Buckle up, Jeep enthusiasts! We’re delving into the Jeep Cherokee’s recent generation (KL) to unveil the top years to buy and the worst to avoid.
Our comprehensive guide is fueled by data from NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and Edmunds, ensuring you’re in the driver’s seat of knowledge.
We’ll navigate through dependability ratings, safety assessments, and owner-reported issues. By the end of this journey, you’ll know which Cherokee model years deserve a spot in your garage and which ones to leave in the dust.
Ready to hit the road?
Let’s break down the Cherokee’s features year by year and find your ideal ride!
Table of ContentsShow
Jeep Cherokee Generations
The Jeep Cherokee isn’t just a vehicle; it’s an icon in the automotive world. Since its debut, it’s been turning heads and tackling trails with equal finesse. Known for its robust design and off-road prowess, the Cherokee has become the go-to choice for adventurous enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
Picture this: a vehicle that combines powerful engine options with four-wheel drive capability, all wrapped up in a design that’s both functional and impressive.
That’s the Cherokee in a nutshell, attractive to a wide range of drivers from urban slickers to backcountry adventurers.
Let’s take a brief trip down memory lane, focusing on the Cherokee’s evolution from 2014 to 2023:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 5th generation (KL) | 2014-2023 |
Each generation brought essential updates in design, tech, and performance. For shrewd buyers, these modifications can make or break a purchase decision.
Jeep Cherokee Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
When it comes to picking the cream of the Cherokee crop, we don’t just kick the tires. Our rankings are based on a whole extensive array of factors:
- Owner-reported reliability (straight from the horse’s mouth)
- Annual maintenance costs (because nobody likes surprise bills)
- Safety ratings (because your ride should be your cocoon)
- Consumer Reports reliability and owner satisfaction scores
- NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints
- Edmunds, JD Power, Kelley Blue Book (KBB), VehicleHistory, and Cars.com owner ratings
Think of it as a Cherokee evaluation, with grades from every perspective. Here’s how it all adds up:
Now, let’s categorize these Cherokees into the favorable, the subpar, and the mediocre:
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5th generation (KL) | 2020 2021 2022 2023 | 2018 | 2014 2015 2016 2017 2019 |
Keep in mind, those “Neutral Years” are like the Goldilocks of Cherokees – not too hot, not too cold. They’re trustworthy choices for folks who want dependability without breaking the bank or settling for less.
And here’s a heads up: NHTSA recalls can be a real party pooper for reliability. More complaints and recalls? That’s a red flag for potential safety issues and overall appeal.
Oh, and one concluding thing before we dive in – the Jeep Cherokee took its last bow in 2023. So, no fresh models are coming down the pike.
Ready to get into the fine-grained details?
Let’s proceed!
Best & Worst Years for Jeep Cherokee 5th Generation (2014-2023)
The Cherokee’s fifth generation, spanning 2014 to 2023, wasn’t just a facelift – it was a whole new beast. Jeep aimed to strike a balance between its robust heritage and the creature comforts contemporary drivers desire. Let’s see how they fared.
The Best Years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
If the Cherokee were a select wine, these would be its peak years. The 2020-2023 models hit the sweet spot of dependability and innovation.
What’s under the hood? A 2.0L turbocharged I4 engine that delivers a wallop with 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It’s not just about power, though – these babies can sip fuel like a pro, achieving up to 23 city/31 highway MPG.
Pair that with a silky-smooth 9-speed automatic transmission, and you’ve got a ride that’s responsive and economical. Whether you’re cruising down the highway or navigating city streets, these Cherokees have got your back.
Trim levels? Take your pick from Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited, Overland, or the off-road-dominating Trailhawk. It’s like a buffet of choices to suit every preference and terrain.
Safety features? These Cherokees come packed with technology to keep you protected. Think forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring – all standard. It’s like having an alert co-pilot looking out for you at all times.
And let’s not forget the infotainment upgrades. Larger touchscreens and enhanced connectivity make these models feel state-of-the-art without being overwhelming.
The Neutral Years: 2018
The 2018 Cherokee? Think of it as the middle child of the family – not the troublesome child, but not the star pupil either. It addressed some prior issues but didn’t quite reach the heights of its younger siblings.
Engine options? You’ve got the reliable 3.2L V6 churning out 271 hp, or the base 2.4L I4 if you’re looking for something more economical. Fuel economy for the AWD V6 hovered around 20 city/27 highway MPG – not too shabby for its class.
This year brought a mid-cycle refresh, sprucing up the exterior and adding some comfort features inside. But it wasn’t all plain sailing – some engine and transmission glitches were reported, along with recalls for voltage regulator failures and fuel leaks.
The Worst Years: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019
Steer clear of the 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee models. These years accumulated the worst owner ratings on Consumer Reports and topped the lists for grievances and recalls.
What’s the deal? These models were plagued by constant engine and transmission gremlins. The 9-speed automatic transmission was particularly troublesome, known for its erratic behavior – think unexpected neutral shifts and jerky gear changes.
The 2014-2017 Cherokees were electronic nightmares, triggering recalls for a laundry list of issues: rogue airbags, cruise control gone haywire, AC units playing with fire, windshield wipers with a mind of their own, and electric failures.
The 2019 model? It had its own set of difficulties. Owners complained about engines stalling and power loss. Recalls addressed faulty voltage regulators, transmission hiccups, brake performance issues due to inadequate caliper piston coatings, and steering loss.
Want the whole scoop?
Check out the NHTSA recalls and complaints for the 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee models. It’s quite the fascinating read!
Jeep Cherokee Resale Values
Curious about how well these Cherokees retain their value? Take a look at this:
Conclusion
After putting the Jeep Cherokee’s 5th generation under the microscope, here’s the verdict: the 2020-2023 facelift models take the top spot for dependability, performance, and tech features. They’re the ones you want in your driveway.
On the flip side, the 2014-2017 and 2019 models are the lemons of the bunch. Engine troubles, transmission issues, and electrical glitches make these years ones to avoid. The 2019 model, in particular, had a terrible habit of stalling and throwing infotainment system fits.
So, what’s your view? Which Jeep Cherokee year do you think is the most reliable?
Don’t be shy – drop your thoughts in the comments!
Your experience could be the illuminating beacon for another Cherokee enthusiast.
