The Jeep Cherokee, especially the XJ, is an iconic staple in automotive culture and has been credited with changing the way Americans view SUVs. The boxy XJ was produced from 1984 to 1998 and it’s hard not to envision the classic vehicle when mentioning, “Cherokee.”
The fifth-generation Jeep Cherokee saw a major overhaul in 2014 and has been welcomed with open arms as its aesthetics give a nod to the past while remaining masculine and modern. The front fascia is a welcomed evolution of the old school grille with its slanted nose and vertical bars. The LED headlights are simply awesome and far exceed the cool factor of even some high-end SUVs. The Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl hue is a nice compliment to the chrome and unlike the rest of the model lineup, the lower portion of the Overland is treated to the same coating. This just further adds to the premium vibe and sets it apart from its competition in the segment.
Inside, the Cherokee Overland truly shines. In the middle of the dash lies the 8.4” Uconnect monitor that’s featured in most of the top Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep vehicles. It’s very simple to operate and features a big, bright touchscreen. The seats are covered in white perforated leather which compliments the brown dash and aluminum accents quite well. Everything feels and looks luxurious and justifies the hefty price paid.
Highway driving with the Cherokee Overland is cozy and four adults can travel comfortably on a weekend trip with luggage included. There’s a bit of wind noise under certain situations but I chalked that up to the massive panoramic moonroof. Gas mileage seemed to be a little less than advertised and due to its smaller tank it felt like I was at the gas pump every couple of days. The $1495 Technology Group package was a welcomed addition with LaneSense lane depart warning, advanced brake assist and adaptive cruise control.
SPEC
2017 Jeep Cherokee Overland 4×4
PRICE (AS TESTED): $42,775.00
POWERTRAIN: 3.2-liter V6; 271 hp, 239 lb-ft
MPG (COMBINED): 22 MPG