| Overall Rating |
 |
| Description |
| Cherokee has a clean-cut, muscular all-American image, lots of heritage and real off-road ability. But the styling doesn?t please everyone, it's thirstier than most rivals, and it's only a so-so drive. |
| Handling |
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| Comfort |
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| Quality & Reliability |
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| Performance |
 |
| Roominess |
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| Running Costs |
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| Value for Money |
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| NCAP |
| 4 |
| Worst Models |
| 3.7 V6 Limited |
| Replacement |
| 2008 |
|
 |
| Road Test |
| This Cherokee is the latest in a long line of go-anywhere Jeep estate cars. It's spacious, tough but civilised, and reasonable value, but sport-utility rivals such as Freelander, CR-V and RAV-4 all leave it behind when it comes to driving pleasure. All Cherokee engines, even the smallest 2.5 CRD turbodiesel, put out over 140bhp; the greedy 3.7 V8 (20mpg if you're lucky) has well over 200bhp on tap. They hold their own in the performance arena, although the gear-change on manual cars isn't the slickest in the business. Steering and handling are adequate on-road, although not as enjoyably agile or car-like as CR-V or RAV-4. Off-road capability is excellent, but only a small minority of Cherokee owners will venture there. As a family hold-all, Cherokee has a comfortable five-seater cabin, a two-piece tailgate with a handy opening rear window, and generous equipment. Reliability is good; running costs are average. |
| Positive Points |
- Roomier, better to drive and more comfortable than before
- Good off-road ability; a convincing tow car
- Generous equipment for the money
|
| Negative Points |
- Tonka toy looks don't please everyone
- 2.5 and 2.8 TD engines lack refinement
- 3.7 V6 is thirsty with standard auto 'box
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