2023 Jeep Cherokee Expert Review
Reviewed by Bob Hernandez
The reliably fun and off-roady fifth-generation Jeep Cherokee compact SUV returns for a tenth year and possibly its last. The brand has already indicated the crossover will have a successor, and soon, but it will very likely come with heavy electrification. We just hope it's as capable as any proper Jeep should be. The Cherokee sits above the Compass and below the Wrangler in the brand's SUV range and competes with the Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-5 .
What's New
- Standard 8.4-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, and a semi-autonomous parking system
- Cherokee Trailhawk gains standard automatic high-beams and an auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Lineup reduced to two trims: the range-topping Trailhawk and new Altitude Lux base model
- The V-6 powertrain and all FWD models have been discontinued
What We Think
We most recently reviewed this generation of the Cherokee when it received a refresh for 2019. Its exterior was heavily revised, and it picked up the 2.0-liter turbo-four powertrain that's in the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio. The small Jeep is not especially quick with the engine, but it provides a burly exhaust note as well as enough grunt to have a good time in the sand. We also thought the Cherokee's Uconnect infotainment interface was among the industry's best.
Negatives include a lack of cargo space, middling fuel economy, and a bit too much vibration when the SUV is idling. Rivals like the Honda CR-V provide better efficiency and more clever interior packaging, but if leaving paved surfaces behind is on the agenda, the Cherokee might be the right crossover.
Performance and MPGs
The 2023 Cherokee Altitude Lux is now the base model (replacing the Latitude Lux) and features the lineup's 2.4-liter naturally aspirated inline-four that makes 180 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque. The EPA rates its fuel economy at 21/29 mpg city/highway.
The lineup's 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four is in the 2023 Cherokee Trailhawk. It makes 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Efficiency is pegged at a slightly worse 20/26 mpg.
Both models come standard with a nine-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. They each also receive a rear-axle disconnect to help improve fuel efficiency.
Safety Features
Jeep adds adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and a semi-autonomous parking system to each 2023 Cherokee's standard ADAS technology suite. They join existing features including automatic emergency braking, a lane keeping system, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic monitoring. Trailhawk models are also equipped with standard automatic high-beams.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
The 2023 Cherokee ranks toward the bottom of the class when it comes to cargo space. But it's a different story with front legroom, which compares favorably to the Honda CR-V.
Technology
There may be only two Cherokee trims left, but each is packed with feature content. Standard on both are LED foglights, taillights, and automatic headlights, as well as rain-sensing front and rear wipers, keyless entry, and a power liftgate. A push-button start, dual-zone climate control system, and heated front seats and steering wheel are also standard. Infotainment systems feature an 8.4-inch central touchscreen, six speakers, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a 7.0-inch cluster display.
The Cherokee Trailhawk scores a hands-free power liftgate and Rock driving mode. Curiously, powered driver and front passenger seats are standard on the Altitude Lux but optional for the Trailhawk higher trim. And speaking of options, upgrades like ventilated front seats and a nine-speaker Alpine system are available via package or equipment group.
What Does the Altitude Lux Bring to the 2023 Cherokee Lineup?
There's no additional capability with the Cherokee's new base trim, but it does borrow from previous models. Gloss black exterior trim pieces, badges, and 17-inch wheels from the 2022 Cherokee X resurface on the Altitude, with an option for 18s in black. The interior also receives standard black Nappa leather seats and Piano Black accents.
