Jeep Cherokee 2.4 Limited (A) Review
24 Sep 2014|13,423 views
With a 4X4 four-wheeled drive and transmission modes that make driving through conditions with mud and snow a breeze, cars from Jeep need little introduction as off-road warriors that espouse the American brand's 'go anywhere' heritage.
With the return of the Jeep's mid-sized Cherokee Limited SUV to its model lineup in mid-August, the brand has softened its approach to whet increasingly urban appetites.
Cool and clean-looking 18-inch wheels complete the car's modern appearance
The new 2014 Jeep Cherokee now boasts some radical new looks (only natural for an all new car) and a more efficient 2.4-litre naturally aspirated engine paired with a ZF-sourced nine-speed automatic gearbox for greater fuel economy.
Available here in two variants, the Cherokee Limited is more focused on comfort, while the off-road focused Cherokee Trailhawk has been setup at a $10,000 premium for enthusiasts to rule the trails.
Exterior
Visually, the Cherokee is an acquired taste, with its triple-deck headlight design and aerodynamic update on the traditional Jeep seven-slot front grille being the main point of contention.
With the return of the Jeep's mid-sized Cherokee Limited SUV to its model lineup in mid-August, the brand has softened its approach to whet increasingly urban appetites.
The new 2014 Jeep Cherokee now boasts some radical new looks (only natural for an all new car) and a more efficient 2.4-litre naturally aspirated engine paired with a ZF-sourced nine-speed automatic gearbox for greater fuel economy.
Available here in two variants, the Cherokee Limited is more focused on comfort, while the off-road focused Cherokee Trailhawk has been setup at a $10,000 premium for enthusiasts to rule the trails.
Exterior
Visually, the Cherokee is an acquired taste, with its triple-deck headlight design and aerodynamic update on the traditional Jeep seven-slot front grille being the main point of contention.
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For some, the provocation of the car's front end may be a deal breaker, but in the same way that there are people who look better in person than in photographs, this car is one of them.
At 4,624mm long, 1,859mm wide and 1,707mm tall, the Cherokee is a big car, but it is also very well-proportioned and well-finished with all the right curves. Built on the Fiat Group's modular platform using high-strength steel, the car looks solidly put together with muscular lines giving it a commanding presence on the road.
Unlike the Volvo XC60 and the Range Rover Evoque that it is positioned against here in Singapore, the Cherokee doesn't possess the seductiveness of a sloping roofline. But thanks to features like LED daytime running lights and a muscular stance with protective lower body, the car emanates a sophisticated ruggedness that would suit the outdoor loving city slicker.
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Interior
On the inside, the Cherokee boasts a very welcoming five-seater cabin that's fitted out with soft-touch materials and ergonomic leather seats that will be welcome over long drives. Luxury wouldn't be a word to describe its interior trim, but it is practical, well-insulated against road noise, and comfortable.
Practical and well-insulated cabin is a pleasant place to be in
At a time when manufacturers are including as many driver aids and functions as they can into their cars, Jeep's design and engineering team have managed to make them extremely driver-friendly so that they can actually be made use of on-the-go.
On the inside, the Cherokee boasts a very welcoming five-seater cabin that's fitted out with soft-touch materials and ergonomic leather seats that will be welcome over long drives. Luxury wouldn't be a word to describe its interior trim, but it is practical, well-insulated against road noise, and comfortable.
At a time when manufacturers are including as many driver aids and functions as they can into their cars, Jeep's design and engineering team have managed to make them extremely driver-friendly so that they can actually be made use of on-the-go.
Before even entering the car, the keyless remote lets you start the car up from a distance to cool off the interior. Stepping in, the buttons to control features like adaptive cruise control, lane assist as well as configuring the dashboard computer are all clearly marked and within easy reach. Most notably, the large 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system boasts an easy-to-use interface that other manufacturers could take cue from.
An enormous 700 litres of boot space readily available for you
In addition to numerous storage holes, the automatic tailgate opens up to accommodate 700 litres of gear or luggage with the rear seats adjustable to inflate the space.
In addition to numerous storage holes, the automatic tailgate opens up to accommodate 700 litres of gear or luggage with the rear seats adjustable to inflate the space.
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The Drive
Mated to a ZF nine-speed automatic, the car's initial gear shifts feel more aggressive as it is set up to accommodate off-road adventures. At highway speeds, though, the shifts smoothen out greatly. While the car boasts nine gears, cruising along the highway didn't see us come close to breaching the seventh.
Despite the car's heft, height and softly-sprung suspension, the drive is reassuringly solid and quiet, providing you work within said limitations. The electronic safety aids - like electronic brake distribution and the automatic steering corrections made by the Lane Departure warning system when you drift off your lane - are helpful but take some getting used to.
Moving the Cherokee's 1.8-tonne mass is Jeep's naturally aspirated 'Tigershark MultiAir 2 I-4' engine that puts out 174bhp with 229Nm of torque
Performance wise, the Cherokee's 10.5-second century sprint and 175km/h top speed aren't much, but you'd hardly find a need to drive the car hard on our increasingly crowded city roads.
Fortunately, our nicely paved roads allow us to leave the Cherokee's Selec-Terrain in Auto. This gives the electronics controlling the car free reign to decouple the rear axle in favour of a more fuel efficient front-wheel drive mode when cruising.
Mated to a ZF nine-speed automatic, the car's initial gear shifts feel more aggressive as it is set up to accommodate off-road adventures. At highway speeds, though, the shifts smoothen out greatly. While the car boasts nine gears, cruising along the highway didn't see us come close to breaching the seventh.
Despite the car's heft, height and softly-sprung suspension, the drive is reassuringly solid and quiet, providing you work within said limitations. The electronic safety aids - like electronic brake distribution and the automatic steering corrections made by the Lane Departure warning system when you drift off your lane - are helpful but take some getting used to.
Performance wise, the Cherokee's 10.5-second century sprint and 175km/h top speed aren't much, but you'd hardly find a need to drive the car hard on our increasingly crowded city roads.
Fortunately, our nicely paved roads allow us to leave the Cherokee's Selec-Terrain in Auto. This gives the electronics controlling the car free reign to decouple the rear axle in favour of a more fuel efficient front-wheel drive mode when cruising.
That said, the car's actual fuel economy falls short of the published 13.1km/L given the start-stop driving conditions on our roads. Other modes available include Snow, Mud/Sand, Sport and a low-range four-wheel drive for towing.
Conclusion
Jeep has been wanting to break away from the mould of being an off-road enthusiast's brand of choice. With the new Cherokee Limited, the American brand finally has a city-savvy car that will see it inch closer to that aim.
You can select four driving modes for different terrains
There's no doubting that the Cherokee's provocative looks may limit its appeal. But look beyond that and you'll have a solid drive that prioritises the driver's needs and wants.
We've always been partial to versatility and when you have a car as adept on urban roads as it is off the beaten path, it is definitely one to consider, more so if you're an avid outdoor person.
The Jeep Cherokee is currently available at a launch special price of $208,000 with COE. Terms and conditions apply.
Conclusion
Jeep has been wanting to break away from the mould of being an off-road enthusiast's brand of choice. With the new Cherokee Limited, the American brand finally has a city-savvy car that will see it inch closer to that aim.
There's no doubting that the Cherokee's provocative looks may limit its appeal. But look beyond that and you'll have a solid drive that prioritises the driver's needs and wants.
We've always been partial to versatility and when you have a car as adept on urban roads as it is off the beaten path, it is definitely one to consider, more so if you're an avid outdoor person.
The Jeep Cherokee is currently available at a launch special price of $208,000 with COE. Terms and conditions apply.
With a 4X4 four-wheeled drive and transmission modes that make driving through conditions with mud and snow a breeze, cars from Jeep need little introduction as off-road warriors that espouse the American brand's 'go anywhere' heritage.
With the return of the Jeep's mid-sized Cherokee Limited SUV to its model lineup in mid-August, the brand has softened its approach to whet increasingly urban appetites.
The new 2014 Jeep Cherokee now boasts some radical new looks (only natural for an all new car) and a more efficient 2.4-litre naturally aspirated engine paired with a ZF-sourced nine-speed automatic gearbox for greater fuel economy.
Available here in two variants, the Cherokee Limited is more focused on comfort, while the off-road focused Cherokee Trailhawk has been setup at a $10,000 premium for enthusiasts to rule the trails.
Exterior
Visually, the Cherokee is an acquired taste, with its triple-deck headlight design and aerodynamic update on the traditional Jeep seven-slot front grille being the main point of contention.
With the return of the Jeep's mid-sized Cherokee Limited SUV to its model lineup in mid-August, the brand has softened its approach to whet increasingly urban appetites.
The new 2014 Jeep Cherokee now boasts some radical new looks (only natural for an all new car) and a more efficient 2.4-litre naturally aspirated engine paired with a ZF-sourced nine-speed automatic gearbox for greater fuel economy.
Available here in two variants, the Cherokee Limited is more focused on comfort, while the off-road focused Cherokee Trailhawk has been setup at a $10,000 premium for enthusiasts to rule the trails.
Exterior
Visually, the Cherokee is an acquired taste, with its triple-deck headlight design and aerodynamic update on the traditional Jeep seven-slot front grille being the main point of contention.
For some, the provocation of the car's front end may be a deal breaker, but in the same way that there are people who look better in person than in photographs, this car is one of them.
At 4,624mm long, 1,859mm wide and 1,707mm tall, the Cherokee is a big car, but it is also very well-proportioned and well-finished with all the right curves. Built on the Fiat Group's modular platform using high-strength steel, the car looks solidly put together with muscular lines giving it a commanding presence on the road.
Unlike the Volvo XC60 and the Range Rover Evoque that it is positioned against here in Singapore, the Cherokee doesn't possess the seductiveness of a sloping roofline. But thanks to features like LED daytime running lights and a muscular stance with protective lower body, the car emanates a sophisticated ruggedness that would suit the outdoor loving city slicker.
At 4,624mm long, 1,859mm wide and 1,707mm tall, the Cherokee is a big car, but it is also very well-proportioned and well-finished with all the right curves. Built on the Fiat Group's modular platform using high-strength steel, the car looks solidly put together with muscular lines giving it a commanding presence on the road.
Unlike the Volvo XC60 and the Range Rover Evoque that it is positioned against here in Singapore, the Cherokee doesn't possess the seductiveness of a sloping roofline. But thanks to features like LED daytime running lights and a muscular stance with protective lower body, the car emanates a sophisticated ruggedness that would suit the outdoor loving city slicker.
Interior
On the inside, the Cherokee boasts a very welcoming five-seater cabin that's fitted out with soft-touch materials and ergonomic leather seats that will be welcome over long drives. Luxury wouldn't be a word to describe its interior trim, but it is practical, well-insulated against road noise, and comfortable.
At a time when manufacturers are including as many driver aids and functions as they can into their cars, Jeep's design and engineering team have managed to make them extremely driver-friendly so that they can actually be made use of on-the-go.
On the inside, the Cherokee boasts a very welcoming five-seater cabin that's fitted out with soft-touch materials and ergonomic leather seats that will be welcome over long drives. Luxury wouldn't be a word to describe its interior trim, but it is practical, well-insulated against road noise, and comfortable.
At a time when manufacturers are including as many driver aids and functions as they can into their cars, Jeep's design and engineering team have managed to make them extremely driver-friendly so that they can actually be made use of on-the-go.
Before even entering the car, the keyless remote lets you start the car up from a distance to cool off the interior. Stepping in, the buttons to control features like adaptive cruise control, lane assist as well as configuring the dashboard computer are all clearly marked and within easy reach. Most notably, the large 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system boasts an easy-to-use interface that other manufacturers could take cue from.
In addition to numerous storage holes, the automatic tailgate opens up to accommodate 700 litres of gear or luggage with the rear seats adjustable to inflate the space.
In addition to numerous storage holes, the automatic tailgate opens up to accommodate 700 litres of gear or luggage with the rear seats adjustable to inflate the space.
The Drive
Mated to a ZF nine-speed automatic, the car's initial gear shifts feel more aggressive as it is set up to accommodate off-road adventures. At highway speeds, though, the shifts smoothen out greatly. While the car boasts nine gears, cruising along the highway didn't see us come close to breaching the seventh.
Despite the car's heft, height and softly-sprung suspension, the drive is reassuringly solid and quiet, providing you work within said limitations. The electronic safety aids - like electronic brake distribution and the automatic steering corrections made by the Lane Departure warning system when you drift off your lane - are helpful but take some getting used to.
Performance wise, the Cherokee's 10.5-second century sprint and 175km/h top speed aren't much, but you'd hardly find a need to drive the car hard on our increasingly crowded city roads.
Fortunately, our nicely paved roads allow us to leave the Cherokee's Selec-Terrain in Auto. This gives the electronics controlling the car free reign to decouple the rear axle in favour of a more fuel efficient front-wheel drive mode when cruising.
Mated to a ZF nine-speed automatic, the car's initial gear shifts feel more aggressive as it is set up to accommodate off-road adventures. At highway speeds, though, the shifts smoothen out greatly. While the car boasts nine gears, cruising along the highway didn't see us come close to breaching the seventh.
Despite the car's heft, height and softly-sprung suspension, the drive is reassuringly solid and quiet, providing you work within said limitations. The electronic safety aids - like electronic brake distribution and the automatic steering corrections made by the Lane Departure warning system when you drift off your lane - are helpful but take some getting used to.
Performance wise, the Cherokee's 10.5-second century sprint and 175km/h top speed aren't much, but you'd hardly find a need to drive the car hard on our increasingly crowded city roads.
Fortunately, our nicely paved roads allow us to leave the Cherokee's Selec-Terrain in Auto. This gives the electronics controlling the car free reign to decouple the rear axle in favour of a more fuel efficient front-wheel drive mode when cruising.
That said, the car's actual fuel economy falls short of the published 13.1km/L given the start-stop driving conditions on our roads. Other modes available include Snow, Mud/Sand, Sport and a low-range four-wheel drive for towing.
Conclusion
Jeep has been wanting to break away from the mould of being an off-road enthusiast's brand of choice. With the new Cherokee Limited, the American brand finally has a city-savvy car that will see it inch closer to that aim.
There's no doubting that the Cherokee's provocative looks may limit its appeal. But look beyond that and you'll have a solid drive that prioritises the driver's needs and wants.
We've always been partial to versatility and when you have a car as adept on urban roads as it is off the beaten path, it is definitely one to consider, more so if you're an avid outdoor person.
The Jeep Cherokee is currently available at a launch special price of $208,000 with COE. Terms and conditions apply.
Conclusion
Jeep has been wanting to break away from the mould of being an off-road enthusiast's brand of choice. With the new Cherokee Limited, the American brand finally has a city-savvy car that will see it inch closer to that aim.
There's no doubting that the Cherokee's provocative looks may limit its appeal. But look beyond that and you'll have a solid drive that prioritises the driver's needs and wants.
We've always been partial to versatility and when you have a car as adept on urban roads as it is off the beaten path, it is definitely one to consider, more so if you're an avid outdoor person.
The Jeep Cherokee is currently available at a launch special price of $208,000 with COE. Terms and conditions apply.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Also read our comparison article on:
Jeep Cherokee 2.4 Limited (A) vs Lvs Rover Discovery Sport 2.0 HSE (A)
Car Information
Jeep Cherokee 2.4 Limited (A)
CAT B|Petrol|11.4km/L
Horsepower
130kW (174 bhp)
Torque
229 Nm
Acceleration
-
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Jeep Cherokee
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