2016 Jeep Cherokee Latitude VIDEO REVIEW

2016 Jeep Cherokee Latitude VIDEO REVIEW by Auto Critic Steve Hammes

Jeep is a brand on fire and with our SUV love affair back on the front burner.  And it’s the success of this midsize Cherokee that’s helping record sales. Here’s a look at the 2016 Cherokee Latitude.

If you know your Jeeps then a keen eye will recognize this as a Cherokee Altitude. Based on the mid-trim Latitude, this Cherokee exhibits a dark side, with gloss black grille surrounds, roof rails, front fascia lower applique and badging. Eighteen-inch gloss black painted aluminum wheels and black interior round out the look. The aggressive, edgy Limited Edition Altitude treatment has been available throughout the brand’s lineup for a number of years now and adds $795 to the Cherokee’s sticker.

Now in its 3^rd model year, the Cherokee is Jeep’s best-seller and includes the base Sport, mid-trim Latitude, highly equipped Limited, and off-road aggressive Trailhawk. Capitalizing on the Cherokee’s popularity, Jeep is adding a luxurious, range-topping Overland trim in 2016.

It’s been a couple of years since I’ve driven a Cherokee – a Trailhawk model that I fully enjoyed in the snowy winter of 2014. Well, we had a little snow this time around and that’s fine for this Cherokee Altitude because the Conti ProContact TX tires are designed for high performance and not off-road use. Which is why this particular build with the optional Active Drive II 4-wheel drive system and off-road 1” lifted suspension, is a bit curious. There’s a low range and hill-descent control in addition to Selec-Terrain with 4 selectable modes, including the on-road Sport. So other than these Altitude-specific tires, this Cherokee is equipped for some heightened trail exploration. Even with them, I was able to confidently navigate the unpaved environment without any sticky situations.

My Cherokee also runs with the optional 3.2-liter V6, which is now available even on the base Sport model. It comes with an engine stop-start system to save gas and is mated to a 9-speed automatic, as are all Cherokee models. Along with the disconnecting rear axle for when the front wheels will do just fine on their own, gas mileage is rated at 22mpg combined, the same as a 6-cylinder Subaru Outback. There are lots of small sport-utes out there but the Cherokee distinguishes itself with its true off-road capabilities. Plus, when you’re just running errands or cruising the highway, the Cherokee provides a very soft, comfy ride quality and quiet cabin. The 271-horsepower engine is alive with energy and despite all of the well-documented issues with Chrysler’s 9-speed transmission, I can only say it’s worked well for me and matches smoothly with this motor. The Cherokee’s likeable drivability translates to any situation you put it in.

The most notable changes for 2016 center around this 8.4″ Uconnect system which now includes a drag and drop menu bar, Siri Eyes Free and a do not disturb function.

Uconnect is a darn good system but because this Cherokee doesn’t have the Comfort/Convenience Group, there’s no dual zone auto climate control, making the usage of this setup cumbersome. Plus, it’s navigation capable but only works with paid activation. A 3G Wi-Fi connection can purchased, as well. All-in-all though, this slightly detuned RA3 system is still a good-looking, easy to use screen with lots of features.

Somehow, Jeep needs to work in Keyless Enter ‘n Go as standard. It seems odd to have to still use a key when I’ve got such upscale amenities as heated seats, heated steering wheel and remote start.  My Cherokee does have the optional SafetyTec Group which includes rear park assist, and blind spot and cross path detection.  The sizing is compact spacious with room enough for 2 adults and a kid in the back, flat fold seats absent any histrionics and plenty of clever cargo area contraptions.  There are power outlets, USB ports and under seat storage so even a midtrim Cherokee still feels thoughtful and comfortably equipped.  Pricing starts at $29,085 for this Latitude 4X4 and totals $34,460 as-tested.  Though the Altitude treatment is lost on me, the Cherokee is still a stylish SUV with high comfort and true off-road potential.