Jeep Cherokee (2001-2008) Review

Comfort and Equipment

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The new suspension system gives a comfortable ride over rough surfaces, which is particularly welcome when off-roading. Fast, undulating bends can set up a slight rocking motion in the V6, but the CRD is better here. The Limited has electric seat adjustment, but even at their lowest setting the front seats are higher than those of the cheaper Sport, and higher than is comfortable for some drivers. Air-conditioning is standard with both trim levels. Wind noise and road roar are low, and the Cherokee is impressively free of rattles. The old Cherokee was tight on headroom and rear legroom, but the new one has plenty of space. The rear seats fold in a single movement which pushes the cushion forward as the backrest folds down, but the resultant load platform isn't quite flat. The tailgate arrangement is very clever. Press a button on the key fob, or pull the handle halfway, and the rear window hinges open under gas-strut power. Pull the handle the whole way, and the window pops up, after which the main side-hinged door can be pulled open. There's no sat-nav, but you do get a single-CD system as well as a cassette player and six speakers (Infinity items in the Limited, which also gets remote controls on the steering wheel). The Cherokee's only clock is contained within the radio display.