However, one area that the Cherokee trails class leaders is interior space. Cargo space is 702 L with rear seats in place and 1,554 L with seats folded, which lags behind several competitors that hover around 1,000 L with seats up and 2,000 L with seats down (RAV4, CR-V, Forester, CX-5). Additionally, the space is not wide, so I had difficulty packing in the hockey bag and stroller. On the plus side, there is a hidden cargo organizer tray under the floor, a neat side pocket with a removable bar that can handle bag hooks (and seemed plenty sturdy) and even a cargo net.
   2014 Jeep Cherokee North 4×4 V6. Click image to enlarge |
The back seat was passable for legroom (it’s actually a leader in this respect) and headroom, child seat installation was a simple affair, although our rear-facing seat encroached on front passenger space. But it’s a narrow back seat, and was a painful struggle for my wife to fit between the child seats – only the RAV4 measures narrower amongst the aforementioned competitors, and it had the same problem as we discovered in our RAV4 vs CR-V Comparison Test.
   2014 Jeep Cherokee North 4×4 V6. Click image to enlarge |
Of course, no Cherokee review is complete without weighing in on its unique design. The interior seems downright conventional next to the headlight slashes and Jeep’s iconic grille slots wrapping over top of the hood. In profile and from the back the Cherokee starts to blend with other popular, swoopy modern crossovers. While I’ve not yet come around completely, I will offer my compliments to Jeep designers that have embraced the notion that headlights no longer need clusters but can be reinvented as novel styling elements, and that new designs can emanate from aerodynamic principles rather than trying to improve the airflow around the flying bricks of yesteryear. There’s still a ways to go, but the Cherokee moves forward in smart ways that many will appreciate, and I’d take this over a Compass any day.
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Aside from the limited space, our week with the Cherokee showed its prowess as a suburban runabout and workday commuter, which is likely to be a far more common application than the adventurous lifestyle Jeep advertises. It’s an entirely livable and enjoyable vehicle without the sacrifices of the Wrangler’s hard-core mission, and a vast improvement over the Liberty and the entry level Patriot and Compass. The 2014 Jeep Cherokee is a highly competitive entry in the growth-leading compact SUV segment thanks to its excellent driving dynamics, modern and user-friendly interior, and refined modern powertrains backed by Jeep’s stellar reputation for performance in any conditions.
Pricing: 2014 Jeep Cherokee North 4×4 V6
Base Price (Sport): $23,495
Base Price (North 4×4): $28,695
Options: 3.2L V6 engine – $1,300; Cold Weather Group – $695; Comfort Convenience group – $1,295; Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl Coat – $225; Uconnect 8.4 – $625; Parkview back-up camera – $325
A/C Tax: $100
Destination: $1,695
Price as tested: $34,995
Crash Test Results:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
