2017 Jeep Cherokee Review and Road Test - DETAILED in 4K UHD!

The Jeep Cherokee may look a little funky up front but it is hands-down the most off-road capable crossover in America. With an available 2-speed transfer case and locking rear differential, the baby Jeep can tackle more than just the school run. On the down side there are several compromises created by Jeep's core mission to keep in mind. We go over all that and more in our Cherokee deep dive.
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[@jaxxon4972]

Alex my man, the dude I go to for real car information. Keep it up.

[@AcidFink666]

Great comprehensive review 👍 I just made a deal on a 2018 Trailhawk and this review has got me really excited for it.

[@workharddieproud]

Professor Alex, and he teaches class on “How To Do A Real Review”, well he should, this is the most detailed review I’ve ever seen !!!

[@Gythawen]

One of the best SUV review videos I've watched. Nice work.

[@mw101376]

These things are awesome! I owned a 2014 Cherokee Trailhawk that had the 4 cylinder in it and a couple yrs ago we had a good snow storm and took this thing out in the snow, up in the mountains where I live. We got to a section of the road where guys in 4wd chevys and fords were not able to go any further and were getting stuck. So we attempted with it in 4 low and the dif locked and we went right through it without any issues. These guys looked at us like, wth?! We had nitro terra grappler tires on it. But when it came to engine power, it did suck and always hunting for a gear. Unfortunately, we traded it in on a new Honda but I really do miss it. Hoping to buy another one again soon though, but the v6.

[@MrDjlavor]

Fantastic review. Best one I've seen on the Cherokee. Thanks.

[@madpistol]

I actually really like the way this vehicle looks. Great review!

[@ThePaintballTwins]

As a '17 Trailhawk owner, i took her out on the trails stock with a bunch of wranglers...she impressed the crap out of me and most of the wranglers. I'll eventually lift and and do bigger tires, but i'll be taking her on the trails stock for a while...my only regret...didn't get the sunroof...

[@ryanrivera7715]

Looking at one right now. Wondering if you still have it and if it’s doing well ?

[@germanserrano1913]

This is the best Review on a vehicle that I have seen in years. Keep up with your excellent work Alex.

[@big_narc]

Bought one of these. Love it so far. But dang... Those 2017 trim prices. Everything so damn expensive now

[@creekhed1]

Wow that is a comprehensive review if I ever saw one! Kudos!

[@mako2350]

I have a 2019 Cherokee Trailhawk, and I LOVE IT!!!!! I traded my 2015 in on it and I like the redesign along with the new head lights...

[@fng4620]

So, is your reply still valid? Any troubles? Only asking because thinking of purchasing.. Good deal, but have my worries..

[@johnd3268]

how's it holding up?

[@KareemAbawi]

One of the best and reviews, very comprehensive indeed. Subscribed!

[@kipamore]

Great review. I've said it before, and I won't harp on it, but giving average fuel economy doesn't tell me what I need to know. Giving city and highway rating isn't a massive data dump, but it tells me something about the weight, the gearing, the aero, and the mission.

[@dcuccia]

Love the trunk comfort index icon

[@andrewaeymour]

Just bought a 2017. LOVE IT

[@victoriarosado7705]

Any update ?? I’m about to buy one and I’m getting second thoughts.

[@baldheadlogic]

Great Review Alex. You are always on point. Keep up the great work.

[@Beardsandbars]

Now that I've already purchased this, let's go ahead and read/watch some reviews.

[@2004cyrus]

I'd like to go on the record that I find the intro music to be uniquely cool. It's quirky like Alex, which is a good thing!

[@EUK007]

A great review as always. Can you make a review of the new Land Rover Discovery Sport?

[@jackal2255]

Very organised and to the point. Well Done!

[@SoFloLuca]

Love the new Jeep products!

[@dcam456]

Very comprehensive review. Lots of useful info. Thanks

[@chrisbrownaz]

I think I would go for the Limited trim if I were purchasing one of these.

[@DanielTojcic]

thanks for this - considering a trailhawk myself, the transmission complaints are scary though

[@AlienCreatureThing]

Did you end up getting one?

[@DanielTojcic]

AlienCreatureThing nope, backed away and bought a kia telluride instead. Made the right choice 100%

[@AlienCreatureThing]

Daniel Tojcic interesting

[@Natethegreat200c]

@@DanielTojcic i wouldnt say 100%. if your concern is reliability kia's have engine failure after engine failure fire after fire. a durango would have been a better suit from what you say you want.

[@frankburns8871]

Powered driver seats/manual passenger seats seems to be a Chrysler theme. My top-of-the-line Challenger SRT8 has that setup, but given how SLOOOOOOOW the electric moves back and forth, the manual is actually an improvement.

[@Natethegreat200c]

Dodges seem to have that more so. My Chrysler 200c , the 300c, the Cherokee in this video (in overland form) has powered seats and from what I remember powered lumbar as well. Dodge seems to be the only brand that gets the cheaper end of the stick when it comes to Chrysler parts bin as it should because it’s a value brand.

[@greentjmtl]

Any plans for taking a look at the Forester XT again with your current testing methodology? Curious to see how the performance stack up against the V6 Cherokee.

[@bobabooey4537]

An excellent review.

[@ManishKumar-iv7ld]

Impressed !! Very Informative Review !! Thanks :)

[@rainystorm88]

Can't wait for a civic hatch back vs mazda3 comparison!

[@freych1]

Are you gonna review the Honda Civic Hatchback? Nice review as always.

[@vpknits]

Thank you, this video really helped me!

[@chrisbrownaz]

Please review the 2017 Ford Escape!

[@phuot1]

Good review Alex. To bad that you have to buy a V6. With the 4, it is the worst in the category. Funny that Jeep never supply 4 cylinders for testing.

[@1guyin10]

Most car companies only put their top models out into the press fleets. That said, in some of the early intro drives that Jeep put on they did have some 4 cylinder models available and there are a couple of videos floating around KZbin that include those. I'm not a big fan of the 4 cylinder Cherokee though. That 2.4 has to work way too hard to drag a Cherokee around. It works find in the lighter Renegade, but not so much in the Cherokee. A turbo motor will help and that is coming soon.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

I've driven the 4-cylinder before actually and it's no speed demon but the transmission seems a little smoother behind it for some reason.

[@TuxedoMonkey]

can you please review the mercedes gls

[@k.r.v.4219]

Pierre Huot it's still the best choice for off road beach running and in the worst weather deep snow!

[@dirkslipperypeanutdiggler9211]

Pierre Huot. No, actually......its not. You have to look at what the customer wants. The majority of Jeep fans desire utility over luxury, off road capability over on road, we don't really care about MPG so much, or 8 inch touchscreen infotainment systems.. You can see Jeep knows what its customer base wants, and focuses on those attributes. Jeeps are known for one thing above all else, being rugged, off road machines. So, for customers, like me, i prefer a jeep with a 4 cylinder, but off road capable, over a CRV that handles better and gets better economy and more bells and whistles.

[@LUVXMIST72635]

Great review. Thanks. Any issues with this 9 speed transmission, I heard Jeep had problems with it.

[@andrewnprice]

I have seen some reviews on TTAC (I think on the Pacifica) that have said that FCA is getting closer to nailing it down, but that it still has issues at times. Really though, I think most companies (Acura, Jeep, Chrysler) that use that ZF 9 speed box seem to have issues with it. Even Honda has been hit with reliability issues with it in both the Pilot and Acura products. It just does not seem to be that great a gear box or nobody has really figured it out as of yet. ZF's 8 speed gearboxes are pretty good (that is what my Audi A6 has and I like it fairly well, but it is not as crisp as dual clutch), but that 9 speed just has issues. Kind of interestingly it has been kind of inferred through the proverbial tea-leaves that Volvo purposefully shunned the ZF 9HP in favor of Aisin's (a Toyota subsidiary) 8 speed auto for the XC60... so that is not a good sign.

[@smc2811]

Very professional , Thanks!

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Alex, super review as expected from you. ?: in your comparison section the black background gives the top of your head a rather plateau look. You ok with that?

[@litmixer1751]

Alex, technically the Mitsubishi Outlander comes with standard seating for 7.

[@k.r.v.4219]

Cristian Henriquez yes it does and a good friend has one with a optional V6, but even so it is only rated at just over 200 hp and is a real dog with 4 adults and two kids. To fit 7, 6, have to be under 12, plus not member of the junior basketball team! The 4cyl must really be gutless!

[@dennisduldulao7750]

Cristian Henriquez o

[@hellkitty1014]

@Alex On Autos Whoa nellie! 6.2secs for the 3.2 is the fastest that I've seen for a TH. Was that with this model or the street-tired Limited or Overland? It is fast(for it's class), but I have seen it in the mid to upper 6s. This is especially impressive considering it made this speed in your higher-elevation territory.(the 135ft braking is definitely a result of those AT tires). As funky-looking as the Jeep is, it still manages to find homes at a nice pace. V6 power, unbeatable off-roading ability, 4500 pound tow rating, very well-executed interior(the Overland even takes ques from big brother GC), and best in class tech makes the Jeep a formidable player in the class. It appears that the mapping and tuning of the 9HP has paid off because I don't hear nearly as many complaints about it as I did in the first years of sale. Having driven a 2015 Trailhawk when my 2014 GC Ecodiesel was in for service, I can see the appeal. It has it all. Comfort, convenience, luxury, performance, and off-roading ability. I expect the V6 to get a power increase soon because FCA will be adding the Hurricane 2.0T to replace the tired 2.4L.

[@waltmasterson1585]

Great review, thank you!

[@sifeiliu]

I can understand the car come without Bluetooth, but no A/C really?

[@1guyin10]

Jeep does that on several models. I don't know if it is a marketing thing (giving them a lower starting price) or if they actually have some customer demand for vehicles without A/C. Maybe if you are in Alaska you don't need it? I'm sure if you did a search you would come up with zero units available on dealer lots without the A/C option.

[@webcomment8895]

A/C is useful even in Alaska. Plus it helps defog the windows on cool and humid days.

[@k.r.v.4219]

Sifei Liu that is only the very basic sport model, but can still be had with awd for under 25k sticker price, with dealers given better price than that!

[@raychealcos9155]

Sifei Liu mine has AC

[@andredupuis5432]

Great review and non-biased comparaisons with comparables. Thanks for including off road evaluation of an off-road rated SUV. I only wish an actual towing experience and review was also included in a tow capable vehicle. Good job!

[@DronieUp]

Hi Alex, how would you rate this compared to the Subaru Forester XT? In both off-road and on road capability?

[@Natethegreat200c]

This is 20x better. The Subaru doesn’t have skid plates , lockers , or a good AWD system.

[@Macsk8ing]

No one even comes close to Jeep when it comes to SUVs, all other compacts and crossovers are a joke.

[@dabigcheezprod]

:(

[@JBM425]

I wouldn't be that harsh, but if towing and/or offroad performance are important, the Cherokee is clearly heads and tails above the competition in this segment (and even in the Grand Cherokee's segment).

[@1717jbs]

Great review. Thanks.

[@svdmaele]

Great review as usual but I was surprised to see the CX-5 missing from the comparison. Where would you place the Mazda in the comparison ?

[@paulstack3015]

I like your review now I'm going to trade up.

[@TodayWithDustin]

Alex, do you think Autonomous cars will come out and eventually the government outlawing cars we can drive?

[@thetruewayoflife]

please do the golf r next!!!

[@chrisbrownaz]

Is the Ford Escape the only small non-luxury SUV with a truly quiet interior?

[@tuantruong8980]

Great job as always Alex, can I please ask u a question? How come you don't do or have any reviews on any RangeRovers? Or did I miss out your videos on Rangerover? Thank you

[@iancancel4427]

tuan truong He has a review for a 2016 Range Rover. Look at his videos you'll find it.

[@Taxia123]

very nice

[@akyurekk]

What about transmission problems?? Fixed?? Do you have any information???

[@ge69rh]

Akyurek there were a series of recalls to address that issue. as long as the recalls are done the issue will be fixed.

[@mnj40]

Akyurek - I was reading Kelly Blue Book owner reviews, and many of them discuss the problems with the transmissions, including 2016 models. This would a great car I would consider buying, but the transmission problems has me concerned.

[@motorcitymanman7711]

Jeep has been having problems with this German made ZF 9 speed trans since 2014, and they STILL use it, you're rolling the dice if you buy one! Rough, irregular unresponsive jerky shifting are the most reports.......and total trans failure. Check out carcomplaints.com

[@maheshgvelly]

Can you please make a reveiw on 2017 Mustang Ecoboost

[@williamtravis9283]

Notice that he didn't close rear hatch door @ 6:30

[@308_Negra_Arroyo_Lane]

What is the power split between the front and rear axles under normal conditions on the Jeep?

[@aaronwilliamarce3521]

How's the Transmission issues in this SUV? Did they fix it? Planning to get a Trailhawk version.

[@fng4620]

I am asking this question everywhere! I am also in the process... AKA one year later. Did you buy?

[@mrjomaled755]

Thanks for your excellent and unbiased review, one of the reasons I finally decided to buy a Cherokee Trailhawk!!! This will be my first Jeep vehicle and I hope I will have many happy trails with it! (pun intended)....

[@t3hite]

Great work on your reviews Alex. I've watched many episodes and this one several times. I'm a ski patroller looking to replace a well used Subaru Outback. It's been a great car but I've wished for something with a bit more off-road ability. I'm considering four options: Subaru Forester 2.5i vs. New Jeep Compass Trailhawk (cheaper) Subaru Forester XT vs. Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk (nicer) I'm hoping to see your full review of the New Compass soon. Please talk about the difference between the Cherokee's locking differential and the Compass limited-slip differential. It would be nice to hear about the way the engine layout affects the weight balance too..

[@Tully3674]

Good review Alex. Thank you. BTW, does the Cherokee still have a model equipped with a V8?

[@BernonCars]

The Cherokee?? Grand Cherokee's do. Cherokee's are only 4CYL and V6

[@dustyj22]

Alex, the vid for the CX9 car seat test keep saying it's private. is there any issues with it's privacy setting?

[@truth959]

It kind of sucks that the Trailhawk trim doesn't even have heated seats

[@dennisscipio]

Where did you get the Music in the intro?

[@Antenox]

Have they fixed the weird behavior of the 9-speed transmission?

[@markw3254]

They narrowed it mostly down to software issues which were fixed multiple times until they got it right around then end of 2015. Since then complaints of the 9 speed tranny have mostly been from owners of the 4 cylinder version.

[@mountainhobo]

Hi Alex, any chance for a Wrangler review?

[@andrewnprice]

Here is the cliff-notes version for you: The wrangler is a great vehicle off-road, but terrible to drive everywhere else. Great resale value and actually decent reliability (well compared to most other FCA vehicles). Don't buy a Wrangler if you plan on using it for commuting or hauling a family; as it is not particularly safe in an accident, the headlights are terrible, it is loud, unrefined, some of the bits are potentially going to fail on you over time (electronic sway bar disconnect, I am looking at you here bub), it gets terrible gas mileage, and it is basically purpose built for off-roading and nothing else. There are no vehicles that really compete with a Wrangler (short of trucks), because hardly anyone actually takes SUVs off-road, and no other brand has the image that Jeeps/Wranglers have to sell their vehicles; which means nobody would be willing to put up with all of its failings and pay that much for an SUV with such a rudimentary design. Do buy a Wrangler if you just want a weekend toy to take off-road or need a farm vehicle or something, but really if you are doing that... just buy a used or classic Wrangler anyways; as they are cheaper to mod, fix, and offer basically the same levels of ride comfort, reliability, off-road capability, and fuel economy. Plus then you don't have to be quite so worried about scratching the thing up.

[@Turshin]

Andrew Price or buy an old XJ cherokee

[@andrewnprice]

Turshin I am not sure about the XJ Cherokee. The Wrangler is fairly reliable because it is so simple, depending on the trim level... that no longer holds true so much for the Cherokee. Also I think and the 4 liter V8 in the Cherokee is known to have some issues with overheating and valve cover leaks etc. (Although usually those can be fixed fairly cheaply and easily assuming you don't mind putting in some wrench time.) That said I am not a Jeep guy, so you probably know better than me. If I absolutely had to get a Wrangler, I would probably search for ideally a one or two owner low mileage YJ or TJ that someone had kept as a weekend toy and would be ready to pay over market value for one that is in really nice condition and had not been heavily modded. I like the older Wranglers because they have the more classic aesthetic and ruggedness of the CJ's design without being so archaic and antiquated. Then from there I would just do sensible upgrades with livability and functionality in mind. If you kept it in reasonably good condition for 10 years or so you probably are not going to lose much in terms of value because they are so quintessentially Jeep. Due to that and the fact that so many people hack them up and wreck them: they are probably going to become increasingly collectible in the future; making it not a terrible investment for a weekend toy. You don't have to worry so much about scratches and scrapes too much either as long as you keep the body itself in decent condition and rust/corrosion free, because really all that is to a Jeep fan is patina lol. If I was forced to get a Wrangler for more daily driver duty, I would find a used 2012+ JK because the Pentastar V6 a huge improvement over FCA's past V6s, it is new enough to probably still have warranty coverage, it will keep its value fairly well, and any features that I would want that the newer vehicles might have (nicer interior, upgraded infotainment/stereo, etc) I can either get through aftermarket suppliers or used off eBay; as most things for Jeeps are just straight bolt-on upgrades. Just look for a private seller that bought a Wrangler for the image but is selling it because of all the compromises that it forces you to live with; as there are tons of people that do that with these vehicles.

[@Turshin]

mountainhobo​ and this is why you don't listen to ppl on KZbin. You can use the wrangler for whatever you want. It's a fun vehicle you can do almost anything with. Just don't expect great gas mileage.

[@andrewnprice]

turshin Ummm.... I am not sure what motivated that comment. Yeah sure you can use a Wrangler for almost anything, but it is not really ideal for anything but going off-road. It is just too loud, too ungainly, too impractical, and just a bad vehicle anywhere but in the country or on trails. It just gives up too much in terms of its suspension and design to work well in the city or on the highways. Also you have to like a truck style driving experience to enjoy it at all. My girlfriend's brother bought a new JK a few years ago and thought it was the greatest thing ever at first when he was taking his family out on trails and stuff, but after living with it for 18 months he traded it in on a truck. While it is not unusual for him to trade regularly, that was the vehicle that he owned for the least amount of time ever and I don't think that is unusual for Wranglers. They are a lot like convertibles in that people like the idea of one more than the reality of actually owning it.

[@RicardoMeleschi]

I believe the Cherokee can only tow 4500 lbs with the factory tow package + the V6. The standard 6 can only tow 2000, and I believe the 4 can only tow 2000 lbs as well.

[@TuxedoMonkey]

can you review the mecedes gls

[@michelleboyle6213]

BUYERS BEWARE My 2016 jeep cherokee trailhawk 21000klm has had a timing cover, water pump,new motor, starter, cv boot, transmission work, and a catalytic converter. Its going back in for sounding like a turbo when it is not.

[@twohouses2259]

Trunk comfort Index - 7/10” Hahahahahahahaha…..“Ok nanna - it’s only a 200 mile drive, you should be ok, it’s a 7 outta ten comfort rating…Heres a pee bucket”

[@ooohlaa13]

Does anyone know what the key icon is supposed to indicate on the 12V slot in the valet section under the radio? Also I have the 2017 Cherokee Limited and want to know what does + and - mean on the automatic gear shift under D for Drive? BTW I have front wheel drive.

[@egambino1]

BarbaraL Lowell The key logo indicates that it only operates when the vehicle is on.

[@ooohlaa13]

@@egambino1 THANK YOU FOR YOUR REPLY! Never saw that on any car before so you mean it doesn't operate in accessory mode? I thought it had something to do with being able to operate the car with a key incase your battery on key fob is dead.

[@egambino1]

BarbaraL Lowell Right. The one inside the console works whether the car is on or not, but that logo means it’s a “keyed” outlet or usb.

[@ooohlaa13]

@@egambino1 great thanx for your time!

[@mrlim282]

Alex really must hate his mother-in-law.

[@bryanc3533]

I bought the sport. Noticed a few things, although overall I still like the vehicle. Seems to be a delay whenever you place it in gear. You do have to wait a bit before applying gas. The seats are small (narrow) and the head rest is a big pain. I have still not found a comfortable position after one month of driving daily. Hate the seats overall. at speed 120K (Canada) feels like tires need to be balanced, and man.....open the rear window only at speed and it will scare the hell out of you with the noise....No question, you will have to close it. And who knew that these days cars were still made that required the driver to turn the lights on. You would think it should be a safety matter. I have forgotten to turn them on but it will become habit in time. I do love the vehicle still but these few things really are a pain...

[@michaelgehrke9297]

I'm looking for a vehicle that can be towed behind an rv. Not sure you can beat a jeep for doing that .

[@dongshuowu3454]

Mother-in-law 3rd row, hahha.

[@jazminhernandez7093]

David Wu just tie in law on top of the jeep...🤣😉

[@trevortarbox2607]

The rouge does really well in snow

[@ghazizughni1372]

Jeep Cherokee

[@BernonCars]

If the front end wasn't so, weird looking, I would've considered buying one.

[@webcomment8895]

Into music composed by aliens from outer space.

[@AlienCreatureThing]

No air conditioning in the sport? wtf

[@waybachwin1747]

Sis just got hers today and wrecked it :/

[@Marco-ce8kr]

Jeep best models: Wrangler unlimited and Grand Cherokee; Downside poor reliability

[@jeffgrant4234]

He didn't review any of the technology that it has. one of the most important aspects in my book.

[@Commander_HW]

i wish we can just type a passcode on the screen then the car will start.

[@d.s7741]

why, when all you have to do is press ONE button and the car will start.

[@liaorchangon1725]

Few days more show case Jeep londonderry auto at taste of edmonton churchill. MBX lia. O are looking who want to be. Secretary of The Martin-Brower avail jeep cherokee trail hawk. No more Pontiac sunfire in The martin-brower you could Capital partner Member Distributor with $10,000. + $10,000. AID.

[@kennystapp9087]

it's ugly jeez i like older jeep cherokee at least 2001 n down period! :)

[@d.s7741]

they were ultimate, but not even close to the luxury of the 2018 and newer.

[@Fussinated]

This is an abomination and Fiat's gift to Americans with that horrendous Fiat Strada like front end which even the Italians had to change after a year.

[@pennewell96]

That's not off roading haha

[@nicotrailer3089]

This car is not reliable!!

[@dysonmyson449]

Hi Alex Please change the intro music. It's so annoying.

[@robertdemaio5663]

avoid this

[@lg71185]

God u talk too much man. Get to the point...

[@NinjaCakkey]

Excellent review. Thank you!

[@bobstacy4]

Great review, thanks