Used Jeep Cherokee for sale: everything you need to know

You need something special to stand out in today’s SUV and crossover market, and a storied badge like Jeep is a good start, though the Jeep Cherokee sold between 2014 and 2019 ended up being a bit of an oddball, appealing in some areas but lagging the competition in others.

That Jeep badge, a bold design and real off-road ability were all on its side, but a bland and not particularly tactile cabin, average refinement, and so-so driving characteristics ultimately held it back. As a used buy it actually makes a little more sense though, where it’s pretty good value for a crossover you know will be genuinely capable in tough conditions.

While a proper off-roader like the Land Rover Discovery Sport might be a rival on paper, its premium pricing and higher-quality feel may put it out of reach for shoppers on a Cherokee budget. Instead, you may want to look at other well-equipped, similarly-sized crossovers like the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, and even the Nissan Qashqai.

Should you buy a Jeep Cherokee?

The Jeep Cherokee is one of the longest-running nameplates in the off-roading world, first appearing in the US in 1974. It’s changed quite a bit since then however, and 2014’s fifth-generation model was perhaps the biggest departure, taking on a softer look and feel to compete head-on with a growing market for family-friendly crossovers like the Nissan Qashqai.

Yet it’s still a Jeep at heart, and just like you get when you buy a Land Rover, that means some true off-road ability. For a very small band of enthusiastic customers, that quality will more than make up for its deficiencies in other areas, but ultimately means that the Cherokee is flawed when compared to more conventional rivals.

What are you getting? In essence, a chunkily-styled crossover a touch larger than a Qashqai, with four-wheel drive on all but the basic models, a range of four-cylinder diesel engines, and a range-topping model with a 3.2-litre V6 and off-road biased suspension to truly uphold the Jeep name. It’s capable in the rough, and adequate on the road - it rides and handles neatly enough but doesn’t have the refinement or precision that many rivals now offer.

The engines are a little agricultural too, though the 2.2-litre Multijet diesels are smoother than the 2.0-litre models, and nearly as quick as the petrol V6. The 9-speed automatic gearbox shifts smoothly, while the six-speed manual offered on lower-end models is slick enough.

The Cherokee’s cabin design is unlikely to wow you, but gets the basics correct. It’s comfortable, ergonomically sound, the boot is of a decent size, and Jeep’s Uconnect multimedia system is uncommonly good and easy to use. It feels well built too - you just won’t get much joy from the slightly cheap-feeling materials or the bland design.

Not many other manufacturers put as much emphasis on off-road ability as Jeep, but one that does is Land Rover. The Land Rover Discovery Sport is a potential alternative to the Cherokee, but even used it’s a fair bit more expensive like-for-like. If the Jeep’s size and general features appeal but you aren’t too worried about its 4x4 capabilities, then more conventional rivals like the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson may appeal - all are a bit sharper to drive and are more accommodating inside.

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What’s the best used Jeep Cherokee model to buy?

You should definitely try and find one of the 2.2-litre Multijet diesels. These aren’t just more powerful than the 2.0-litre diesels, and similarly economical, but they’re also more refined, giving the Cherokee a boost in ability all round. In terms of specification, Jeep’s generous equipment levels even from the Longitude Plus mean this is probably the one to go for - you get the excellent Uconnect infotainment setup, parking sensors, climate control, and various other toys included. Limited spec does have a few worthwhile upgrades (such as a reversing camera), but don’t pay over the odds.

Used Jeep Cherokee fuel economy and performance

• Jeep Cherokee 2.0 Multijet 140: The entry-level 2.0-litre diesel engine developed 140PS, with both front-wheel drive and 4x4 options, with a manual gearbox. The former could get from 0-62mph in 10.9 seconds, the latter in 12.0sec. Economy was up to 53.3mpg for the front-drive model, 50.4mpg for the 4x4.
• Jeep Cherokee 2.2 Multijet 185: Extra power (185PS) and a larger capacity of 2.2 litres, with standard 4x4 and an automatic gearbox, resulted in 0-62mph in 8.8 seconds, and 50.4mpg combined.
• Jeep Cherokee 2.2 Multijet 200: The 2.2-litre diesel was squeezed again to 200PS in its top form, again with four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox. 0-62mph took 8.5 seconds, and economy was again 50.4mpg combined, depending on specification.
• Jeep Cherokee 3.2: Perhaps an unusual choice for the UK market, the top Cherokee used a 3.2-litre, naturally-aspirated V6, available only in the Trailhawk. With 270PS it was easily the most powerful model, perhaps not shown off to best effect by an 8.4-second 0-62mph time. Combined economy lags the diesels, but at 29.4mpg wasn’t too bad for a large petrol.

What used Jeep Cherokee trim levels are available?

Jeep didn’t hold back on the equipment in the various Cherokee trim levels. Right from the Longitude Plus there was plenty of kit, but moving up the range still brings desirable extra features, including leather trim, rear-view cameras, better headlights, and in the case of the Trailhawk, several elements designed to enhance the Cherokee’s off-road abilities.

• The Jeep Cherokee Longitude Plus was the Cherokee’s well-equipped base model before it went off sale, replacing a slightly less kitted-up Longitude. Standard kit included an 8.4-inch infotainment screen and a 9-speaker Alpine audio system, rear parking sensors, climate control, cruise control, 8-way power seats, auto lights and wipers, and a power tailgate.
• The Jeep Cherokee Limited got a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, park assist with front and rear sensors, a rear-view camera for parking, keyless go, Nappa leather seats, privacy glass, and bi-xenon headlights.
• The Jeep Cherokee Overland added to the Limited’s features with body-colour lower bumper elements, various Overland details including fancier floormats, a wooden insert in the steering wheel (really!) and a dual-pane sunroof.
• The Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk was the off-road biased one of the bunch, building on the Longitude Plus with off-road suspension, hill descent control, underbody protection and skid plates, Nappa leather, bi-xenon headlamps, unique exterior styling elements, and most notably, was the only model available with the 3.2-litre V6 petrol engine.

Used Jeep Cherokee dimensions and boot size

The Jeep Cherokee’s dimensions are:

• Length: 4623mm-4626mm
• Width: 1859mm-1904mm (without mirrors)
• Height: 1669mm-1722mm
• Ground clearance: 142mm-221mm

The Jeep Cherokee’s boot size is:

• 591 litres
• 714 litres (to roof)
• 1267 litres with the rear seats folded (to roof)

Used Jeep Cherokee road tax

For models registered since April 2017, you’ll be looking at one of two VED or ‘road tax’ bands. If the original list price of the Cherokee you’re looking at was under £40,000, then you can expect to pay £180 per year. If the list price was over £40,000 (so for later cars, some Limited models, all Overland variants, and the Trailhawk), then the Cherokee attracts a surcharge, bumping the tax up to a hefty £570 per year, in the second to sixth years of registration. This does mean the earliest models will soon drop down to a lower tax rate, though. Pre April 2017, VED costs will be based on the car’s CO2 ratings.

How much is it to insure a Jeep Cherokee?

The Jeep Cherokee’s insurance groups ranged between 26 for a 2.0-litre Multijet in front-wheel drive form and Longitude Plus spec, to group 35 for the range-topping petrol Trailhawk. This is more than you’d expect from a more conventional crossover like a Nissan Qashqai (groups 11-17), but similar to a Land Rover Discovery Sport (groups 27-37).

Read our full Jeep Cherokee review