By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos FCA US
Introduced midway through the 2016 model year, the Cherokee Overland continues to provide even more features in the most capable mid-size SUV. For 2017, two new Overland Packages are available, the Heavy Duty Protection Group and the Trailer Tow Prep Package.
Exterior
The 2017 Jeep Cherokee Overland has a powerful stance, an aggressive wheel-to-body proportion and a commanding road presence; The rear is highlighted by the contemporary full LED tail lamps, which are an integral part of the rear backlight graphic, making the vehicle look stronger yet harmonious. This shape is the connection between the upper and lower rear as an interlocking graphic statement that brings a unique presence specific to the Cherokee Overland.
In addition, the sides project a fluid tension in surface execution and feature the signature Jeep trapezoidal wheel arches. The rich chrome appearance of the daylight opening shape and execution draws a close relationship to the flagship Jeep Grand Cherokee creating consistency across the Jeep lineup. The diving DLO line with kick-up draws inspiration from the iconic half doors on the Jeep Wrangler. This function of the drop-down DLO allows the driver better visibility while spotting obstacles on the trail.
For 2017, the Cherokee Overland model features body-color fascias with a bright front grille and chin extension, body-color door cladding and wheel flares, 18-inch fully polished bright aluminum wheels, standard HID bi-xenon headlamps, Overland badge on the lift-gate.
Interior
The interior includes a host of premium enhancements, including a leather-wrapped instrument panel, power front driver and passenger seat with four-way power lumbar, a Jeep steering wheel with Zebrano high-gloss wood plates, Berber floor mats, standard Nappa leather seats with ventilated/heated front seats, standard Alpine Premium Audio system, Uconnect 8.4AN AM/FM radio with 8.4-in. touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Navigation, HD Radio, SiriusXM Travel Link, SiriusXM Traffic, Uconnect Access Advantage, and standard memory driver’s seat, radio and exterior mirrors.
In addition to the interior and exterior design enhancements, the 2017 Jeep Cherokee Overland model includes the following as standard equipment: power liftgate, blind spot monitoring and rear crosspath detection, Parksense rear backup assist system and a premium insulation group.
Performance
Living up to the Overland name, each Jeep Cherokee Overland 4×4 model comes equipped with the Jeep Active Drive II 4×4 system, which includes a two-speed power transfer unit, low range and an industry-first disconnecting rear axle for improved fuel efficiency when 4×4 capability isn’t needed.
The Jeep Active Drive II system features the Jeep brand’s Selec-Terrain traction control system. Selec-Terrain allows the driver, with a push of a button on the Selec-Terrain dial, to choose the on and off road setting for optimum performance. Four customized settings are offered: Auto, Snow, Sport and Sand/Mud.
Selec-Terrain is designed to optimize the four-wheel-drive systems for 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, ESC, transmission controller, powertrain controller and Selec-Speed Control. The system also includes Jeep Selec-Terrain, allowing drivers to choose between four modes, which optimizes the 4×4 system to the driving conditions.
Optional features include, a Heavy-Duty Protection Group (skid plates and a full-size spare tire), Trailer Tow Prep Package (trailer-tow wiring harness, auxiliary transmission oil cooler, HD engine cooling) and a 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with standard engine stop/start fuel-saving technology, producing 271 horsepower and 239 lb.-ft. of torque.
Summary
Built on 75 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability; The Cherokee Overland model is a direct response to consumers looking for benchmark 4×4 capability that only Jeep can offer, in a stunning, more luxurious package loaded with premium amenities.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $37,695.00, the one I drove included the Technology Group Package (Full Speed FWD Collision Warning with Active Braking, Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Advanced Brake Assist, Rain Sensitive Windshield Wipers, Automatic High Beam Headlamp Control, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist), Heavy Duty Protection Group (Front Suspension Skid Plate, Fuel Tank Skid Plate Shield, Transmission Skid Plate, Underbody Skid Plate, Full Size Spare Tire), Command View/Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof, 9 Speed Transmission and Hill Descent Control Jeep Active Drive II, and it came in at $43,730.00 including destination charge. The EPA fuel economy estimates 18 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
