2015 Jeep Cherokee Overview

What’s New for the 2015 Jeep Cherokee?

The 2015 Jeep Cherokee continues on the legacy of its predecessor but adds some new features to set it apart. Among the most notable of those new features is the new engine stop-start system implemented for the V6-powered models. In addition, the Latitude and Trailhawk variants get standard automatic headlights and a rearview camera. Drivers can opt for a frontal-crash mitigation system.

 2015 Jeep Cherokee Exterior

Like the 2014 model, the Cherokee loses the iconic round headlights that Jeep is so well-known for. The model does at least continue the tradition of the seven-slot grille.

The five-passenger crossover SUV is offered in four trims: Sport, Latitude, Trailhawk, and Limited. The Sport (base) model is seated on 17-inch steel wheels and is offered with an available Cold Weather Group package, which adds elements such as a wiper de-icer, heated power-folding mirrors, and more. With the Latitude, drivers get alloy wheels, automatic headlights, body-colored door handles and mirrors, fog lights, privacy-tinted glass, and roof rails. Dual sunroofs are optional, as is the Comfort/Convenience package, which adds features such as a cargo cover and net and a power liftgate.

The Trailhawk is meant for real off-road adventure, sitting on wider 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires. It’s also got a suspension tuned for off-roading, as well as a unique trim, skid plates, tow hooks, and more. The Limited takes on most of the Comfort/Convenience package, save for the power liftgate. The wheels are upgraded to 18-inchers (alloy). Drivers can opt for a Luxury Group package with that missing power liftgate and xenon headlights.

2015 Jeep Cherokee Performance

All powertrain offerings for the 2015 Jeep Cherokee are incredibly capable, but it’s the V6 that truly delivers powerful performance and intense acceleration.

The standard engine, however, is the four-cylinder, a 2.4-liter good for 184 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque. The 3.2-liter V6 is optional on all trims except the Sport and pumps out 271 hp and 239 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Drivers have their choice of front-wheel or four-wheel drive on all trims, except for the Trailhawk, on which only the four-wheel-drive system is offered. The Sport, Latitude, and Limited models come standard with Active Drive I 4WD, which is light-duty and good for winter driving. Active Drive II is an advanced version that allows drivers some low-range gear shifting for off-road scenarios. Active Drive II is standard on the Trailhawk trim and available for the others.

With a tow package, V6-powered models can haul up to 4,500 pounds.

2015 Jeep Cherokee Efficiency

There are a number of combinations for engines and drivetrains, all of which yield slightly different fuel economy numbers.

Engine/Drivetrain Combo	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG
Four-Cylinder/Front-Wheel Drive	22	31	25
V6/Front-Wheel Drive	21	29	24
Four-Cylinder/Active Drive I 4WD	21	28	24
V6/Active Drive I 4WD	20	28	23
Four-Cylinder/Active Drive II 4WD	21	27	23
V6/Active Drive II 4WD	21	27	22

The Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk edition yields 22 mpg combined regardless of its engine, due to its all-terrain tires.

2015 Jeep Cherokee Interior

The interior of the 2015 Jeep Cherokee is roomy for front passengers and well-appointed, though cargo space is an issue.

The Sport model is standard with air conditioning, Bluetooth, power accessories, a six-speaker sound system, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and rear seats the slide and recline. The audio system comes with a 5-inch touchscreen interface, an auxiliary audio input, USB/iPod integration, and more. The Cold Weather Group package mentioned above adds heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Latitude adds LED interior lighting, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a folding front passenger seat featuring a storage compartment inside the cushion. Drivers can upgrade the audio system to nine speakers and the touchscreen to 8.4 inches. The Comfort/Convenience package adds a lot of goodies to the interior, including satellite radio, an eight-way power driver seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

The Trailhawk gives drivers a larger gauge cluster display, as well as satellite radio. A Technology Group is optional (mostly adding some safety tech), as is a navigation system and leather upholstery. The Limited adds heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and leather upholstery. For ultimate comfort, the Luxury Group package tacks on memory driver settings and ventilated front seats.

2015 Jeep Cherokee Safety

The Jeep Cherokee received a four-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and “Good” ratings (the highest) from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in its core tests.