Category: Small 4x4s 
Price Range: £20,095 to £24,595
Modern yet Jeep-like looks, great off-road ability yet capable on-road, space, value, ingenious two-part tailgate
Poor pedal positioning, some illogical switchgear, unrefined engines
An impressive reinterpretation of the Cherokee theme
The new engines are more economical than their dated predecessors but, at an average 19.3 mpg, the V6 is still pretty thirsty. The CRD turbo-diesel does rather better, with a 31.4 mpg figure to make up for its performance deficit. Residual values are likely to be strong and servicing is simple. Insurance groupings are not yet settled. Old-model Cherokees have held their value quite well despite their dated design, but they will fade now the new one has arrived. They could become bargain buys compared with the first used examples of the new model to enter the second-hand market. Longer term, the new Cherokee's toughness should make it a durable and reliable buy. Chrysler Jeep intends to undercut equivalent five-door Freelanders, so with their bigger engines and mighty off-road ability, combined with civilised on-road manners, the Cherokee is good value.
Latest Readers' Drives About the Jeep Cherokee
wrote on 19 07 2006