The 2021 Jeep Cherokee lasts around 250,000 miles, with some transmission software and oil consumption issues reported. At $22,825 to $35,998, it’s a decent value for a practical SUV which can handle some light off-roading.
Is the 2021 Jeep Cherokee a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a good year for the Jeep Cherokee, although it’s not as nice as a lot of the other SUVs on the market. Owner reviews praise the four-wheel drive system, large touchscreen, along with the optional soft leather seats.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are okay, although they aren’t very nice, the seats are supportive on long drives, cargo space is also lower than other SUVs.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no serious widespread problems reported on the 2021 Cherokee. Avoid models from 2019 which have engine issues. 2020–2022 are more reliable choices.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is poor from the base four-cylinder, while the V6 and turbocharged four-cylinder offer average power for an SUV of its size.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2021 Cherokee is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking along with lane keep assist. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 26 MPG, giving 393 miles of range out of the 24.6 gallon tank. Gas costs are $34 cheaper than average, at $202 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Jeep Cherokee is cheaper than many other midsize SUVs on the market, giving it a decent value score.
Positive Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Jeep Cherokee?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Jeep Cherokee offers more creature comforts than earlier years, with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Cherokee at 4.3/5, enjoying the very nice 8.4-inch touchscreen stereo system, but doesn’t like the weak base engine.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the 2021 Cherokee a 3.9/5, praising the strong turbo 4-cylinder engine, but owners don’t like the smaller cargo area.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Jeep Cherokee include delayed shifting between gears, excessive oil consumption, along with some stereo system issues. Overall, these problems are similar to some other SUVs on the market, leading to average repair costs as the Cherokee ages.
Delayed shifting between gears is a common complaint from 2021 Cherokee owners in the first 5,000 miles. Usually, when changing gears from third to fourth there is hesitation. There are software updates for the transmission which improve its reliability. Most dealerships will install these updates for free, while some charge around $100.
Excessive oil consumption is another issue reported by some Jeep Cherokee owners at around 1,500 miles. The engines wind up consuming more oil than average to protect the moving components. We recommend checking the oil regularly to make sure it’s full, and adding oil as needed to prevent wear and tear.
Some stereo system issues have also popped up on the 2021 Cherokee at roughly 10,000 miles. The stereo touchscreen freezes up and becomes unresponsive. There are software updates available which improve the reliability of the stereo system. Most dealerships will install these software updates for free, although some charge around $50.
There are two recalls on the 2021 Jeep Cherokee, which is similar to some other SUVs on the market from the same year. The first recall covers the front lower control arms which may fracture, and the second is for a transmission oil cooler hose. Jeep will replace both affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Jeep Cherokee can last around 250,000 miles, which is shorter than some popular competitors like the Toyota 4Runner. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly higher than some competitors, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $505 per year.
As a used 2021 Jeep Cherokee reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the HVAC air door which costs $275, intake manifold gasket costing $650, along with the radiator hose which costs $550.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good, offering a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a more powerful stereo system along with a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen.
Standard safety technology is good for an SUV, offering standard features such as:
- Forward collision warning
- Lane departure warning
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Automatic emergency braking
- Lane keeping assist
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Rearview camera
Optional advanced driver assistance features include:
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic parking assist
Is the 2021 Jeep Cherokee a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee is a decent value for a midsize SUV with a strong four-wheel drive system. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $22,825 to $35,998, making it cheaper than a Honda Pilot or Subaru Ascent. When new, the price range was $27,890 to $37,690. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Jeep Cherokee?
There are five Jeep Cherokee models offered for the 2021 model year from the base Latitude, all the way through to the off-road focused Trailhawk and luxurious Limited. The Cherokee comes standard with front-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Latitude is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Seats
- Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers
- Selec-Terrain Management System
- 60/40-Split Rear Seats
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- Six-Speaker Audio System
Latitude Plus adds some upgrades including:
- Fog Lights
- Keyless Entry and Push-Button Start
- Remote Start
- Heated Front Seats
- Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Satellite Radio
- Rear USB Ports
Latitude Lux offers more items such as:
- Leather Seats
- Power-Adjustable Front Passenger Seat
Trailhawk is built for off-road performance with:
- All-Terrain Tires
- Lifted Suspension
- Unique Front Bumper
- Jeep Active Drive Lock With Rock Mode and Locking Rear Axle
Limited is the most luxurious model which has:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Power Liftgate
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
- Standard 8.4-Inch Touchscreen
- Panoramic Sunroof
- Nine-Speaker Premium Audio System
What Engines Come In the Jeep Cherokee?
- The base engine is a relatively weak 2.4L four-cylinder which makes 180 horsepower at up to 25 MPG. All of the engines come with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
- An available upgrade is the stronger 3.2L V6, which makes 271 horsepower and gets up to 23 MPG.
- For a more efficient choice there’s a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder which is good for 270 horsepower while getting up to 26 MPG. Performance is okay, taking 6.7 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Jeep Cherokee Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Jeep Cherokee?
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee is designed to provide a comfortable driving experience for both drivers and passengers. The cabin features supportive and well-cushioned seats, with ample headroom and legroom in both the front and rear rows, accommodating adults of varying heights. The Cherokee also offers available power-adjustable front seats and optional heated and ventilated seats to enhance comfort during long drives or in extreme weather conditions.
Furthermore, the ride quality is smooth and composed, thanks to its well-tuned suspension system that effectively absorbs road imperfections. The cabin is well-insulated, providing minimal intrusion of road and wind noise. With its user-friendly infotainment system and optional premium features such as dual-zone automatic climate control, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee delivers a pleasant and comfortable experience for daily commutes and long road trips alike.
How Much Storage Space Does the Jeep Cherokee Have?
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee has a cargo capacity of 25.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats. When the rear seats are folded down, the cargo space expands to 54.7 cubic feet. These numbers apply to the 2021 Jeep Cherokee across all its trim levels
In addition to the cargo space behind the rear seats, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee boasts various in-cabin storage options for added convenience. The sizable glove box situated in front of the passenger seat serves as a handy spot for essentials like vehicle documents, a first aid kit, or small tools. Meanwhile, the center console between the front seats features a lidded compartment perfect for stowing items like sunglasses, wallets, or mobile devices. These storage amenities enhance the overall functionality of the Jeep Cherokee, making it a practical choice for drivers in need of versatile storage solutions.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fifth generation of the Jeep Cherokee was launched for the 2014 model year after it had been out of production for several years.
2015: Standard rearview camera on Latitude and Trailhawk models.
2016: Siri Eyes Free controls added to the stereo system.
2017: Xenon headlights are standard on all models above Sport, new Overland model launched.
2018: Latitude Plus model introduced.
2019: Upgraded stereo system, minor exterior styling changes, new turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.
2020: No changes from earlier years.
2021: More safety technology added on all models, Latitude Lux edition available.
How Does the Jeep Cherokee Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee is a decent midsize SUV if you’re looking for a choice that is also decent off-road, although you sacrifice some predicted reliability for the off-road performance.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a larger SUV made by Jeep which is available for around $3,500 more. Passenger room is better in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, while the Jeep Cherokee tends to handle narrow off-road trails better. We recommend the Jeep Grand Cherokee since it’s more luxurious, although both are worth test driving to see which you prefer.
The Subaru Forester is another SUV available for about $2,000 more. The standard all-wheel drive system in the Subaru Forester is better, while the Jeep Cherokee has more passenger room. We recommend the Subaru Forester since predicted ownership costs are lower as it ages, although both are similar SUVs.
