Road Test: Jeep Cherokee

With a heritage going back to 1974, the Jeep Cherokee name has a lot to live up to, and it does in its latest guise, writes Brian Byrne. Indeed, it surpasses the legend in many ways, which is what a newest generation should do.

What makes the fifth evolution of the first Sport Utility Vehicle so very different are style, finish, refinement and economy, plus a technological position which arguably matches anything else out there in 4x4 territories.

There's also the little matter that the underpinnings have an Alfa Romeo/Fiat connection, in that the car is built on a modified version of Fiat's Compact platform, the Compact Wide, which is also used by Chrysler and Dodge models in the US, and will carry the next Alfa Romeo mid-sized sedan.

That's all by the by. We're here to find out what the new Cherokee is like. Well, I have already driven it in Italy and the UK, and I've driven both FWD and AWD versions. Long before I got into this red 4WD Limited, I was impressed. As are lots of people in the USA homeland, who initially weren't sure if they were going to accept this European/American version. It's gotten quite rave reviews, over there.

The latest Cherokee is bigger in the metal than it looks in the pictures. There's a svelteness about the style that none of its predecessors had, but there's no mistaking the brand thanks to the very modern version of the famous 7-bar Jeep grille. The overall 'face' of the car is quite distinctive, with those high-level lights clusters actually being the daylight running lights, and the headlights are the ones underneath.

The profile really shows off the good looks of the car, with strong character lines and sculpting adding really good presence. As befits a car that can go seriously off-road, there's plenty of protection fore, side and aft, but it doesn't take from the overall smart looks.

The immediate impression inside is serious class both in design and quality of finish. Instrumentation, fittings, the Uconnect central touch screen on which all 'buttons' are wonderfully large and bright, and in this Limited grade, full leather and other details, all are top-end. The roominess, too, feels as if it might easily challenge its Grand Cherokee big brother for accommodation.

The cargo area has a high floor, though level with the opening, so loading stuff is straightforward. The good thing is that underneath it is a full spare, always a big plus in my eyes these days. Certainly essential on a car that goes off-tarmac. However, there's a sting in the tail about this. Later.

The review car, top of the line below the TrailHawk no-holds-barred version, was powered by the 170hp variant of the 2.0 MultiJet diesel, along with the 9-speed automatic transmission that Jeep are claiming as first in class. With very respectable acceleration, the real thing to note here was how quiet it was from inside the car. No cut-price sound-proofing in this car, it's class-leading quiet to my ears. The auto box is notable for its imperceptible shifting, and looking at the fuel consumption figures is only marginally more thirsty than the 140hp with 6-speed manual that's the other 4WD version (both have the same road tax band of €390).

The non-Trailhawk 4WD Cherokees come with the brand's Active Drive 1, which provides automatic all-wheel-drive when required, otherwise operating the car in FWD. A 'Selec-Terrain' traction control system can be left in Auto, or be set in Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud and Rock modes — all self-explanatory. In the review car, braked towing capacity is 2,475kg, top of the class. There's a clatter of electronic safety stuff that you can specify, best checked with the dealer when you're looking at it.

On the road, the Cherokee proved a really nice drive. Right up to luxury class level. A car that in looks and comfort I could happily take anywhere.

It isn't cheap. Prices start at €36,000 for the Longitude 4x2, while the Limited AWD I drove tips in a hefty €55,600. Plus that sting in the tail? ... yep, the spare wheel is an optional €285. Other bits added including the dual pane sunroof and the Deep Cherry paint brought it to €58,260.

All of which means the Cherokee is in against the premium competition in Ireland. Does that take it out of the ring? Well, in my view, no. I'm not badge conscious. And even if I was, Jeep is a badge I'd be very happy to have in my driveway.