Buckle up, Jeep enthusiasts! We’re diving into the Jeep Cherokee’s latest generation (KL) to unveil the best years to buy and the worst to avoid.
Our extensive 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 reliability ratings, safety scores, 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 strike the road?
Let’s break down the Cherokee’s capabilities year by year and find your ideal ride!
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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 seekers and daily drivers alike.
Picture this: a vehicle that combines robust engine options with four-wheel drive capability, all wrapped up in a design that’s both practical and eye-catching.
That’s the Cherokee in a nutshell, appealing to a wide range of drivers from city slickers to backcountry explorers.
Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane, focusing on the Cherokee’s evolution from 2014 to 2023:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 5th generation (KL) | 2014-2023 |
Each generation brought key updates in design, tech, and performance. For savvy buyers, these changes 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 expansive full 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 report card, with grades from every angle. Here’s how it all adds up:
Now, let’s categorize these Cherokees into the good, the bad, 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 solid choices for folks who want reliability 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 final thing before we dive in – the Jeep Cherokee took its ultimate bow in 2023. So, no new models are coming down the pike.
Ready to get into the nitty-gritty?
Let’s move!
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 rough-and-tumble heritage and the creature comforts modern drivers crave. Let’s see how they fared.
The Best Years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
If the Cherokee were a premium wine, these would be its vintage years. The 2020-2023 models hit the sweet spot of reliability and innovation.
What’s under the hood? A 2.0L turbocharged I4 engine that delivers a punch 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 trail-conquering Trailhawk. It’s like a buffet of options to suit every taste and terrain.
Safety features? These Cherokees come loaded with tech to keep you safe. Think forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring – all standard. It’s like having a co-pilot looking out for you at all times.
And let’s not forget the infotainment upgrades. Bigger touchscreens and enhanced connectivity make these models feel cutting-edge without being overwhelming.
The Neutral Years: 2018
The 2018 Cherokee? Think of it as the middle child of the family – not the problem child, but not the star student either. It addressed some earlier issues but didn’t quite reach the heights of its younger siblings.
Engine options? You’ve got the trusty 3.2L V6 churning out 271 hp, or the base 2.4L I4 if you’re looking for something more modest. 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 smooth sailing – some engine and transmission hiccups 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 racked up the lowest owner ratings on Consumer Reports and topped the charts for complaints 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 electrical 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 electrical shorts.
The 2019 model? It had its own set of headaches. Owners complained about engines stalling and power loss. Recalls addressed faulty voltage regulators, transmission hiccups, brake performance issues due to inferior caliper piston coatings, and steering loss.
Want the complete 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 hold 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 reliability, 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 tantrums, and electrical quirks make these years ones to skip. The 2019 model, in particular, had a nasty habit of stalling and throwing infotainment system fits.
So, what’s your take? Which Jeep Cherokee year do you think is the most reliable?
Don’t be timid – drop your thoughts in the comments!
Your experience could be the illuminating beacon for another Cherokee enthusiast.
