2017 Jeep Cherokee: What's Changed

CARS.COM

Most significant changes: High-intensity discharge headlights are standard on all models except the Sport and the Latitude model is available with a Jeep 75th anniversary package.
Price change: Base prices climb by $100 on the Sport; $200 on the Trailhawk and Overland; $250 on the Latitude; and $300 on the Limited.
On sale: Early September
Which should you buy, 2016 or 2017? 2017 because the price increases are modest.

Related: What’s the Best Compact SUV of 2016?

Jeep is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2016 and will mark the occasion with a trim package for the Cherokee Latitude. The only other change of note is that high-intensity discharge headlights are standard on all models except the base Sport, where they remain optional.

The 75th anniversary package available on the Latitude includes 18-inch bronze-painted aluminum wheels, bronze exterior accents, tangerine interior accents, the Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touch screen, a panoramic sunroof, power driver’s seat and other features.

This five-seat SUV returns in five price levels for 2017. The Sport, Latitude, Limited and Overland are available with front- or all-wheel drive, and the Trailhawk off-roader comes only with all-wheel drive. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is standard on all models except the 4×4 Overland, which comes with a 3.2-liter V-6. The V-6 is optional on the others, and all have a standard nine-speed automatic transmission.

Jeep bills the Cherokee as midsize, but its dimensions and interior space are more like that of a compact SUV. Where Cherokees exceed most compact and midsize crossovers is in its off-road prowess: In spite of being built on a car-based, front-drive platform, it delivers the off-road performance expected of a Jeep in Trailhawk trim and on other models when equipped with an optional off-road suspension.

Most SUVs never go off-road and Cherokees generally perform well on-road, though the nine-speed automatic can be glitchy and the four-cylinder engine at times feels overburdened, especially on higher-priced models that carry more weight because of their additional features. The V-6 engine solves that problem (albeit with a fuel economy penalty) and it’s available on all versions. Cherokees also come with polarizing front styling and a long list of available comfort and convenience features that can elevate the price to well over $30,000.