It's no surprise that the 2015 Jeep Cherokee SUV is the be-all and end-all when compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 with its off-road capabilities. After all, Jeep, more than any other SUV manufacturer, has a reputation to uphold. But what's really surprising is that despite its off-road capabilities—particularly the Trailhawk—the 2015 Jeep Cherokee doesn't leave the road, where most drivers spend their time. The Jeep Cherokee has a low range and three different four-wheel drive systems that give it incredible rock-crawling ability for a small crossover SUV. In addition, it offers comfort that puts it at the top of its class. Jeep tops it off with an available V6 engine and a class-exclusive 9-speed automatic transmission.
2015 Jeep Cherokee Used Prices
Prices for the 2015 Jeep Cherokee Sport, the base model of this SUV, start at around $23,000 for the front-wheel drive version. Mid-range Cherokee Latitude and Altitude models start at about $24,500 and $26,700, respectively, while Limited models start at about $28,000. If you want the all-terrain Cherokee Trailhawk, bring in $29,500. All-wheel drive on the other models is around $1,000-$2,000 depending on the system and model you buy, while the V6 is around $1,500. That's right in the heart of rivals like the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and Toyota RAV4, none of which offer a V6 engine. If you're looking for serious off-road capability and reasonable towing capacity, the Cherokee is the right choice. Otherwise, note that some rivals offer more interior space. Be sure to check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area have paid. Also note that the Cherokee's running costs are above average.
Driving the used 2015 Jeep Cherokee
The 2015 Jeep Cherokee crossover SUV is available in five models: Sport, Latitude, Altitude, Limited and Trailhawk. The Trailhawk is only available with four-wheel drive (4WD) while the other models are only available with front-wheel drive. As you'd expect from a competitor that features a Honda CR-V and a Toyota RAV4, a front-wheel-drive Jeep Cherokee is perfectly acceptable on the city street. The 4-cylinder offers plenty of acceleration, while the power-hungry prefer the V6. But when you order one of the three available four-wheel drive systems and go off-road, the character of the Cherokee changes. The standard Selec-Terrain traction control system allows the rider to select Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud and Rock settings to optimize performance. In the Auto setting, the sensors choose for you, and all Cherokee models offer good approach and departure angles and reasonable ground clearance, while the off-road-optimized Trailhawk version tops it in every respect.
interior comfort
The interior of the 2015 Jeep Cherokee combines traditional Jeep elements - such as the trapezoidal "center console" - with modern touches to create an attractive and premium layout. The seats offer good support and are upholstered in either attractive fabric or soft nappa leather. The premium heated and ventilated seats also feature power adjustment and memory. The second-row seats recline fore and aft for more legroom and have a 60/40 split for maximum cargo flexibility. We especially liked the available pad for wireless device charging, as well as the huge glove compartment. However, we wish the Cherokee offered more interior space overall.
exterior design
Polarization is the best way to sum up the exterior of the 2015 Jeep Cherokee. It's one thing to deviate from Jeep's traditional design aesthetic with round headlights framing a 7-slot grille, but quite another to ditch the headlight look entirely. However, we've gotten our hands on the new Jeep Cherokee, and here's a lot of what Jeep has to say. The 7-slot grille has a "sting" that folds into the hood, and the less controversial rear looks like the Grand Cherokee SUV. The Trailhawk upgrades the macho with a taller ride, red-painted front hitches, skid plates and more aggressive treatments front and rear.
favorite features
9-speed automatic transmission SELECTED SOIL
Credit to German transmission manufacturer ZF for the almost magical packaging that led to the Jeep Cherokee's 9-speed automatic. Better yet, they all run and deliver smooth starts and excellent power output, as well as V6 fuel economy that's as good as some competing 4-cylinder engines.
Part of the Jeep Cherokee's off-road ability is due to the Selec-Terrain system. It uses up to 12 different vehicle systems, including the powertrain control unit, electronic brake control, electronic stability control, transmission and drivetrain to ensure maximum traction.
standard functions
All Jeep Cherokee SUVs come standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that offers very good fuel economy and a range of about 500 miles on a tank of gas. Other key features include a 5-inch Uconnect touchscreen media center with Bluetooth, USB, SD and auxiliary ports. Also standard are a 3.5-inch color center display, 10 airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, power steering and power parking brake, plus cruise control, air conditioning with rear vents, and remote-controlled keyless entry. The Jeep cargo management system includes standard hooks and a storage bag.
Job options
Jeep Cherokee Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk models can get the 3.2-liter V6 Pentastar engine. There are also three available four-wheel drive systems: Active Drive I, Active Drive II and, on Trailhawk models, Active Drive Lock. Other upgrades include an 8.4-inch touchscreen for Uconnect, an Alpine premium audio system with nine speakers and a subwoofer, and a panoramic CommandView dual-pane sunroof with power sunshades. Cherokee Limited models feature leather, power heated seats and steering wheel, Keyless Enter-N-Go and 18-inch alloy wheels. Trailhawk models emphasize off-road capability with skid plates, increased ride height and a more rugged appearance.
engine and gears
The base engine for the 2015 Jeep Cherokee models is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 184 horsepower. Unlike many of its competitors, however, Jeep also offers a V6 engine in its small SUV: a 3.2-liter V6 with 271 horsepower and the added ability to tow up to 4,500 pounds. Both engines get good fuel economy, with the 4-cylinder obviously being the top choice for fuel guzzlers. Both engines are mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, with either front or all-wheel drive. Three different four-wheel drive systems are available, ranging from Jeep Active Drive I and Jeep Active Drive II to the aggressive Jeep Active Drive Lock reserved for the off-road Trailhawk. V6 models see a slight improvement in fuel economy thanks to the start-stop mechanism, new for 2015 as standard. 2.4 liter inline four-cylinder
184 hp at 6,250 rpm
171 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm
EPA City/Highway Fuel Economy: 22/31 mpg (FWD), 21/28 mpg (4WD Active Drive I), 21/27 mpg (4WD Active Drive II), 19/26 mpg (4WD Trailhawk)
3.2-liter V6
271 hp at 6,500 rpm
239 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm
EPA City/Highway Fuel Economy: 19/29 mpg (FWD), 20/28 mpg (4WD Active Drive I), 19/26 (4WD Active Drive II), 19/25 mpg (4WD Trailhawk)
KBB vehicle assessment and evaluation methodology
Our expert ratings are based on driving hours and we compare the numbers to ensure you choose the best car for you. We thoroughly review and analyze every new SUV, car, truck or minivan for sale in the United States and compare it to the competition. When all the dust settles, we'll have our reviews. We need new ratings every time a completely new vehicle or a new generation of an existing vehicle is released. Additionally, we re-evaluate these ratings when a new-generation vehicle receives a mid-cycle refresh – essentially, a mid-cycle refresh (usually around two to three years) with a minor facelift to a car, often even feature and technology updates . Instead of pulling random numbers out of thin air or a meaningless checklist, KBB editors rank a vehicle where it belongs in its class. Before a car can receive a KBB rating, it has to prove itself better (or worse) than the other cars it competes with and try to get you to spend your money on a purchase or lease.
Our editors drive and live with a specific vehicle. We ask the right questions about the interior, exterior, engine and drivetrain, ride and handling, equipment, comfort and of course price. Does it serve the purpose it was made for? (Whether that purpose is to efficiently commute to and from work in the city, to keep your family safe, to feel like you've reached the top -- or on your way -- or to make you feel like you'll finally find the right partner for your lifestyle.)
We inspect every vehicle we test for the everyday stuff - parking, lane changing, reversing, cargo space and loading - as well as the essentials - acceleration, braking, handling, interior quietness and comfort, build quality, material quality and reliability.
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FAQs
What is my Jeep Cherokee worth? ›
2021 Jeep Cherokee Value - $19,570-$33,050 | Edmunds.
What are the worst years for the Jeep Cherokee to avoid? ›Cherokees from 2014 and 2015 are the vehicle's worst years. These have many recalls and complaints, most regarding critical powertrain components. The best years for the Jeep Cherokee include those from 2018 and 2020. These have fewer problems and have the highest owner ratings.
What is the list price for a Jeep Cherokee? ›The 2023 Jeep Cherokee starts at $37,695. The more rugged Trailhawk trim begins at $41,295.
How many miles can a 2015 Jeep Cherokee last? ›The 2015 Jeep Cherokee has a life expectancy of 175,000 to 200,000 miles. If you're driving as much as the average American—14,000 miles annually—you can expect 12-15 years out of your Cherokee.