The current fifth-generation Jeep Cherokee has just been updated with new features and performance upgrades for the 2023 model. According to industry insiders, this new version of the fifth-generation Jeep Cherokee is its last update before it enters into an all-new model. Alongside bringing in a new list of updates, Jeep has also trimmed the lineup of the 2023 Cherokee down to only two trim levels for 2023 – Altitude LUX 4x4 and Trailhawk 4x4. Both the variants, specifically the off-road-oriented Trailhawk 4x4, aim to raise the bar among the bests of the premium mid-size SUV category.
The Jeep Cherokee has been ranked as one of the best off-road-oriented mid-size SUVs, even though it is the most softcore offering with a crossover-like design in Jeep’s entire lineup. With the new updates, Jeep intends to give the fifth-generation Cherokee a proper farewell before the all-new version arrives on the block sometime next year. Here, we are trying to crack the code behind the aspects that make the 2023 Jeep Cherokee a more potent SUV than all the other mid-size SUVs on sale right now.
The 2023 Jeep Cherokee Promises To Offer Class-Leading Off-Road Drivability
The world knows Jeep as a brand that aces the term ‘4x4’, and the Cherokee is one instrumental link in Jeep's lineage. The 2023 Cherokee takes forward the legacy by offering best-in-class mechanical and electronic setup for driving over those terrains where the going gets more grueling.
The four-wheel drive system offered in the 2023 Jeep Cherokee features a Jeep Selec-Terrain traction control system with four customizable modes – Auto, Snow, Sport, and Sand/Mud. The Trailhawk 4x4 trim variant gets an additional Rock mode for even better traction on rocky terrains and an industry-first rear-axle disconnect for enhancing fuel efficiency when the 4x4 drive mode is not engaged.
The other best-in-class attributes making the off-road drivability of the Jeep Cherokee better than other mid-size SUVs are a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 lbs and a crawl ratio of 51:1 for low-range traction. If you want a proper go-anywhere machine, the Trailhawk 4x4 is the variant to pick, which comes with additional attributes like a universal garage opener, automatic high-beam headlamps, and auto-dimming rearview mirror over the other variant on offer.
More Luxury For The 2023 Jeep Cherokee With The New Altitude LUX Variant
Premium mid-size SUVs offer a more luxurious and stepped-up feel over compact SUVs, and the 2023 Cherokee tries to excel over other mid-size SUVs with the new Altitude LUX 4x4 variant. This new trim gets LED lighting as standard, in addition to a gloss black finish for the 17-inch alloy wheels, grille surrounds, and badges.
The actual essence of luxury of a vehicle is better experienced on the inside, and the 2023 Cherokee tries to be one-up over the rest with features like piano-black inserts, black Nappa leather seats, a 7-inch TFT screen in the instrument console, and heated seats and steering wheel in its cabin. The upmarket feel of the 2023 Cherokee is further assured by the new 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, park assist features, which are also available exclusively in the Trailhawk 4x4 variant. Adding more convenience to the 2023 Cherokee are features like a hands-free powered tailgate, the latest Uconnect system with more connectivity, and an improved version of Jeep Skill.
For making its road presence noticeable over other mid-size SUVs, Jeep has equipped the 2023 Cherokee with a slew of features like bi-LED projector headlamps with signature daytime running LEDs and upsized 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels. It also gets restyled front fascia, hood, and housings for the headlamps and fog lamps for a more upmarket appeal.
The 2023 Jeep Cherokee Gets A Revised Powertrain Claiming Improved Numbers
Turbocharging for internal combustion engines is the new way to go. And the 2023 Jeep Cherokee ensures that it isn’t lagging behind other players in the mid-size SUV segment with its improved 2.0-liter inline-four turbocharged engine. With 270 hp and 295 lb-ft, this turbocharged mill available in the Trailhawk 4x4 trim perfectly matches the off-road prowess of the Cherokee in this trim with a peaky torque output, which is now right at the top of the game of mid-size SUVs.
The Altitude LUX 4x4 trim of the 2023 Jeep Cherokee gets the 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated inline-four engine, which puts up 180 hp and 171 lb-ft. While these figures might not be as peaky or impressive as those of the 2.0-liter turbo in Trailhawk 4x4, they are still decent enough to keep up with the competition. Both powertrains are offered with a standard 9-speed automatic transmission in the Cherokee. As a part of the restructuring exercise, the 3.2-liter V6 has been dropped from the Cherokee’s lineup.