If you're hoping to tackle challenging terrain with ease, you'll need plenty of power under the hood. The base Cherokee model comes with a 180 horsepower engine which does the job but isn't hugely inspiring.
If your budget allows, it's far better to trade up to either the turbo-4 option with 270hp or the V6 which provides 271hp. Both of these will increase the off-road performance substantially, and also make city and highway duties more comfortable.
Off-Road Ability
The Cherokee's performance really comes into its own once you take it away from the pavement. Whether you're faced with muddy dirt tracks or all-out off-road terrain, the suspension, brakes, and relatively heavy chassis weight mean this SUV can roll with the punches without complaint.
The Cherokee can't quite match the off-road capability of Jeep's Wrangler Rubicon, for example, but it's hard to find a compact SUV from any other manufacturer which comes even close.
Interior and Technology
However, even off-road adventurers appreciate a comfortable ride. The first impressions of the Cherokee are good, with surprisingly comfortable seats for what's overall an SUV built for ruggedness rather than a luxury.
Even more impressive is the 2020 Cherokee's infotainment system, built around a 7" touchscreen featuring the widely respected Uconnect interface, coupled with a six-speaker audio system and full smartphone connectivity.
Should I Buy a Jeep Cherokee? The Verdict:
Only you can decide whether a Cherokee is an SUV for you. It's true that competing vehicles from other manufacturers can offer a smoother highway experience. And if you're looking for a city car for daily grocery shopping, then the Cherokee probably isn't a good fit.
But if your definition of SUV tends more toward sport than utility, then the 2020 Jeep Cherokee's excellent off-road performance is hard to beat, especially with the meatier engine options. Include the comfortable seats and surprisingly user-friendly infotainment system, and this compact SUV is a winner.
Test Drive a 2020 Jeep Cherokee for Sale Near Edmonton
If you like what you've seen so far, get in touch to find out more about a new Jeep Cherokee at our Edmonton showroom. We stock the full Jeep range and will be happy to show you exactly what the 2020 Cherokee can do.