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2018 Jeep Cherokee review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Jeep Cherokee highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Smooth ride over rough surfaces
  • User-friendly touchscreen on most trims
  • Strong performance from optional V6

Cons

  • Slow acceleration with base four-cylinder engine
  • Less cargo space than other compact crossovers

Mileage (EPA estimate)

18 city, 24 highway, 21 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

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Price
Year

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The 2018 Jeep Cherokee drops the Sport trim

The 2018 Jeep Cherokee is a comfortable compact SUV that’s good for the daily commute and offers some extra off-road prowess. The Cherokee Trailhawk trim especially stands out in the class; among its off-road upgrades are a low-range crawl gear and locking rear differential, rare features in crossovers like the Cherokee. Other Cherokee models offer a smooth ride and easy-to-use technology features, although the Jeep lags behind top competitors in terms of cargo space. The optional V6 is a nice upgrade, especially considering how sluggish the base four-cylinder feels, and offers up to 4,500 pounds of towing capacity, a strong showing for the class. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.

For 2018, Jeep eliminated the base Sport trim, making the slightly better-equipped Latitude the entry-level Cherokee. The new Latitude Plus trim offers a step up with more tech and convenience features, and the Trailhawk and Limited trims get standard blind-spot monitoring and rear parking sensors.

All Jeep Cherokee years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Jeep Cherokee generation from 2014 to 2026

What is new for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?

  • Trim Added: Sport Edition for enhanced performance and styling
  • Trim Discontinued: Base Model, now replaced by the updated Standard Trim
  • Standard Equipment on all: LED headlights and advanced safety features included across the lineup
  • New Equipment: Optional tech package now available with upgraded infotainment system
  • Significant Removal: Manual transmission option is no longer offered

2018 Jeep Cherokee trims

Curious how Jeep Cherokee trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Latitude:

  • 184-hp, 171-lb-ft of torque 2.4L
  • 271-hp, 239-lb-ft of torque 3.2L
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Mirrors
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Traction Control
  • View our Jeep Cherokee Latitude inventory

Latitude Plus:

Altitude:

Limited:

  • Includes all features available on the Altitude
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Remote Start
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Leather Seats
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • View our Jeep Cherokee Limited inventory

Trailhawk:

Trailhawk L Plus:

Overland:

High Altitude:

Jeep Cherokee photos

What We Like

Ride quality: The Jeep Cherokee manages a smooth, stable ride over all sorts of rough and uneven surfaces. Even the Trailhawk is more comfortable than you might expect from an off-road focused SUV.

Capability: The Jeep Cherokee is one of the most off-road capable small SUVs you can find, especially in the Trailhawk trim, which adds features normally reserved for trucks and 4x4s. The Cherokee can also tow up to 4,500 pounds when properly equipped.

User-friendly tech: The available 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system is straightforward and easy to learn, with big, friendly buttons and quick response times. There are more advanced systems, but this one is very approachable.

What Needs Improvement

Cargo space: The Cherokee has a lot less cargo space than other small SUVs, like the spacious Honda CR-V. Jeep did sacrifice some space in order to make room for a full-sized spare, but not everyone will want to make that trade.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2018 Jeep Cherokee offers stylish design, smooth handling, and decent interior space, but feedback on fuel economy and technology is mixed. Many praise its power, comfort, and reliability, while others noted concerns with maintenance costs and cabin functionality. Overall, it's a versatile SUV that satisfies most drivers, especially those needing weather adaptability.
4
Excellent

RepairPal gave the Jeep Cherokee an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Jeep Cherokee 8th out of 29 among Compact SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Jeep Cherokee

Jeep Cherokee features and specs

Overland 4D Sport Utility 2WD

Standard Features

  • Remote Start
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Heated Mirrors
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Navigation System
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Remote Start
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Tow Hitch
  • Flex Fuel Vehicle
  • Alpine Sound System
  • Navigation System

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.4L

Horsepower

184

Torque (ft-lbs)

171

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

15.8

Wheelbase

106.3"

Overall length

182"

Width

73.2"

Height

65.7"

Leg room

F 41.1"/R 40.3"

Head room

F 39.4"/R 38.5"

Front tires

P225/55TR18

Rear tires

P225/55TR18

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

200/2000 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Jeep Cherokee FAQ


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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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