Jeep Cherokee 2018 test: an off-roader nothing 'limited'

The front grille also pretends to be a hallmark of this model, although the hood, the front and rear bumpers, the tailgate (lighter and available with a hands-free function, which is activated by moving your leg under the bumper to open it) have been redesigned. , which gives access to a trunk of 70 liters more, up to 570) and the main optics (with Full-LED technology) and fog lights. There are now 5 new wheel models as standard, including a 19-inch polished aluminum for the Overland finish.

That was the old Cherokee.

And when it comes to colors, there are 10 different ones: Brilliant White, Diamond Black, Velvet Red, Silver Grey, Granite Grey, Light Brownstone, Firecracker Red, Hydro Blue (the latter two exclusive to the Cherokee Trailhawk), as well as two all-new shades. : Olive Green and Pearl White.

This was the first generations of the Cherokee

One wants to evade a bit of the history of this model and yet, in the international presentation in southern Italy, the brand had gathered a copy of each member of the saga.

And it is here where common features can be seen in all of them, in addition to enjoying such an exhibition -so difficult to see in Europe and, above all, in Spain-.

Lots of style (also) inside

Unlike the old Cherokee that was in the family, now there are many more controls, electronics have made their way to stay and everything is infinitely more ergonomic, beautiful, practical... and safe, within that style and elegance that are as important in this model as the jacket capabilities (which I'll tell you about below).

In the center console there is now a growing number of storage compartments with a USB socket to keep your smartphone close at hand and for interconnectivity and infotainment to be an extension of your own phone.

In addition, you have a 3.5" grayscale LED screen (TFT) or a 7" screen (color, with browser and information on speed, real-time fuel savings, safety warnings...) .

From less to more

I start using the button on the right and this test unit wakes up, which corresponds to the 4x4 version of Cherokee with Limited finish and is equipped with the 2.2 195 CV diesel engine. It is even rare to hear a diesel engine and especially, that it sounds as much as this one. Here the refinement fails a bit, the truth, although it must be recognized that the block, although at its own pace and without fanfare, is gradually becoming more courageous.

Dynamically, without touching anything, the chassis looks good, but it doesn't shine too much in acceleration, braking or cornering, compared to its rivals. However, as soon as you hit steep inclines, shaky asphalt and a truly country setting, the new Cherokee, like its predecessors, begins to flex and shine.

The 9-speed automatic gearbox is also ported. And since the engine is a bit noisy when you get demanding, it's good that it has so many ratios to lower, at cruising speed, revolutions, noise and consumption.

What I don't like is that when managing it with the cams, the set reacts in such a lazy way.

Also, when you stop in second, the car doesn't automatically engage first, even when you step on the accelerator. And all this slows down any crazy attempt at a moderately dynamic reaction.

The strong point: its country qualities

As things get more complicated, 4x4 traction provides that extra peace of mind that every car that defines itself as a versatile off-roader should demonstrate on dry, wet, asphalt, cobblestone, sand and snow surfaces. And now the best is here: the Selec-Terrain system wheel, -complemented by two buttons inside, for gear reduction and descent control, allows you to easily switch from Auto mode to Snow (snow), Sport (sport) and Sand/Mud (sand and mud).

Therefore, without hesitation, it must be said that the The new Jeep Cherokee 2018 is also capable of overcoming much tougher tests on dirt, rocky ground, soft ground, potholes and many unevennesses.

I only put the 'but' that its chassis rigidity (not adjustable) and seats (which fold well and are especially comfortable both on highways and on winding roads) penalizes comfort a bit in these conditions so far from the asphalt, with what that in order not to endure the protests of your companions, it is better to drive a little below the speed at which the car would allow you to go without any setback. You can not have it all...

Finally, it's fair to say that I don't think most potential customers of this car are considering it for some real off-road forays, but as you've seen in this test of the new 2018 Cherokee, if you want a nice looking SUV, refined and truly versatile that pulls its nails like a good Jeep whenever it's needed, it's good that you put this car high on your list.

2018 Jeep Cherokee Prices

As for prices, we already know that the new Jeep Cherokee 2018 arrives in September from 44,200 euros (Limited finish). It lands with a four-year warranty, a 2.2 MultiJet II 150 diesel engine (with a six-speed manual gearbox, like 4x2 and 4x4) or 195 hp (a nine-speed automatic gearbox, also with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive).

By 2019, 4 finishes are expected: Sport (the most basic, which will be somewhat cheaper and will not arrive until 2019), Longitude, Limited (traditionally the best-selling), Overland (top of the range). Once again, the most spectacular version will be the Trailhawk (especially prepared for off-road driving).