The Jeep Cherokee is one of the only SUVs in its class to still offer a V6 engine. However, Jeep debuted the 2.0L turbocharged ‘Hurricane’ engine for the 2019 model, boasting nearly identical specs to the V6, and better fuel economy than even the base 2.4L.
Key Points
- The 2019 Jeep Cherokee‘s three engine options include fuel-efficient 2.4L TigerShark four-cylinder, 3.2L Pentastar V6 built for towing, and 2.0L turbo four-cylinder with enough pep to make driving fun.
- All three engine options for the 2019 Cherokee offer decent fuel economy, with EPA ratings as high as 31 miles per gallon.
- The Pentastar V6 offers the most low-end torque and gives the 2019 Cherokee a best-in-class towing rating of 4,500 pounds.
- Known as the “Hurricane,” the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine offers nearly identical horsepower to the V6 with more torque to boot yet still manages the best fuel economy of the three engines.
- The 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine uses Chrysler’s MultiAir II valve timing system to optimize fuel use, giving it up to 30 mpg EPA ratings.
- The 2.0L is the only engine in the 2019 Cherokee lineup to have been issued a recall. Just 14 vehicles were affected, though, so it’s unlikely you’ll come across one.
2.0L Turbocharged Engine Offers Perfect Blend of Fuel Economy and Power With Up to 31 mpg and 270 Horsepower
Codenamed the “Hurricane,” the 2.0-liter engine uses lightweight aluminum construction for the cylinder head and engine block. It has a dual-overhead-camshaft layout and four valves per cylinder.
The engine uses direct injection, which sprays fuel directly into the combustion chamber for more thoroughly atomized fuel, resulting in better efficiency. A twin-scroll turbocharger mounted directly to the cylinder head provides maximum airflow and reduced turbo lag.
At 270 horsepower and 291 lb.-ft. of torque, the turbo inline-four provides the most torque of any engine option for the 2019 Jeep Cherokee. Also, it is shy of the V6’s power output only by a single horsepower.
Despite its power, the 2.0L Hurricane engine still gets great fuel economy. It has EPA ratings of up to 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway in front-wheel-drive. When in four-wheel-drive, it still manages an impressive 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
2019 Cherokee was Subject to NHTSA Recall Over Incorrectly Assembled 2.0L Engines Prone to Damage Due to Missing Valve Stem Keepers
Unfortunately, the 2.0L engine was subject to a recall in 2018 (one of nine recalls for the Cherokee’s 2019 model year). Jeep says the engine may have been assembled incorrectly without valve stem keepers.
This defect can allow the valve to drop into the engine cylinder and cause engine damage. The engines may also have a reversed camshaft cap that can damage the camshaft bearing, leading to camshaft failure.
However, the recall information states that it only affected 14 vehicles total. So, the chances of running into one with this issue on the used market are slim to none.
3.2L Pentastar V6 Provides Low-end Torque, Lands 2019 Cherokee Best-in-Class Towing Rating of 4,500 Pounds
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee’s Pentastar 3.2L V6 engine uses all-aluminum construction to keep weight down. Each cylinder head contains two camshafts and four valves per cylinder for a total of 24 valves. In addition, it uses a timing chain to ensure engine longevity.
The V6 makes 271 hp and 239 lb.-ft. of torque. The V6 layout allows the torque to come on sooner and provides better low-end power. This makes it more ideal for towing. This engine landed the 2019 Cherokee best-in-class towing with a rating of 4,500 pounds.
Surprisingly, for a V6 engine in an SUV, the Pentastar has some pretty good fuel economy numbers too. EPA ratings go as high as 20 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, with a combined rating of 23 mpg in FWD. Four-wheel-drive sees numbers as high as 18 mpg and 26 mpg highway, which is more than respectable.
2.4L Inline-four Engine Uses Chrysler’s Exclusive MultiAir II Valve Timing System to Maximize Fuel Efficiency
Like its fellow engine offerings for the 2019 Jeep Cherokee, the 2.4L inline four-cylinder, known internally as the “Tigershark,” is all aluminum. It uses standard dual-overhead-camshaft construction and has four valves per cylinder.
The Tigershark engine utilizes Chrysler’s exclusive “MultiAir II” oil-driven variable valve timing system that uses oil pressure to adjust the timing of the engine’s valves opening. The valve timing changes as the engine proceeds through the rpm range, constantly optimizing the fuel-to-air ratio.
The 2.4-liter engine is the least powerful offering of the bunch, with only 180 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of torque.
It is, however, very fuel-efficient, falling just one mpg short of the 2.0L turbo engine, with 22 mpg city, but it matches its highway rating of 31 mpg for a combined rating of 25 mpg in FWD. Four-wheel-drive variants see up to 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
2019 Jeep Cherokee’s Three Engine Options Offer Enough Variety for Every Type of Driver, from the Daily Commuter to the Heavy Hauler
Overall, the engine options across the lineup of 2019 Jeep Cherokee models can fill the niche of any shopper.
If you’re looking for a sporty, family-hauling SUV with enough getup to be entertaining, the 2.0L turbo engine is perfect.
For those looking to tow small trailers or boats, the V6 offering is ideal.
Finally, those looking for the most budget-conscious A-to-B option from of the SUV will find satisfaction in the fuel efficiency of the 2.4L inline-four.
Photos: Stellantis
