Jeep Cherokee (2014-2019) review - Practicality, comfort and boot space

The Cherokee is only available in one body style, and unlike some rivals, doesn’t come with the option of seven seats. That said, it’s a spacious mid-sized SUV with a 591-litre boot that expands to 714 litres if you slide the rear seats forward. This obviously minimises legroom, but flip-over panels cover the gap between the boot floor and the seatbacks.

Whichever setting you choose, the load cover droops at the tailgate end, which can leave items exposed or reflecting in the rear window. You also get a removable metal bracket on one side of the boot, which features a set of handy bag hooks.

• Best family cars

In the backs seats you get air vents and a 12v socket. Up front, storage is reasonable, with an armrest cubby, deep door bins and a handy iPod slot on the centre console, but the glovebox is small and the shallow dashtop cubby seems a bit pointless.

Size

The Jeep Cherokee doesn’t feel much bigger or smaller than any of its main rivals. It’s on a par size-wise with models like BMW’s X3 and the Audi Q5. It’s easy enough to drive and the raised ride-height gives a commanding view of the road.

Leg room, head room & passenger space 

Given the size of the Cherokee on the outside, it’s disappointingly cramped on the inside. Rear seat space is a little tight, despite the fact the bench can be slid backwards for more interior space.

Headroom is fine, though, and even taller adults shouldn’t find their hair brushing the roof. There’s a pair of ISOFIX mountings on each of the rear seats, which will prove handy if you have small children.

Having said all that, a Land Rover Discovery Sport is a better all-round package in terms of practicality– especially when you consider it’s available with two seats in the boot. 

Boot 

Boot space in the Jeep Cherokee is good, if a little off the class best. At 591 litres, it’s considerably bigger than family cars like a Ford Mondeo (541 litres) or Vauxhall Insignia (530 litres), and main rivals like the BMW X3 (550 litres) and Audi Q5 (530 litres).

However, the 689-litre Land Rover Discovery Sport takes class honours here. Just remember that with seven on board, the Land Rover’s load space shrinks to just 194 litres.

Fold the Jeep’s rear seats flat and you’ll unveil 1,267 litres of load space – and you can even fold the front passenger seat for extra-long items. However, while that may sound big, the Disco Sport manages a cavernous 1,698 litres and is the car to go for if you regularly carry stuff to the tip. 

Underfloor storage is available, but with just 77 litres on offer, it’s not exactly huge. There’s enough space to stash a few valuables though, or that box of eggs you want to preserve on a spirited drive back from the shops. All cars come with an electrically-operated tailgate, which is particularly handy when your hands are full.

Towing

Towing figures are yet to be confirmed for the updated Cherokee. The maximum braked trailer towing capacity of the old car changed dependent on engine and transmission. The maximum you could tow with any Cherokee was 2,200kg with the petrol 3.2-litre V6 automatic. However, drivers looking for something a little less meaty could go for the 138bhp 2.0-litre diesel or a 2.2-litre diesel available with 182bhp or 197bhp. Just remember that these engines will mean a 400kg reduction in towing power.