Jeep Cherokee 2.8 CRD Limited

Costs

Running costs for the Cherokee may prove to be relatively high. Despite diesel power it is less economical than rivals and the automatic version has higher emissions, tipping it into a higher tax bracket, too.

Space and practicality

Unsurprisingly, the Cherokee makes good use of its size, offering decent room front and rear plus a large boot. Passengers may feel a little hemmed in due to the high waistline but the optional full-length Sky Slider sunroof helps to increase the amount of light in the cabin. There are plenty of storage areas throughout, helping to make maximum use of the space.

Controls and display

The American origins of the Cherokee show through in the cabin layout, with blue digital displays and slightly unusual column stalks. The main controls are located in a neat centre console and it is easy to find the required button. The instruments are also attractive and informative, making the Cherokee easy to operate.

Comfort

The Cherokee does well to suppress engine and road noise at cruising speeds, with only some wind noise creeping in at higher speeds. The ride is also biased for comfort, with only larger bumps registering with the occupants. The seats are a little lacking in support, however, and the driving position is a little compromised by the pedal positioning in the automatic version.

Car security

All Cherokee models come with an approved alarm and immobiliser system as standard, which should prove more than sufficient for warding off thieves.

Car safety

Packed with safety equipment, the Cherokee has ESP, tyre pressure monitoring, hill descent control and hill start as standard on the automatic version, with a multitude of airbags, too.

Driver appeal

The Cherokee is relatively undemanding to drive, particularly in automatic form, with strong torque allowing for a relaxed driving style. Despite the high output, brisk acceleration is a little lacking and treading the accelerator brings increased noise from the engine bay. Take the Cherokee off-road and it displays its true qualities, taking difficult terrain in its stride and proving its legendary status is still intact.

Family car appeal

The Cherokee has the size and practicality to suit family duties, especially with the high seating position and optional high specification audio system. The easy-folding seats are a useful feature too, and taking the whole family off-road would probably make for a fun day out.

First car appeal

Being a little too large and expensive to appeal to a new driver, the Cherokee is not for the inexperienced and its off-road ability is unlikely to be needed by someone new to motoring.

Quality and image

Jeep is pitching the Cherokee at premium rivals, but in terms of quality it falls a little behind. The exterior looks well finished, as does the interior at first glance, but a closer inspection reveals some evidence of penny pinching. The Jeep's image is very strong, however, and is seen as a 4x4 for true enthusiasts - something which the Cherokee plays upon.

Accessibility

With large doors front and rear, climbing aboard the Cherokee is relatively easy, although very small adults and children may find the seats a little high. The boot is also easy to gain access to, especially with a handy split tailgate system.

Stereo and ICE (In car entertainment)

The standard fit audio system is a single CD/tuner with MP3 compatibility, but the optional audio and navigation package brings a high quality sound with useful hard drive storage and Bluetooth connection.

Colours and trim

The Cherokee works best when in brighter metallic shades, but inside the light colour of leather helps to increase the feeling of space. Despite the use of leather as standard, some of the cabin feels less than premium in quality.

Parking

Despite its size, the Cherokee is relatively easy to park thanks to the chunky exterior making it easy to judge distances. Parking sensors are also fitted as standard, which is a useful extra feature.

Spare wheel

Full size spare wheel mounted underneath the boot floor.