting out an impressive 270 hp, the 2023 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is rated by the EPA at 20 mpg city/26 mpg highway.
The Jeep Active Drive Lock AWD system has a 2-speed transfer case, a locking rear differential, and a Rock mode. Additional features improving off-roading capabilities include an extra inch of ground clearance, off-road suspension, all-terrain tires, and skid plates.
The interior features are similar to those of the Altitude Lux trim, but the Trailhawk has cloth and vinyl seats and doesn’t have a power passenger seat. However, a Premium Leather Package for the Trailhawk adds leather seats, a power passenger seat, ventilated front seats, a memory package, and a hands-free power liftgate.
A Sun and Sound Group also is available for the Trailhawk. It adds a sunroof, active noise control, and an Alpine premium audio system.
With a 60-month loan at 3 percent interest and zero down, the 2023 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk would start at around $771 a month. See 2023 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk models for sale near you
2023 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk includes:
Turbo engine — The 270-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine in the Trailhawk brings a considerable upgrade in performance over the base engine.
Off-road upgrades — The Trailhawk trim is more than just an appearance package. Upgrades include an extra inch of ground clearance, skid plates, all-terrain tires, off-road suspension, and a 2-speed transfer case.
Rugged appearance — It’s not just stylish; the distinct appearance package of the Trailhawk also adds practicality. Beyond the red tow hooks and 17-inch diamond-cut aluminum wheels, the Trailhawk has a glare-resistant black hood decal and fender flares.
