By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos FCA US
For 2016, the Jeep Cherokee delivers legendary Jeep 4×4 capability, superior on-road ride and handling, an exclusive nine-speed automatic transmission, world-class craftsmanship, class-exclusive technology and more than 70 available advanced safety and security features.
Exterior
The 2016 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4X4 has a powerful stance, an aggressive wheel-to-body proportion and a commanding road presence. The aggressive approach and departure angles contribute to the best-in-class capability. The first key feature is the waterfall hood with the iconic peaked, seven-slotted grille which includes a crisp, horizontal snap a feature in many classic Jeep vehicles. The hood is clearly defined and separated from the front fenders in a modern twist of Jeep heritage. The one-piece hood and grille assembly ensures a precise build.
Advanced LED lighting technology is used throughout the 2016 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4X4. Forward lighting features a unique daytime running lamp shape that plays a dominant role in the fresh front-end proportion, giving the impression of a slim headlamp. Contemporary full LED tail lamps are an integral part of the rear backlight graphic, making the vehicle look stronger yet harmonious. This graphic is the connection between the upper and lower rear and brings a unique presence specific to this Cherokee.
Interior
The interior is modern, inviting and comfortable. A sophisticated, refined design, hand-sculpted forms, signature Jeep design cues, high-quality materials, precision craftsmanship and attention to detail raise the bar in the mid-size SUV segment. A driver-oriented cockpit loaded with easy-to-use, useful technology, clever, thoughtful storage features and more than 70 available safety and security features.
Seats are ergonomically designed to support the contour of the body, are trimmed with premium cloth or quality Nappa leather and available as power adjustable, heated and ventilated seats with memory; Premium cloth fabrics include a unique interlocking graphic. The 60/40 split second-row seats adjust fore and aft for increased passenger comfort and cargo flexibility.
Connectivity
An available 8.4-inch touchscreen multimedia command center or the standard 5-inch touchscreen multimedia command center are attractive, intuitive and easy-to-use, and located in the center stack. The Uconnect system allows the driver to control the audio, climate, heated and ventilated seats and much more from the touchscreen, redundant controls located on the center stack below the touchscreen or with voice commands. The touchscreen buttons are large and easy-to-see at a glance. The 8.4-inch color touchscreen Uconnect Access is user-friendly and includes Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM Radio, navigation, music, apps, voice-to-text messaging and streaming audio capability.
For 2016, owners now have the ability to personalize their touchscreen controls to fit their lifestyle and have one-button access to the features and services they value most. From Travel Link and Yelp to heated or cooled seats, drivers now can simply drag their favorite feature or service icon from the apps menu and move them to their Uconnect system’s main menu bar.
Performance
The 2016 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4X4 boasts numbers that make the difference for the SUV customer who cares about fuel economy and capability in all weather conditions; Powered by the choice of two engines mated to a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission, a 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with 271 horsepower and 239 lb.-ft. of torque, a 2.4-liter MultiAir2 Tigershark I-4 engine with 184 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque, nearly 500 miles driving range on a tank of gasoline and three new, innovative 4×4 systems that deliver legendary Jeep capability including crawl ratios of 56:1 with the 2.4-liter engine and 47.8:1 with the 3.2-liter engine.
ESS technology, which is standard on Cherokees equipped with the 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, increases fuel efficiency by shutting the engine off when the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Amenities continue to operate, making the operation transparent to the driver. The engine restarts automatically when the driver releases the brake, allowing seamless acceleration.
Jeep 4×4 capability
The 2016 Jeep Cherokee provides a choice of three innovative 4×4 systems for best-in-class 4×4 capability in all weather conditions. The Jeep Cherokee is the first mid-size SUV to feature rear-axle disconnect, resulting in reduced energy loss when 4×4 capability isn’t needed, improving fuel efficiency. The rear-axle disconnect seamlessly switches between two and four wheel drive for full-time torque management and does not require input from the driver.
All 4×4 systems feature the Jeep brand’s renowned Selec-Terrain traction control system, which allows the driver to choose the on and off road setting for optimum performance. Up to five customized settings are offered: Auto, Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud and Rock. Through the use of algorithms that enable unsurpassed control and capability, Selec-Terrain electronically coordinates and optimizes up to 12 systems on any terrain providing enhanced vehicle control including: drivetrain control module, electronic brake controller, electronic stability control, transmission controller, powertrain controller and Selec-Speed Control.
Summary
Jeep vehicles have defined the authentic SUV and set the benchmark for off-road capability and freedom since they were first produced in 1941. Today, Jeep SUVs continue to deliver 4×4 leadership, as well as fuel efficiency, world-class craftsmanship and premium on-road dynamics.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $30,895.00, the one I drove included the 9-Speed Transmission with Jeep Active Drive II, 3.2-Liter V6 24 Valve VVT Engine with ESS, Command View Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof, Uconnect 8.4 Navigation System, and the Safety Tec, Technology and Luxury Groups Packages, and it came in at $41,405.00 including destination charge. The EPA fuel economy estimates 19 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
