A year of microchip shortages and other supply chain problems has made car shopping less pleasant in many ways but could do one nice thing for shoppers. It helps automakers decide to keep things simple.
Case in point — the Jeep Cherokee came in nine trim levels for 2021. This year, it will come in just four.
The Cherokee is Jeep’s compact SUV. It stands out in a class full of look-alike soft-roaders, thanks to its genuine off-road chops. It’s plenty liveable for everyday use but can also handle itself when the road ends.
For 2022, it comes in four flavors. Prices are up across the board from 2021, but much equipment that had been optional is now standard, such as Jeep’s Uconnect 4C entertainment system powering the new 8.4-inch central touchscreen.
Two Entry-Level Options
A pair of entry-level trims share the same price but different character.
The Latitude Lux is biased for comfort. The only front-wheel-drive option in the lineup, it includes a power liftgate, dual-zone climate control, and a color digital driver’s display. It comes standard with a 180-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, but a 270-horsepower turbocharged model is available. The Latitude Lux starts at $33,995, plus a $1,595 destination fee (high for a domestic model).
That same price will get you the Cherokee X instead if you prefer a more trail-ready ride. Coming only in 4-wheel drive, the X sits an inch higher for added ground clearance. Under the hood, it carries the venerable 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 that Stellantis brands put into many vehicles. Here, it’s good for 271 horsepower.
More Serious Off-Road, Luxury Options
The next step up is the Trailhawk model, now asking $37,045. It adds all-terrain tires, unique diamond-cut aluminum wheels, an upgraded off-road suspension, a 2-speed transfer case, and a rear skid plate.
The top-of-the-line model is now the Limited, with a sticker price of $38,745. It carries the V6, though the turbocharged 4-cylinder is available as an option. It lacks the off-road suspension of the Trailhawk but gets creature comforts like a standard sunroof, power driver’s seat with memory setting, and Nappa leather seating surfaces.
