Jeep Cherokee Specs: Worthy of the Name?

Amanda T
Feb 25, 2021

Gray 2021 Jeep Cherokee From Driver Side

Searching for a stylish SUV that can carry you through all of your adventures? The Jeep Cherokee may be the right fit for you. As you search for the perfect SUV, you’ll want to know the specs of each vehicle you’re considering, allowing you to make an informed decision.

What Jeep Cherokee specs should you know about?

Some of the most important specs include:

  • Engine: 2.4L I4 Zero Evap M – 3.2L V6 24V VVT W/ESS
  • Towing Capacity: 2000 lbs.
  • MPG (City/Hwy): 22/31

With a powerful zero evap engine, the Jeep Cherokee is a perfect fit for those who love the feel of the open road while traveling to their next hiking, biking, or kayaking adventure. While the specs of the Jeep Cherokee make it a perfect weekend warrior vehicle, it’s also a great family car.

In this article, we’ll go over additional Jeep Cherokee specs, helping you decide if this vehicle is a good fit for you.

The Jeep Cherokee: A Quick History

Before the Jeep Cherokee, there was the Jeep Wagoneer. The Cherokee was a variation of the Wagoneer and didn’t become its own model right away.

The Cherokee first came into production in 1974 and became the compact SUV we know and love today in 1984. The Jeep Grand Cherokee variant became one of the most successful Jeeps ever made.

Over the years, the Jeep Cherokee has evolved, and the 2020 model is a part of the fifth generation of the vehicle.

Jeep Cherokee Engine Specs and Safety Features

The Jeep Cherokee’s front-wheel-drive / four-wheel drivetrain offers drivers a comfortable, safe ride, no matter what the winter may bring. The powerful 2.4L I4 Zero Evap M – 3.2L V6 24V VVT W/ESS engine provides high performance within a compact SUV.

With a fuel capacity of 15.8 gallons and 22 MPG city/ 31 MPG highway, it’s easy to enjoy a weekend of adventuring in the Jeep Cherokee without having to stop to refuel. The Cherokee’s 2000-pound towing capacity makes it a breeze to tow your favorite recreational equipment to the mountain or the lake.

In years past, Jeep has gotten a bad rap for its safety, and Jeep has since stepped up the Cherokee’s safety features. The 2020 Jeep Cherokee includes both electronic stability control and roll stability control, as well as antilock brakes and driveline traction control.

In the event of a crash, the dual side driver and passenger seat-mounted side airbags keep vehicle occupants safe. The Jeep Cherokee doesn’t stop there, however — the driver and passenger knee airbag and rear side-impact airbags help to cushion the entire body in the event of a crash.

Front lap and shoulder safety belts (including a rear center three-point safety belt) with height adjusters and pretensioners keep all passengers safe, no matter how large or small they may be.

Looking Sharp: Jeep Cherokee Exterior Options

No matter what year Jeep Cherokee you choose, you’ll be looking stylish. Jeep offers several exterior options to help you customize the look of your new car.

A steel spare wheel provides a gorgeous, industrial-looking finish for a rugged look. A spare tire mobility kit is another option, allowing you to fix a damaged tire without having to replace it with a spare. If neither of these options are a good fit for you, there’s also the option of having a compact spare tire mounted in the inside of the vehicle, under the cargo area.

As far as tires, take your pick between the 225/60R17 BSW All Season or the 225/65R17 BSW All Season to complete your Cherokee’s look.

Pros and Cons You Need to Know

If you’re considering a Jeep Cherokee, you’re doing the smart thing by doing your research before you commit to a purchase. Check out some of the pros and cons reported by Jeep Cherokee drivers:

Pros:

  • Real off-road ability
  • V6 & turbo-4 engine options
  • Outstanding high-tech features
  • Standard safety features

Cons:

  • Average reliability & resale
  • Underpowered base engine
  • Small cargo hold
  • Pricing more expensive than some rivals

If you’re an adventurer who loves the ability to go off roading whenever the mood strikes, it’s likely that the Jeep Cherokee is a good fit for you.

Thinking About Purchasing a Cherokee? Take the Next Step

You’re doing a smart thing by doing your research before purchasing a vehicle. Your next step? Get a report from Vehicle History. You’ll have everything you need to make an informed vehicle purchase, allowing you to purchase a vehicle that’s a great fit for your time exploring the outdoors.

avatar Amanda T
Amanda T. is a freelance writer, mom, and health nut who refuses to drive anything other than a Nissan. She has six years of automotive writing experience, and loves providing drivers with well-researched information to help them make informed decisions.
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