Shark attack!

What we like:

Futuristic design. Lower capacity than previous Jeeps. Very smooth shifting gearbox.

What we dislike:

There’s significant lean in the corners.

Unlike previous Jeeps, the latest Cherokee is equipped with an engine that is friendlier to the wallet. The 2.4-litre naturally aspirated straight four produces 174bhp and 229Nm of torque from 3,900rpm. Off the line the Jeep feels robust on acceleration and despite the significant kerb weight, the engine copes well.

Paired with a ZF sourced nine-speed (Yes! You read that right!) gearbox, the exchange of speed is surprisingly smooth. Usually we’d be wary of anything above seven gears as it would end up changing gears too often but this ZF box does a good job of selecting the right gear at the right moment.

It doesn’t take long to realize that the Cherokee is set up for on road comfort than anything else. While the SUV is truly comfortable in nearly any road condition, it inevitably has an effect on handling. Body roll is apparent in the corners.

The light steering makes the Jeep an easy car to drive around town and a breeze to park. However one needs to get used to the Lane Assist system which feels as if a gnome is playfully taking the wheel from you at times.

The latest Cherokee is a small achievement for the brand in coming up with a decent urban SUV. Not only is it well-equipped, it retains much of its off-road ability that is so deeply embedded in its heritage.

There’s even a variant with enhanced off-road capabilities and looks just as muscular as the Wrangler!

Credits: Story and Photos by Benjamin G. Kline