This article was published on April 29th, 2014
In the market for an affordable, luxury SUV? The 2014 Jeep Cherokee is a great choice, especially if you’re looking for an SUV that has stood the test of time in style, quality and performance. Throughout the years, the Jeep Cherokee has evolved, keeping up with technology, fuel economy, drive comfort and safety, and design, all the while maintaining the classic Jeep Cherokee look.
At first glance, the 2014 Jeep Cherokee retains the classic exterior look, but over the years the style has evolved into softer edges and has incorporated details that keep it modern. For example, as you approach the vehicle and use the key fob to unlock the door, small slights from the side mirrors softly illuminate the doors. This isn’t just to help you identify your vehicle on a cold, wet night, but also acts as a safety feature, making the vehicle stand out. It’s a great detail that has been incorporated and really makes a statement.
Under the hood, a powerful engine awaits. While the 2014 Jeep Cherokee effortlessly accelerates through downtown streets, this SUV was made to tackle the hills, go off-road and tow small and medium sized loads with ease. With a touch of the gas pedal, you’re off and going. Gone are the days of getting out of your truck to lock the hubs to go off roading. As you lead the asphalt and hit the gravel road, flip the switch on the centre console and within moments your in four-wheel drive. It’s that simple.
Driver safety is important for new buyers. One of the coolest features of this SUV is its ability to sense an impending collision. If you’re about to change lanes and you’re too close to the other vehicle, automatically steering and breaking controls kick-in, avoiding the accident. It has similar features with the cruise control, where it can be pre-set to follow other vehicles as a safe distance, and if the vehicle ahead slows down, the cruise control will instantly react.
The inside is all about driver and passenger comfort and safety. From the soft leather seats and heated steering wheel, to the extra space in the rear seats and cargo hold area. Driver comfort is clearly a priority, with every imaginable adjustment to the electric captains chair seat, to the multitude of commands and information easily accessible with the push of a button on the steering wheel, the entire operation of the vehicle is within reach.
It’s almost expected now that all vehicles come with some kind of in-dash central console controlling navigation, climate, and audio, with a screen that doubles as a reverse camera. This is the same for the 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The large touch-screen is easy-to-use and has lightening fast connection speeds. Connecting a Bluetooth device is extremely simple and easy while the vehicle is in ‘park’.
One of the most wonderful interior features of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee is the massive glass roof, spanning from the front seats right through the rear seats. In addition to that, half of it opens as a sunroof, letting fresh air to cascade throughout the interior cabin.
While there is a lot of wonderful technology and class to the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, automakers clearly need to work on removing dated features including faux wood and CD players. Another oddity with this particular model was how the gas cap release was secretly hidden away inside the driver’s door pocket; guess it’ll keep the gas thieves away as the price of fuel continues to climb.
The bottom line: The 2014 Jeep Cherokee is a great looking and easy-to-drive SUV that has stayed true to its original heritage, while keeping up with modern technology and design. It’s great for a middle class, middle-aged guy who’s settled down with a partner and wants to enjoy life – weekend getaways and the comforts of life. It’s easy to drive, has great leather seats, and will last for years as a great investment; because jeeps also have a great resale value.
