• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

Archives for November 25, 2014

Delivered: 2015 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4×4

November 25, 2014 by admin 9 Comments

2015 Jeep Cherokee Limited

Sometimes the second time around is simply better. For instance, when you revisit what had been previously experienced the chances are good you will gain a different perspective and perhaps a renewed appreciation during the next go around.

2015 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4×4

Such was the case for this writer when a 2015 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4×4 arrived as his weekly driver earlier this month. It followed his first drive by more than half a year; in the ensuing months, he had the opportunity to test drive other crossover utility vehicles and compare those models to that first Jeep.

The second go-around also revealed something about the current iteration of the Jeep he hadn’t appreciated before — and that would be the front fascia with its polarizing lighting layout, specifically, the slash LED lights co-located with the turn signals and found above a separate display and layout for the headlamps. Yes, I had originally thought that it made for too modern of a design — especially for a Jeep — but following months of seeing scores of new Cherokees around town I have been won over by the controversial look.

2015 Jeep Cherokee Limited

Four Trim Levels

The earlier model tested was a Trailhawk; this time around a Limited was delivered. For 2015 the Cherokee offers four trim levels: Sport ($22,995), Latitude ($24,695), Limited ($28,395) and Trailhawk ($29,895). These prices are for 42 models — you need to add $2,000 to each trim level to get the starting price for 4×4 versions.

As tested, the Limited 4×4 came in with a base price of $30,395 with a full sticker price of $38,510. Jeep lent me one with several upgrades to include: a $995 safety package that added blind spot and cross path detection; a $1,495 technology package that came with adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and park assist; and a $1,695 luxury group that brought in bi-xenon HID headlamps, a power liftgate, premium leather bucket seats and ventilated front seats. A $1,695 engine upgrade replaced the base four-cylinder engine with the 3.2-liter V-6 and brought in a start/stop system. For $845, upgraded UConnect infotainment was included and for another $395 a nine-speaker audio system was added.

2015 Jeep Cherokee Limited


2015 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4×4

View manufacturer details and pricing


Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle

As before, the Jeep Cherokee is a smaller crossover utility vehicle. Thus, its competition is along the lines of a Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox, Nissan Rogue, Honda CR-V and a Hyundai Tucson, just to name a few. However, it seems larger than most competing models and although it is a crossover like the others, Jeep has also made it off-road ready.

Indeed, Cherokee buyers will find not one, not two, but three 4×4 systems to choose from: Jeep Active Drive I, Jeep Active Drive II and Jeep Active Drive Lock. The base 4×4 with Jeep Active Drive I comes with single power transfer unit and moves in and out of four-wheel drive at any speed.

Buyers of the Latitude and Limited can upgrade to Jeep Active Drive II and get a two-speed power transfer unit with torque management and low range. Choose the 4-Low mode and both the front and rear drive shafts lock, ideal for low-speed drive and towing. Ride height is also increased by one inch and the crawl ratio is improved.

Jeep Active Drive Lock adds in a locking rear differential, to provide enhanced low-speed power for the toughest off-road conditions. It is only available on the Trailhawk; the other editions provide one or both Active Drive options.

2015 Jeep Cherokee Limited

Off-Road or Not

Regardless of trim level, every Jeep Cherokee 4×4 comes with Jeep’s Selec-Terrain traction control system, what delivers on- and off-road settings to include: automatic, snow, sport, sand/mud and sport. Selec-Terrain adjusts up to 12 systems, including stability control, brake controller, transmission controller, hill ascent and hill descent, among others.

Me thinks that most Jeep Cherokee shoppers do not buy one with the intent to take it off road even if their chosen model comes with all the 4×4 bells and whistles that some people prize. Jeep routinely moves more than 15,000 Cherokees each month in the US alone — among that number are the hardcore off-road enthusiasts — even then the most avid off-roaders are more likely to choose the Wrangler. For the majority of Cherokee owners, a 4×4 may serve as insurance against tough road conditions (such as snow) more than anything else.

And in keeping with its prevailing use, I kept the Limited on the road at all times. My review of the 2014 Cherokee Trailhawk included my off-road use — for this go around I was more interested in acquainting myself with its on-road capabilities as well as its cabin.

2015 Jeep Cherokee Limited

Potent V-6 Engine Option

As before, the 3.2-liter V-6 making 271 horsepower and 239 foot-pounds of torque was under the hood. Jeep offers a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine making 184 horsepower and 171 foot-pounds of torque, what provides a modest fuel mileage edge (22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway) over the best fuel economy you can get with the V-6 (21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway). A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard across the model line.

In my mind, those differences are hardly worth settling for the token base engine — upgrade to the V-6 and you won’t complain about a lack of power. Besides, you’ll get the full benefit of 4,500 pounds of towing capacity with some models. The V-6 delivers generous amount of power off the mark and on the road — steering is responsive, handling is very good and the brakes are firm, not spongy.

One year removed from its introduction, Jeep made a few changes to the Cherokee that are worth noting. The backup camera is now standard on more models —all except the base Sport model has one. Jeep also added hands-free texting and quite a few safety and security enhancements as part of package upgrades, including park assist and forward collision warning. A tonneau cover is now a stand-alone option on all models.

2015 Jeep Cherokee Limited

Cherokee Trailhawk v. Limited

With Trailhawk and now Limited editions behind me, the differences between both high-end models seems small. Indeed, the Limited brings in such top features as: keyless entry, start/stop ignition, heated leather-trimmed seats and the touchscreen UConnect system with an 8.4-inch screen. You also get the fanciest wheels — 18 inch polished aluminum wheels to the 17-inch off-road aluminum wheels for the Trailhawk. Simply put, the Limited is the top-of-the-line Cherokee for mostly on-road and in town purposes whereas the Trailhawk is the king of Cherokee off-roaders.

Regardless of the model chosen, you get authentic room for five adults and many of the creature features you crave including: air conditioning, power accessories, a digital driver information center, front and rear floor mats and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel column. UConnect is standard across the model line and every model comes with a host of safety features. If you want a better-equipped model, then start with the Latitude and add in the packages you want.

Likely, when all is said and done, your well-equipped model will push past $30,000 and upwards of $40,000 if every option is selected. That puts the Cherokee at the top of the compact utility vehicle pricing spectrum, but that is what you get when a premium model is considered.


2015 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4×4

  • Sticker price from $30,395
  • Price as tested: from $38,510
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 3.2-liter 24-valve V-6 gasoline engine
  • 271 horsepower @ 6,500 rpm
  • 239 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,400 rpm
  • 3.58 inches bore by 3.27 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 10.7-to-1
  • 9-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
  • Length: 182 inches
  • Width: 73.2 inches
  • Height: 66.2 inches
  • Passenger volume: 103.4 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 24.6/54.9 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: 4,500 pounds
  • EPA: 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway
  • Regular grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 10.5 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 4,046 to 4,108 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Top Safety Pick+ (2014)
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 5 years/100,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 3 years/50,000 miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Toledo, Ohio

More Car Reviews

Sweet Dreams: 2015 Corvette Stingray

Driven: 2015 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL

Sport Luxury Crossover: Infiniti QX70S

Just Out: 2015 Audi Q3 Crossover


2015 Jeep Cherokee 4×4 photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2015 CARS, 4x4, CROSSOVER UTILITY VEHICLE, JEEP CHEROKEE LIMITED, NINE-SPEED AUTOMATIC, SUV, UCONNECT

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport

Recent Comments

  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis — Auto Trends Magazine on Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis — Auto Trends Magazine on 5 Retired American Car Brands
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis — Auto Trends Magazine on Peugeot Prepares for its U.S. Return
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis — Auto Trends Magazine on Sportback Performance: Buick Regal GS
  • On the Prowl With a 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody — Auto Trends Magazine on The 14 Brands of Stellantis

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Car Reviews
  • New Models
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • How to Fix a Broken Rivian Vehicle
  • Cadillac Gets Most Things Right
    With the XT6 Crossover
  • The High Potency Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe
  • The All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer Forges Urban Paths
  • The Small Infiniti QX50 is Big on Tech and Engineering Features
  • Toyota Brings the TRD Treatment to the Midsize Camry Sedan
  • The Kia K5 Outclasses Most Competitors, Including the Departing Optima
  • Can the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Handle Tough Terrain?
  • Subaru WRX Showcases Its Performance Chops
  • Infiniti Overhauls QX80 Trims and Makes This Important Safety Feature Standard
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty and a Trail-Stomping Tremor Package
  • A Cut Above: Mazda’s Mazda3
  • The Highly Efficient Hyundai Ioniq
  • Volkswagen Atlas Revels in its Strengths
  • General Motors Deepens Partnership With Honda, Takes Stake in Nikola
  • Smart Concept: Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • More Than an Encore: Buick Encore GX
  • Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.
  • Refreshed Nissan Titan Makes Its Case
  • BMW M235i: Not Your Typical Coupe
  • Hot Stuff: Lexus RC F Sport Coupe
  • Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?
  • Rumors? We Got Them!
  • About Bollinger Motors, EV Startup
  • Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
  • White Space Wonder: 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport
  • About the 2021 Genesis GV80
  • The Toyota Supra Gets a Four-Cylinder Engine and We’re Simply Gobsmacked!
November 2014
S M T W T F S
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
30  
« Oct   Dec »

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in