2021 Jeep Cherokee: Four By Four Fun

The Jeep Cherokee started as a two-door version of the Jeep Wagoneer. It was meant to be a sportier variant and cheaper than its four-door counterpart. That Cherokee was introduced in 1974, but the one most people are most familiar with would be the XJ model, introduced in 1984. Since its release, it has become a favorite of rock crawlers and weekend warriors alike and is easy to spot on the lot of your Ohio Jeep dealer. This model was simple, rugged, and easier to build than a box of legos.

The Cherokee nameplate carried on in other countries for its third generation, but the name was changed to the Liberty for the North American market in 2002. It was the smallest four-door SUV offered by Jeep until the Compass would take that honor in 2007. It made use of the PowerTech line of four-cylinder engines in early versions, but they were quickly dropped for a V6, as the smaller Compass was found to meet the needs of gas-conscious buyers. The Cherokee was redesigned in 2008 and continued on as the Liberty for us in America. It wasn’t until 2014 that the Cherokee nameplate would return, this time built on the midsize crossover platform developed jointly by Fiat and Chrysler. The 2021 Jeep Cherokee is a healthy update to that platform.

Boxy No More

The current generation of Cherokee caused no small amount of stir when it was introduced, as it did away with the traditional styling that the Cherokee had been known for. The new Cherokee was sharper, crisper, and more actively aggressive. The front end still retained the seven-slotted grille (a Jeep trademark that was actually made by Ford when in the early design stages for the Jeep back in the Second World War), but the whole front end was redesigned around it. The headlights were thinner and no longer a simple shape like the circles and squares of previous generations. Two large faux air intake grilles sat low in the bumper with a low set functional mesh grille between them.

The side profile is the most striking, as the Cherokee now has a rakish slant to the windshield, and the nose is no longer blunt. The roof slants downward, as is popular on many crossovers, and features roof rails that can be used to tie down cargo. The wheel arches have a squared-off character line above them, as if hinting at the boxiness of former generations, and features a crease running between them along the doors.

The rear end has large taillights and a small spoiler overhanging the rear glass. The badges are small and tastefully denoting the trim selected along with the four by four option. While the fifth generation of the Jeep Cherokee is a departure from the ones that came before it, the 2021 Cherokee remains a striking example of modern car design.

Comfortable Interior

The interior is stylish and designed with the great outdoors in mind. On the top level High Altitude, all the way to the lowliest Limited, one will find a smartly designed cabin swathed in premium vinyl, ombre cloth, or Nappa leather, and the latest technology. The seats are firm and supportive, and the Cherokee offers heated and cooled seats, along with an Alpine Premium Audio system. Also available is a dual power sunroof and a 60/40 folding split rear seat. Standard equipment includes heated side mirrors and automatic power windows. Depending on the trim chosen, such as the Trailhawk, Latitude, Altitude, and Freedom Edition, you can get your leather interior with fetching contrasted stitching to invoke the outdoor landscapes that inspired them.

Four Unique Limited Editions

80th Anniversary- Made From History. This is the tagline Jeep uses for this edition of the Jeep Cherokee and every other vehicle offered in its lineup. It’s easy to see why, as this trim level pays homage to the Jeep brand of the past. For the Cherokee, this means getting access to a trim-specific Granite Crystalline Metallic Finish, which adds a touch of class to the exterior of your car. You’ll also find a commemorative badge affixed to the fender on each side in distinctive silver and black with a small badge next to it showing the original Jeep that started it all. Interior features include an 8.4-inch touchscreen and unique sticking on the front seats, along with smooth silver gauge bezels to make it stand out from other trims of the Cherokee.

High Altitude- This is the complete package and made to satisfy the most discerning tastes. Wheels and badging are coated in the same unique clearcoat offered on the 80th Anniversary edition and makes them instantly distinctive from other trims. The wheels are also larger than any other offered on other trims at a massive nineteen inches. Standard is the Dual Panel sunroof mentioned above, as well as the 8.4-inch infotainment screen. From the ground up, this is as good as the Cherokee gets.

Freedom- This limited edition trim takes inspiration from military heritage, so you’ll find a matte black stripe on the hood that stops glare and features an old-fashioned military star off to the side. This star is similar to what you might have found on Jeeps of wartime. The wheels are painted matte black, and there is a small American flag logo above the Cherokee nameplate, in stark black and white. The interior features black leather and the exclusive phrase Oscar Mike stitched into the front seat headrests. This is military lingo for ‘On The Move” and fits into the rugged styling of the 2021 Cherokee well.

Altitude- This trim blacks out most of the chrome seen on the regular models, including the wheels. These became eighteen-inch gloss black beauties. Standard on this trim is heated seats and a heated steering wheel. The Altitude is a sporty black-out trim package that is guaranteed to catch some looks as you make your way on another adventure.

Own a Legend

For decades the name Cherokee has meant that your Jeep is both comfortable and capable. It has meant that there was no need to sacrifice luxury for off-roading performance, and that is true for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee now more than ever. If you’re looking for the most capable crossover for off-roading, look no further than the Cherokee Trailhawk, which uses a powerful 3.2-liter V6 coupled to an advanced nine-speed automatic transmission.

If you want luxury, the High Altitude may be the Cherokee for you, with its unique blend of custom wheel choices, paint finishes, and a supple leather interior. Dual sunroofs add to the feeling of exclusivity and ensure that you’ll arrive in style, no matter where the road may take you. The 80th Anniversary edition of the Cherokee pays tribute to the brand’s interesting and engaging past, while the Freedom trim looks to the future with its homage to the modern military, which goes hand in hand with the history and development of the Jeep line. No matter what Cherokee you want, you’re getting the best crossover of its type Jeep can offer, with all the steadfast imagery that name conjures up. Stop by Zimmer Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and test drive the new 2021 Jeep Cherokee today.