Watch This Before you Buy a Jeep Cherokee: TFL Buyer's Guide

[@dion24B]

I have a blacked out 2016 Trailhawk, I can tell anyone thinking about getting the Hawk even a little bit, to go for it. NOTHING on this car will disappoint you. It is an absolute beast and breaks necks left and right. With the V6, you would be suprised how many cars you will pull on. This car is the Best car you can get for the price. I don't care if anyone disagrees, but this car is absolutely insane. 👍🏻

[@NitrousExpressCoyote]

These cars are trash. LOL

[@johnqpublic5938]

first off, you call it a "car"...second off, you have no clue

[@hanipascha8472]

@@NitrousExpressCoyote like your MOM, I agree then. No seriously let's hear your argument and I bet it's nothing but hot air, over exaggerations and basically pure ignorance.

[@hanipascha8472]

@@johnqpublic5938 and apparently you do? Oh wait that's right you didn't even bother to explain or articulate why he has no clue and you do. Maybe you ought to get outside instead of squandering your free time locked up in a basement.

[@honeycuttdouglas71]

i also have a 16 TH and feel the same way .I like this rig way more then I should .

[@lesterg3330]

I have the 2016 trailhawk and have had no issues and loving it so far. Best part of it all was I got it for a little over $28k with leather, heated seats and steering wheel, 8.4 uconnect and the V6. Everything else I didn't care for so I'm happy. I admit sometimes the tranny kinda marches to it's own beat but I haven't had any problems and I have almost 10k miles. Hope it stays that way!

[@grantpratt299]

As an extra note, get the tow package even if you don't tow. Why you ask, you get a heavy duty transmission cooler, the tow wiring harness and best of all a lower gear ratio.

[@BaronBoar]

Great review of all the options! And who cares if you have a note book with notes. I like that, it shows you did the research and no one has a perfect memory.

[@geemarsh.7766]

Had my 2017 Cherokee Limited for almost two years. Great spec. Super smooth on long runs. Capable in a Minnesota 14" snowfall. Sufficiently capable on gravel, sand and mud. Yes, in auto there is a split second of lag but pick-up/kick-down is good for overtaking. The 9 speed box ensures you have great mid-range acceleration. Sure, it's not a 'rock hopper'. That's why I also have a 2013 JK. The KL is my everyday, smooth, 30mpg car and I have had no issues at all with it.

[@JBM425]

I feel better about 2017 and newer Cherokee models. It sounds like the bad rap that was well deserved with previous years' versions of the ZF 9-speed (not just with Jeep but Honda as well) but has been worked out for the 2017 model. I like its V-6 towing capability, and since I am usually the only occupant in the vehicle, I don't need a large three-row for 95% of my driving. I would like to buy or rent a small trailer for occasional camping, so the V-6 and the vehicle size seem to be "just right."

[@lukasmohapl5198]

I agree with you, I myself have a 2016 Limited with a European diesel 2.2 multijet and 2.5 tons on the towbar are great.

[@fabianortiz1712]

Just got a 2014 4x4 limited, fully loaded with the 3.2 v6. So far pretty good. Going to lift it hopefully before winter and also use it to haul a trailer. Can tow up to 4,000 lbs

[@wcjeep]

We Lemon Law'd a 2014 Cherokee Trailhawk. Hope they fixed the transmission. The 2014's transmission hardware was subject to failure with a factory software update. Avoid the panoramic sunroof. The little wheels inside the track system for the sunshade rattled constantly. Double check the rear cargo area. It's not that big. When our Jeep worked it drive great. Do get the heated steering wheel. The 8.4" infotainment worked well. The leather seats were very comfortable. The Firestone AT's on the Trailhawk also worked great.

[@k.r.v.4219]

Ok not a bad review, but you left out the most important factory package and that's the tow package! For I believe under a grand, you get a class IV hitch and all wiring for lights and trailer brakes, HD engine oil and transmission coolers and the best part, 3:55 gears instead of 3:23, with The V6, without that package the tow rating is 2,500lbs. 4 cyl or V6, with the package and V6, tow rating jumps to 4,000 lbs! Plus you get better acceleration and better use of the ninth speed! That never is used bellow 80 mpg!

[@thawk1435]

K. R. V. only thing I really wish mine had

[@k.r.v.4219]

T Hawk yep I discovered that as I first tarted looking at the Cherokee! So I was able to fine a Latitude loaded with Everything but the roof and electronic drivers aid gizmos! But it has the 4x4 drive II that also comes with the 1" lift, everything but the skid plates that I added later, plus mine has the 8.4" UCONNECT 911/SOS SYSTEM with nine speakers plus the cold weather package and finally the tow package! I am very pleased! I tow a travel trailer that weighs just under 3,500lbs with ease, I run down the beach in deep sand! All while average mileage of 20 city 28 hyw while empty just at the speed limits. When towing the mileage does drop to 13 mpg, but that's still not bad! But what I like most is the quiet smooth operation and get up an go!

[@JBM425]

You bring up a really sore spot with me. I am shopping the used marked for SUV/crossovers, and I am disappointed by how few have the factory towing package, especially the Cherokee. The best way to take advantage of their rated towing capacity is to install the factory towing/trailering package; although things like an aux oil cooler and wiring harness can be installed aftermarket, it's just easier to get it with the vehicle. Some include that as part of the upper trim levels, such as the Pathfinder (although I am not a fan of the CVT for towing). Considering the mission of the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, it should be standard equipment (at least on the V-6 Cherokee and all GCs).

[@CFITOMAHAWK]

2 speed transfer unit and rear lockers. Unique on a compact 4 by 4. I love my Jeep Cherokee.

[@sinatra617]

I just leased a 2018 Cherokee and I am loving it, the only issue I had was that it turned off when u came to a stop but I was able to disable it with a push of a button. I am having fun with this Jeep. Ok haven't had any issues with it. I will be back to let u guys know if I have any problems in the future. Ok so I am back as promised and Jeep suuuuucks after 17k miles m tires were bald and I had to change my wipers 7 months in. They use the cheapest parts known to man. I will never lease another Jeep again. Can't wait until its up. 7 months left.

[@krisseguin]

Sinatra Beard any issues?

[@JBM425]

I would be curious to know, myself. Two years is plenty of time to identify any serious issues.

[@sinatra617]

@@krisseguin yes! After 17k miles tbe tires were bald and had to change the wipers (all 3) with in 7 months of the lease. They use the cheapest part known to man.

[@sinatra617]

@@JBM425 nothing serious but the tires went bald after 17k and had to change all 3 wipers 7 months into the lease. They use the cheapest parts known to man imo.

[@earthling1984]

There have been 2WD Jeeps forever. Even the Cherokee XJ came in 2WD. But, I do agree. They should all have 4WD.

[@brandonbakhtiar7451]

I disagree. I don’t want 4WD bc I don’t want a differential to have to deal with and would rather have better mpg all the time compared to the few days a year I may need 4WD. But I want the space of a mid size SUV

[@toddrobertson1398]

I had a fwd renegade and it was great in snow. I used to drive all night in snow storms with front wheel drive no problem

[@mechanicaldan5579]

Well I thought this would be a great daily also, so I went a few months ago and bought a 2017 trailhawk. At first I loved the partiality and enjoyed the offroad ability, but at only 7200 miles mine is in the shop now for the 5th time. It constantly breaks, like alot. I'm on my second transmission (after the first one was repaired 3 times) and now my fuel system is messed up and being worked on. Worst of all with all the problems these are having across the board is Jeep is trying so hard not to take them back for lemon laws and keep patching them together to try and get them to 10000 miles so they have no legal responsibility to the people buying them.

[@davidschomer9655]

Mechanical Dan My 2013 Subaru Forester hasn't let me down . . Not alot of horsepower but 4 wheel drive always at 25% at each wheel.

[@OldbayRaven]

Hard to believe you needed 3 transmissions? Myself and the thousands of trailhawk owners on the Jeep forums are having little to no issues with anything

[@hanipascha8472]

@@OldbayRaven yep and the majority of 2016+ owners aren't having any transmission issues. This is of course the internet and those small percentage of people that will have issues with there transmission, just like with any other brand of vehicle, will be the ones the loudest and to comment on the internet. You have to look at stats. In 2016 transmission complaints dropped by 64% that is because in that year they finally mitigated the issues.

[@loopsfourtwentythousand8354]

@@hanipascha8472 thats make me feel good im looking to buy a 2016 jeep cherokee

[@TheJoshuaborden]

I have a coworker who bought the 2016 Trailhawk and that thing has been in the shop for more warranty work in the last year than any car should in it's lifetime!!! No thanks JEEP.

[@theknot3483]

I Use to own a 08 jeep liberty sport junk had so many issues with it could not wait to get rid of it. I switched to Toyota now and love it not cheap made like jeep was

[@KJV0812]

A vehicle that loses 70 percent of its value in a couple of years. This vehicle creates negative equity faster than you can burn through the factory brake pads.

[@zzcolby27]

Nick Duffy just like every new car. People buy used cars.

[@KJV0812]

Not every car or truck loses 70 percent of its value in a couple of years. Toyota Tacoma is a great example of a vehicle that holds its value for a long time, even better than a Chevrolet Silverado for that matter. Like used cars you have to be careful when buying a new vehicle because not doing your research (not you) can put you in the hole fast with a new car. To each their own you know.

[@hochhaul]

Nick Duffy True but Tacomas rust rot extremely fast. So fast Toyota fought and lost a $3.4 billion class action lawsuit back in November. The 2016 Tacoma was Consumer Report's Least Reliable Midsize Truck of 2016, the 2017 Tacoma just made Consumer Report's Top Ten Worst Vehicles of 2017, and there are two big recalls on the 2016/17 Tacoma for rear axles that fail and lock up, and for engines that stall and leave owners stranded. Between the rust rot and poor reliability, buying a new Tacoma is a bad idea.

[@KJV0812]

hochhaul Well lucky for me I don't have any issues that the new ones may have due to owners failing to properly maintain their vehicle or the manufacturer cutting corners to save weight due to emission regulations. The newer vehicles run hotter and don't last as long no thanks to obamas asinine emissions standards that also raise the manufacturers cost to the consumer.

[@trevorlewan3456]

Nick Duffy I agree 100%.

[@stevecool8347]

Nice details Tommy. Love Tfl videos. I own a 2014 Cherokee Sport 4x4 and love it. Have to correct you on Active Drive 1 as you say more all -wheel than 4 wheel-drive, which is fine, I admit no 2-speed ptu/transfer case as you said (in AD2), so no low range, but it does lock front and rear axels becuase in all modes of Selec-Terrain other than Auto, both axels receive power (at pre-set proportions or variably, as in Sand/Mud where up to 100% of power can go to rear). What I can tell you this means from owner first-hand experience is that this is a pretty decent 4 wheel drive system as all get power and is pretty capable. I'd like to have 4low just to try and compare or experience a TH, that would be so cool! But this model has been extremely popular and for good reason. Active Drive 1 should be recognized as a 4x4 vehicle, much more so that other Cuvs that only send power to rear wheels as the power to front is lost. I'm excited to see what the refresh will look like for 2018! This has been an amazing model for FCA. And I'm also really excited for next-gen Grand Cherokee when it finally comes!

[@pamfrasard9757]

The 9 speed Trans is basket of rocks. Fiat has always stood for Fix It Again Tony. Very undependible.

[@mr.krankypantsakakurt3359]

Roman, your son is terrific. Real natural at this. Tommy, you're a great commentator .

[@RocketScientist]

What you guys need to do is talk about the multitude of known problems this jeep line has had since its release!

[@01trsmar]

These are good now,1st to offer the 9 speed so 2014 model year ,some have issues.. Engines are bulletproof reliable and are a solid,quick,capable suv.. My Brother in law a lifetime Toyota/Lexus and Honda owner,bought one in 2016 and loves it,he says its his best car ever..2016 Cherokee with the 3.2 V6 so far 70,000 problem free miles..65% are highway.. His Jeep,he said is the most problem free vehicle he owned..He bought new Honda's (last was his unreliable failing transmission 2005 Acura) His 2014 Lexus left him stranded multiple times..So he went Jeep and never had an issue.

[@RocketScientist]

01trsmar I beg to differ. Our 2017 multiair 4x4 w/ less than 10k babied miles burns oil like crazy and the dealer has to replace the engine, and the transmission is getting ready to go out already too. There is no shortage of online complaints on these.

[@RocketScientist]

Ja Wi negative.

[@hanipascha8472]

@@01trsmar shhhh.....you are going to destroy his imaginary world were everything Jeep falls apart in the first month.

[@d.s7741]

It's definitely not an off-road car, but we had twelve inches of snow fall one day in January 2018, in MN and my 2018 Cherokee got me home (20 miles) no problem, when all the clown cars were getting stuck, crashing, or sliding off the road.

[@Peter-mf2yz]

True, it's a Hybrid(crossover). It's the most capable mid sized Crossover in it's class.

[@nathaliamendesdealbuquerqu3406]

Hi! Do you think this is a good car for winter then? I also live in MN and drive in the snow freaks me out. I’m originally from Brazil so drive in the snow is pretty new for me. I debating between this Jeep, CRV, CX5 and the RAV4 but I also didn’t want something too expensive

[@Bobstone2131]

I really wish they would offer a stripped down off-road model. I don't need or want all the electric add-one. Just a great locking, selectable 4wd system and AC. Manuel windows, transmission, seats, everything.

[@colereid7815]

Do not buy one of these go carts. Owned one for half a year and had so many problems. The headlights suck, the transmission is a mess, known for many problems. And everything vibrates and squeaks. Also don’t buy this for the backseat, smallest in class.

[@robinsonmac]

What all you haters dont realize is they jave ro be in these segments. Its a business, if they have to sell these to fund the Wranglers r&d then so be it or would you rather them just go out of business? Think of it as a means to end. You don't have to like it or buy it and It's not replacing the Wrangler.

[@JBM425]

Not only that, not everyone wants or needs a Wrangler. In my case, 95% of my driving is for the daily solo commute. It's that 5% when I go camping and want to load up the cargo area with seats down, or want to pull a trailer and need the towing capability. The Cherokee is ideal for someone like me who wants a nice highway cruiser that can pull a good-size load when necessary.

[@mlee6136]

Front end is polarizing, hate it or hate it...

[@SkodzGaming]

I hate it

[@elliekim6666]

M Lee I love it actually

[@poyo3582]

M Lee i like it

[@f.xavier45]

Love it.

[@virgelboyd1792]

M Lee I hated it at first but I must admit it has grown on me. I like it now.

[@ttime411bmw]

Don't forget all of the transmission recalls

[@matutahoot]

Not for the 2017 model year. Those recalls were fixed in 2014/2015.

[@sherryb9770]

I would love to see you guys do a video on all the different drive systems Jeep offers and how they differ in off-road capability.

[@fredreno579]

Don't totally agree! Some of us like the Jeep Cherokee but do NOT want or need 4 wheel drive. The port injection is a big attraction.

[@76carmel]

I agree, Tommy. No Jeep should have 2WD.

[@KMT15]

Even the grand cherokee is only 2wd with option of 4wd. The trailhawk is standard and I believe the SRT's are as well. The wrangler use to even be standard in 2wd

[@rogerj412]

I just really wish the V6 was standard on the Trailhawk. In past years it was an option and it's stupid to me that in an off road centered vehicle I'd have to pay extra for the best off road engine.

[@aldoivan2096]

grand cherokee with the new pentastar engine and 8 speed transmission 4x4.... all the off road capability plus all the comfort and 30mpg Hwy driving at 65mph is the way to go

[@Peter-mf2yz]

Sure and it's also a $62,000 vehicle. Kind of a moot point you made since it's in a different class and significantly more expensive.

[@adequatejtm7371]

Love that you are doing a KL video. I hope you take this up gold mine hill.

[@devn3813]

Get a Grand Cherokee instead. Or the compass if you want something smaller.

[@betamaxrules]

That 9 speed transmission is nothing but garbage. It is in many cars and all have issues, but the Jeep version is the worst in reliability. When it doesn't stand you at a green light, it's constantly trying to find the right gear. Want to pass? Hit the gas and wait 2 full seconds for any response. Just Google this thing and you will not be interested.

[@jamesb3729]

Hey Mike the issue was in the 2014-2015. Go read on the stats, 2016-2018 the numbers dropped by 400%. Issue resolved. Honda and Land rover also had serious problems with the ZF-9 and FCA has invested more money on the software than any of the competitors thus they have the best shifting.

[@hanipascha8472]

@mike Ferris I did google it as you suggested and it says they fixed that issue in late 2016 models and up. Also you state that Jeep had the worst reliability for the ZF-9 which turns out to be False. Land rover and Honda were worse. Matter of fact Jeep is the only one that continue to work close with ZF to eventually resolve many of it's short comings. That is why Chrysler still uses the ZF-9 in there vehicles.

[@kroumful]

I'd love to see how the base sport trim with the 2.4l engine and Active Drive 1 does off road on gold mine hill. I think it would be awesome to compare it to some other entry-level AWD crossovers like the Subaru crosstrek and Forester, or the CRV and RAV4.

[@JedidiahLincoln]

Whatever trim you go with, stay away from the 2.4l. It is a dog.

[@jordantague9059]

Watching this after buying a Cherokee..

[@kd1s]

That parking brake - clearly identifies it as a Chrysler product. That makes it a no-go for me.

[@chopchop7938]

We don't want twats buying them, twat.

[@joshuak2968]

$42,000? For that price you could get a 4runner TRD pro or TRD off road premium with all the goodies. Less efficient and harsher ride but best resale value and it probably won't fall apart in five years.

[@hwleitner2009]

Nice bit of marketing. All the features are useless if that inherently faulty gearbox fails

[@chopchop7938]

I am looking for the vehicle that never breaks, no vices, looks perfect to everyone, perfect seating, maybe you could help by telling us which vehicle that is, twat.

[@bradmotors3826]

Bad reliability is included at no extra cost

[@catfishmudflap]

Unless you have specific information your comment is libelous.

[@morganrutnum]

Paul Montero I had mine from July 2014 to June last year and had it towed 7 times for electronic computer faults and a transmission replacement. Then the car had a computer meltdown and spontaneously pulled to the left. What if that was on the highway? I wouldn't be here to say this. Never the less, I traded it in later that month, due to legal action against Jeep having no possible viability.

[@jedironin380]

Paul, just do a search for Jeep Cherokee 9-spd. transmission issues. It is a known issue since 2014.

[@MichaelMiller-rg6or]

I have one with 108,000 miles with no major faults so far.

[@bansheezs]

Don't buy the 2014 or 2015 and you will be ok. they fixed their transmission in the 2016 version.

[@TnTTyler]

Trailhawk only gets the 4.083 Ratio when it has the 4 Cylinder engine, otherwise the V6 gets 3.2 or 3.5 (With tow package)

[@karimakiki6424]

Great review and research tommy !

[@GWFarms1994]

They really should have stuck with the old 80's and 90's design for the jeep Cherokee with a solid front and rear axle

[@adequatejtm7371]

You guys should also do a mashup with the "best" 4x4 in the segment.

[@chopchop7938]

Nothing compares so why bother

[@yorkchris10]

That exhaust is going to act like a telltale tab. It's going to pull on the header/pipe interface. It'd be nice if they could tuck it in....

[@naturalroyalflush]

once upon a tim America was renowned for including everything. I used to argue this point with Jaguar UK.

[@Chaseya72]

42,000 seriously ! This model gets the worst resale value in its class Look it up

[@mowcowbell]

Who pays full MSRP anyway? My '15 Cherokee Trailhawk stickered at $41K, ended up paying $33K out the door.

[@SubieandFriends]

Chaseya72 that's why it's better to buy this when it's 2 or 3 years old heck even a year old is way cheaper then new.

[@nickzarnetske9994]

And cloth seats!!!

[@hochhaul]

Chaseya72 Yup. My buddy bought a 2016 Anniversary Edition for $37k, went to trade it for a Wrangler Unlimited and Jeep dealers offered between $14.5k and $22k. Only had 29k miles. Ouch.

[@Lensync7]

Yeah POS !!

[@Whatorwellsaid21]

My mother leased a brand new Toyota Camry that kept on stopping for no reason. Big lemon. No matter the brand there will always be problems.

[@avlisk]

Love the look. Love the FWD. Hate the name. (The Cher part.) It's a Jeep for people who don't want a Jeep. It's a huge market and they are smart to have a car for that segment, even if it's not a "real" Jeep.

[@1guyin10]

Should be interesting to see which way they go with the refresh on these things. I'm betting it won't be quite as polarizing.

[@shahab_shawn_siahpoosh]

Did I hear, you said that rear diff lock is unique in this class? How about Forester? It can lock front, rear and central diff and send power to one single wheel with the traction. I don't think I need to mention that fully loaded Forester XT is 5000$ less expensive that this unreliable SUV and lasts many many more moons

[@poppa_da_corn]

IMO, the Trailhawk and base Cherokee are two completely different vehicles. Trailhawk = Jeep. Base engine and/or front wheel drive = non Jeep.

[@chopchop7938]

Lamborghini built an off-road vehicle, guess it wasn't a Lamborghini right, twat.

[@danwat1234]

Got to make a hybrid model.. maybe the Chrysler Pacifica plugin hybrid drivetrain but AWD.

[@frankopower13]

owner of 2016 Cherokee got it for my girl , drives great good power has its small issues but what car doesnt there all shit

[@loopsfourtwentythousand8354]

How's it going with the jeep?

[@Blakehx]

Why do they even make a non TrailHawk version? It's by far the smartest buy!

[@harvardford8752]

Blakehx because it's super expensive. It's about 45K+ With that money I'd rather get a Wrangler Rubicon Much more heritage, much more robustness, much more Dignity

[@calistadaniels787]

I have the Limited and it’s my favorite package 🤷‍♀️

[@revolution51]

2:22-I like the Hardy Boys . I read ALL of their books as a kid. However you would be a lot more convincing if you put down your "Hardy Boys" book while you did this video. Is that 'The Sign of the Crooked Arrow' ? My favorite. I couldn't put it down either.

[@mimmim1840]

Imagine looking at something with Four eyes. The design of the front of the car must be symmetrical to be esthetically pleasing. I still don't understand why Jeep signed-off on this design. I guess that's why it's mostly corporate and a rental.

[@hanipascha8472]

non of what you stated is even true. The designed was polarizing and if you weren't lazy and ignorant which sadly you are then you could read up on why they designed it this way. The design team has done quite a few interviews explaining the reason behind this. The knew right off the bat that it was a love it or hate it design. Yet why is it that in 2019, already 5 suv manufactures have adopted the split eye design if "The design of the front of the car must be symmetrical to be esthetically pleasing" as you so authoritatively state. It's called catering to a demographic. The design was ahead of it's time as evidence by many other manufactures in 2019 copying those design cues. It also made the car stand out from the cookie cutter design used in most SUV's. Most Suv's have to much of a similar look and that an absolute fact that even other car manufactures admit. Like I said if you bother to do a simple google search you could read up on the interviews with the head designers.

[@stuffjunk5019]

can you say.. electronic issues..

[@anthonymolina7416]

Stuff Junk my jeep has a million miles going to and from the auto shop jk

[@stuffjunk5019]

Heck, my Ford has quite a few shop miles too :P. But that's mostly because it has 267k miles on it lol.

[@GTAYLOR1972]

Hi Tommy. Great review of the Cherokee! But I also have bring to attention those bad ass converse you are wearing.

[@premiercconstruction]

I know the older ones were unbreakable. Only jeep offers the best off-road ability all around. Yes the 4 runner is good as well and has far greater resale...

[@lastmanstanding6081]

The 4runner outclassed jeep 30 years ago

[@hanipascha8472]

@@lastmanstanding6081 Keep telling yourself that fanatic.

[@lastmanstanding6081]

@@hanipascha8472 eat the shit

[@bassdudeguypunk]

Owned a 2015 and had a ton of issues with the transmission. Until they figure that out, I wouldn't get one if you are looking.

[@bassdudeguypunk]

Good to hear. I honestly liked the vehicle and the way it handled.. but when the stupid thing wouldn't shift properly I was just done with it. I think I took it in like 3-4 times for new software upgrades. Agreed with the damage to their reputation. I actually owned a 2008 Jeep Liberty before I "upgraded" to the Cherokee because the Liberty had transmission issues too lol. Needless to say I am done with Fiat Chrysler for a bit. I ended up buying a slightly used Nissan Frontier. The gas mileage sucks but at least the thing has been around since 2005 and should be pretty dependable. Hope I continue to hear better things about Jeep in the future so I can consider them again. Always have loved the brand.

[@wcjeep]

skoprowski amazing if they actually figured out the transmission. The same transmission in the upgraded Honda Pilot has similar complaints. We moved on to Toyota. The 5spd in the 4runner is very reliable. We've had the 4runner for 7months. Zero problems. Zero complaints. Our Cherokee at this point had spent 4 months of the first 7 in the shop.

[@pontiachotshot]

Have you ever had exhaust fumes come into the cabin of the 4 runner under hard acceleration ? I was told if you have the back window open this happens.I test drove a 2017 limited and i was starting to get some engine smells inside the cabin after i drove it hard a bit.

[@wcjeep]

pontiachotshot if only the back window is open, then yes. Exhaust fumes can enter the cab. Open any of the windows and the draft pushes the fumes to the rear. The 4runner is the wife's car. She loves driving with all 5 windows down. Plenty of air. No hot sun bearing down on her. Excellent reliability. 2017 4Runner can be optioned in some trims for no sunroof. To me, sunroofs are good for leaking. My car has a sunroof I never use. Skipping the sunroof adds 2-3" of headroom. We have the Offroad Premium with Kdss (special sway bars). It corners and moves like a smaller vehicle. If you plan to lift the 4runner skip the Kdss. If staying with stock height I highly recommend the Kdss. The Jeep 8.4" infotainment is superior to Toyota entune. The Toyota infotainment is not bad.

[@dion24B]

bassdudeguypunk my 2016 Trailhawk with the V6 does fine, and works pretty hard often.

[@trailrunnah8886]

With the new Compass out, is this even worth buying? I think the Compass is only slightly smaller, and doesn't have the V6 option, but other than that the Compass looks really good! The 4 banger in both is a bit of a shame though, 184hp seems pretty weak for 2.4 liters these days.

[@hanipascha8472]

YES. The compass is cheap and it's 4 banger sucks. Not to mention has less cargo space, less passenger space etc...

[@SoFloLuca]

I disagree on the 2wd comment....I live in south Florida and don't need 4x4....but love the looks of the Cherokee....I like that option....

[@juangil6252]

The thing, it's not only a 2WD but a FWD which is boring for a jeep.. at least an SUV

[@arnoni11]

i have a 2019 latitude plus 3.2L v6...i test drove a 2.4L man was that slow... im glad i got the 3.2L v6. still average, 20 city.

[@limpkit2011]

click bate? really??

[@kenoday7562]

Active Drive II only comes with the off road suspension, and it's way too harsh to be your wife's grocery getter. And there's NO WAY the V6 puts out 271 HP, the 4 cylinder turbo Escapes and Equinoxes leave this thing in a hurry.

[@ziz180]

Drive one, and look under the hood..

[@Peter-mf2yz]

Are you kidding me? The 3.6 V6 puts out 300hp. This Jeep comes with the 3.2 with low resistance pistons and does 271hp and that is indeed a fact. Why do you think it loves GAS?

[@hanipascha8472]

Amigo that Active drive II on that Jeep means your vehicle weights 4600 pounds. When you say no way it has 271hp the reason you might think that is because an the preceived feel of an engines performance output is highly dependent on the weight of the vehicle it's has to move. That same engine is used in the much lighter and aero dynamic police interceptors and they are fast as hell. In essence it's called physics. Oh and that's a matter of opinion on weather you find the suspension too stiff for a daily driver. If that was the case why didn't your wife get the Limited Trim with Active Drive I instead of II?

[@leudwigc6000]

I know your a Jeep enthusiast, I have a a 2016 TH. Mine has been fine so far, but I keep hearing about various problems with this vehicle. So much so that it makes me want to trade it in as soon as it's affordable to do so..... What do you say to that TFLcar?

[@lastmanstanding6081]

Did you trade it in?

[@vwgti1985]

The new king in town The new VW Tiguan is the new benchmark in the segment.

[@ziz180]

HAHAHAHAHA

[@markryl-kuchar2373]

Very informative thanks tfl

[@keithh7787]

AGREED!! "There should be no front wheel drive Jeeps" 🙄

[@davidschumacher6044]

Avoid at all cost! I would avoid any FCA product with the ZF 9-speed transmission. I owned a 2014 and 2015 Trailhawk. Both were bought back under lemon law. I now own a 2016 4Runner Trail edition and have had zero problems. I also own a 2013 Dodge Challenger which has been reliable for the most part.

[@hanipascha8472]

See you make a valid argument. I agree that the ZF-9 isn't the greatest transmission in terms of performance. Sadly you bought a first year model and you ought to know better. All car manufactures such as Honda, Land rover, Acura etc..had issues with the ZF-9 which was the first 9 speed transverse tranny in the market. By late 2016, Chrysler with ZF had fixed the problems with the 9-speed. I still think they should have found a way to fit the ZF-8 in the Cherokee and mount the engine vertically. My god it would be a perfect mid size SUV.

[@raymondfinkle1243]

i have the 18 cherokee overland 3.2 and it is the shit it has everything the trail hawk has except the locking rear diff

[@elliekim6666]

Why pay for True 4x4 or AWD if all you're planning to use the jeep is on the road? Front wheel drive will also save a few Mpg as well for those who won't go off road.

[@theduke038]

Ben Dunn AWD or 4x4 can be used in bad weather while on the highway or such like snowy winter or going thru the mountains. It can also be helpful while getting a trailer out of a weird spot.

[@elliekim6666]

Kyle MacDonald if you live in Miami and only drive around there or even snow in NYC front wheel drive can do the job.... Not saying there isn't a reason to buy all wheel drive but it's not a must sell in this market where it mostly competes in.

[@theduke038]

Ben Dunn I totally agree with you about certain markets not needing the pqckage. I know a lot of people who like to pull rvs and such with their SUVs and it definitely would be needed incase of emergencies. I know for myself if I was going to be buying any vechile that had the option of AWD or 4x4 I would definitely get it because I live in a area that gets snow from early October until late March at least and it is a great feature to have when I need to drive on certain highways to get traction at low speeds

[@fasacosta1954]

unlike the title suggested, we didn't have to watch this

[@gregarioussolitudinist5695]

tried to build & price several different Jeep models. they get you in the door with the base model that has the engine and transmission as optional. After that, adding anything of use takes you immediately to 35K. Then you find out that it is two wheel drive. Seriously Jeep?

[@Peter-mf2yz]

Not true. You are right the base model is a pathetic 2wd vehicle. But at 35K you already get Active Drive I or even II depending how you optioned it.

[@M-.-Jones]

Id buy the one that mechanic prefers, might as well consult the person who will be driving it the most.

[@sexhaver3260]

Just get a wrangler unlimited, its basically the third coming of the xj

[@brianpardee1281]

The 1998 is the best. The new cherokee could have been less of a dissapointment if it had a rear solid axle

[@DirtRoad18]

What do you mean when you say rear locker? When talking about the 4x4. Also, at what speeds are safe or recommended for each of the 4x4 options with the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk??? Thanks in advance if answered. Cheers

[@Sertsch]

The all new Fiat Cherokee!

[@pontiachotshot]

I was told that they are making the auto stop/start standard on these or maybe it is already.

[@BillSprague]

Bring back the box top Cherokee with its 4.0L inline six. That's the only Cherokee worth of the name. I've had three and now drive a 2013 4Runner, the box top's heir apparent.

[@tractorhead04]

If only that ZF 9 speed wasn't such a pile of garbage on these things.

[@luvslogistics1725]

I want to buy one, most American built car but why such low reliability? What’s best year?

[@Marco-ce8kr]

if you have $42,000...buy a tacoma trd pro.

[@hanipascha8472]

No, no buy a sports car. IO mean my advice is as sound and relevant as what you just stated.

[@JelmervanderMeer07]

Weird clickbait title again :(

[@Daddyodigital]

Not everyone wants to go off road. For a lot of us FWD is just fine.

[@dantheman9395]

I choose one from the early days of the Cherokee

[@alphapac9718]

I was going buy a 15-16 trailhawk until I found out the transmission is trash

[@paulj9821]

It's not trash at all. Yes all car manufactures had problems with the ZF-9 speed for the first 2-3 years. This wasn't a Chrysler issue only. They still use the 9-speed in many of there models since mid 2016 and up they resolved the serious issues.

[@robbamford4134]

I own a 2014. The 9 speed transmission is a major disappointment and really ruins the behavior of the car. It clunks in gear in certain situations, has poor downhill control with the cruise control, a lateral vibration in lower gears and is slow to downshift back to first gear after a stop. A number of times I've tried to accelerate from a stop to merge into traffic and it started from 3rd or 4th gear, barely accelerating and catching you off guard. That situation is dangerous. Sometimes its very hesitant to downshift when you are a highway speeds and need to merge. This is completely unacceptable in a new $30K car. The dealership and jeep have been unresponsive. Jeep as betrayed my trust and i regret the purchase.

[@Peter-mf2yz]

Yes the 2014 models were the first ones made and they had transmission issues. Bare in mind so did Honda, Acura and Landrover since this was a ZF-9 issue. Does not excuse the oversight from Chrysler, Honda etc... and it's rather a bummer that you had to suffer being a guinea pig. Word of advice never buy a 1st year model of any car.

[@JBM425]

My understanding from other reviews is that the 2017 year and newer work better. My issue is that those other reviews also note that the top two or three gears are only effective when going 70 or 80. That might be fine for eastern Colorado/western Kansas or the Nevada desert where you want to cover a lot of ground quickly, but most applications would have done just fine with at most eight gears or even just six. In any event, I would be leery of any model 2016 or older because of what you cite.

[@robbamford4134]

Mine rarely went into 9th gear. I finally got rid of the jeep about a year and a half ago. The rear emergency brake system failed. I was backing out of my parking spot at work and the rear end just bound up. The car wouldn’t move. The e-brake idiot light was flashing. I tried restarting, played with the e-brake switch; no luck. I had to get a tow. Had to get the tow truck that lifts a set of wheels off the ground because I didn’t want it winched and dragged onto a flatbed. At the dealership they found the e-brake computer had gotten wet from a sun roof leak. This would be the back part of the pano sun roof that doesn’t open. Apparently leaking is a known issue with jeep pano sun roofs. There was no visible signs of leaking; it leaked down the back side of the interior panels. It was a $1400 repair. The dealership refused to simply turn off the e- brake system so I could temporarily drive the car; cited safety law. A cable hand brake would have been a better design choice. Hardly trail ready when you need a freaking computer to operate a e- brake. I got it fixed and immediately traded it in. If you want a jeep lease it; never buy.

[@sandramccoy491]

Tommy I think the jeep looks good

[@jmayak01]

How about taking the Cherokee Trailhawk and give it a good offroad test.

[@weekendwarrior8179]

I have the 2015 TH. 66k on it, I have had to replace the battery, and I'm now getting a engine light which according to autozone is a 2nd cyl misfire which may be due to spark plugs... But off road that rear locker is awesome. I do wish it had 2 more inches of ground clearance.

[@Peter-mf2yz]

there is a lift mod that is cheap and easy to install and gives you 2 inches

[@Landrar]

If you don't mind a transmission that's a total lemon, it's an OK Jeep. Not joking about the transmission. My 16 has already been in the shop for a reflash before I hit 10k miles. A few tips. Get the v6 and awd. There's no fuel savings with the 4 cylinder and there's no point in not having awd. You'll thank me when you trade it in. If you want the 8.4 uconnect, get a Cherokee that has it already. Dealers are assholes about flashing your ecm to accept an 8.4 after you buy it.

[@hanipascha8472]

No it's not. Sorry to hear you had issues. Most owners from 2016 upwards didn't. From 2014-2015, yes the transmission was very problematic for a sizable portion of owners. Go look up the stats, from 2016 the complaints for transmission issues dropped by 64% and in 2017 they dropped another 12%, 2018 again another drop. See the pattern. The 4 banger is a joke as you mentioned and makes the transmission performance even worse.

[@rexy83]

I still hate this thing they couldn't make it look some what like a modernized XJ? Don't get me wrong I'm a realist and don't expect Jeep to ever completely bring back an XJ. But would have expected it to look somewhat like the original. Maybe the grill passes that test a little but that's about it. I hate it when manufacturers bring back a legendary model and fail completely at it. Kinda like when Pontiac brought back the GTO that looked nothing like a GTO...

[@Peter-mf2yz]

The design is very polarizing. So it's either you love it or hate it. They knew precisely what they were doing when they designed this. They understood there primary demographic which was sadly Mall crawlers, Jeep status symbol etc....I love it's look and now that we are in 2019, SIX car manufactures in the SUV space have now coped this design. Also when they unveiled it in late 2013 within the next 2 years many other SUV manufacturers copied many of it's design ques.(not referring to the front split lights) The Italians are simply the best when it comes to external aesthetics and design.

[@mscman4589]

From my own personal experience I have found Jeeps to have poor gas mileage and low reliability, I've owned 3 Jeeps in my life-all had terrible gas mileage and all had all too frequent issues that needed fixing. Just bought a Honda CR-V and I couldn't be happier.

[@Peter-mf2yz]

Bro, you bought a Jeep and complain about poor gas millage? Based on your criteria, Jeep should have never been in your potential list of SUV's to own. Honda is a nice SUV but it lacks Torque and power for people such as myself. I don't mind higher MPG if the power is there. I assume you also had a Jeep with the legendary straight 6. That engine was bullet proof but boy does it love GAS.

[@brakedd]

Homeboy must not remember the RWD XJ Cherokees. Base models are generally 2WD.

[@ambergarver1399]

There were 2WD Wranglers as well.

[@lastmanstanding6081]

@@ambergarver1399 those were postal trucks

[@joutdoors2036]

This is the worst vehicle I have owned rattled vibrated in the shop more than drove it. I now drive a 4 runner.

[@01trsmar]

Funny,I drove 4 of these and none did what you said.. Toyota does have lots of issues with the 4 Runner !

[@yjxjtjguy6513]

guy proulx maybe 800 but not quite 1,000.

[@joutdoors2036]

Are you 10 years old

[@elclavo1]

I own a 2015 Cherokee Trailhawk. I just got it back out of the shop for a ESIM switch. I’ve also had an exhaust leak, the rear diff was faulty, the lift gate gave out, my starter is dragging now and the dealership isn’t helping because I’m out of warranty. It’s more of a headache than anything else with only 36,000 miles. Oh yeah and the center console is loose. I’m headed to Toyota tomorrow to check out the 4 Runners and Tundras. DO NOT BUY THIS PIECE OF CRAP CHEAP JEEP.

[@joutdoors2036]

You will like the 4Runner i've got a 2001 TRD pickup and a new 4Runner the only thing I have done to the pickup is change oil and tires

[@pcuser1541]

Fastest Depreciate Like a Stock Market Crash!