2021 Jeep Cherokee

The all-new Cherokee comes in nine trims: Latitude, Freedom, Latitude Plus, Altitude, Latitude Lux, 80th Anniversary, Limited, Trailhawk, and High Altitude. The base saddles up with active grille shutters, bright side roof rails, LED front and rear lamps, and 17-inch painted aluminum wheels. It also coats the outside with "Cherokee" and "Jeep" badging for a more distinct finish.

Higher tiers opt for upfits such as gloss-black or granite-crystal moldings, dual bright exhaust tips, a hands-free power liftgate, and aluminum wheels spanning 18 to 19 inches in diameter. Moreover, this model boasts a unique selection of exterior topcoats. Premium options include Light Brownstone, Spitfire Orange, and Velvet Red.

This SUV carries a standard 2.4-liter MultiAir engine and nine-speed automatic transmission. As a couple they churn out 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. An available 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 generates 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque, while an optional 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine tosses out 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

The Jeep Cherokee flaunts front-wheel or four-wheel drive, plus all-speed traction control, hill start assist, and trailer sway damping. What's more, it benefits from all-season tires and a terrain management system that help you adapt to a variety of surfaces. Meanwhile, the Trailhawk runs with exclusives such as an off-road suspension, red tow hooks, and surrounding skid plates.

We can't forget to mention this vehicle's capabilities. For starters it earns up to 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. It also tows 2,000 pounds of trailer weight with the base MultiAir engine. The Pentastar V-6 raises this to 4,500 pounds.

There are plenty of attractive furnishings across the cabin, including a blend of black and beige accents, a full-length floor console, and rear air-conditioning outlets. The most innovative of the bunch is a Uconnect 4 infotainment system that supports everything from Bluetooth audio streaming to smartphone integration and a six-month SiriusXM subscription.

Available upgrades for this SUV include ambient LED lighting, a power sunroof, a universal garage door opener, and front seats with climate control and lumbar support. Also on the market are Mopar slush mats that offset interior messes and leather upholstery for a dash of elegance. For the digital interface, your options include an 8.4-inch touch screen, GPS navigation, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's safety package consists of an anti-theft engine immobilizer, front knee bolsters, a rear backup camera, and supplemental side-curtain air bags. Advanced systems further include blind-spot and cross-path detection, enhanced accident response, and full-speed forward collision warning.

Optional equipment includes adaptive cruise control with stop and go, advanced park and unpark assist, and side distance warning. A security alarm is available as well, which helps add more peace of mind to your daily routine.