2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited Review

Joel Helmes road tests and reviews the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited.

The new Jeep Cherokee is here and in recent weeks I’ve had a drive of the entry-level four-cylinder/2WD Sport and the base-model V6 known as the Longitude.

The Limited sits underneath the top-spec Trailhawk, the biggest difference being the Trailhawk features dual-range 4×4 for added off-road ability.

Featuring the same 3.2 litre V6 petrol engine and nine-speed transmission as the Longitude and Trailhawk, expect fuel consumption to be up around 13.5 litres per 100kms in city driving.

Acceleration is impressive if you are willing to push the Cherokee, otherwise it’s got a bit of a lazy feel about it.

As you would expect, as compared to the four-cylinder versions 130kW and 232Nm, the V6 delivers a much meatier 200kW and 316Nm and this really can be felt when tackling a hill or with a full cabin.

With lower profile tyres on larger 18”wheels the Limited offers only a passable ride, handling though is pretty good.

Inside the cabin, this grade of Cherokee features a large centre touchscreen, digital driver info screen, powered tail-gate and leather seats.

The handy under-seat storage area below the passenger seat base is a highlight and features in this grade of Cherokee.

The massive panoramic glass sunroof which featured on my test car is a $1,900 option.

Once again, I was disappointed by the lack of a driver’s footrest, was frustrated by the positioning and design of the key and ignition, and was perplexed by the air setting reverting to the fresh setting whenever the ignition was switched off.

The huge A/B/C pillars are also distracting!

As with all grades of the Cherokee the Limited has a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Summing it up: This was my final week following a run of three Cherokee’s and I come away once again feeling as though the model is close, but not quite as ‘finished’ as perhaps it should be.

The styling is interesting and bold and the feel inside the cabin is generally more than passable, but with a starting price of $44,000 for the Limited, I would be expecting just a little more. Once again, if driving predominately in the city the Sport probably offers the best value package and naturally the best fuel economy.

Once again though, check out some rivals such as the Kia Sportage, Hyundai ix35 and Ford Kuga before putting down your cash.