2019 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus

The Cherokee is Jeep's compact crossover, slotting between the Renegade and the Grand Cherokee with a unibody design that still offers real off-road chops. It competes with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape, but stands apart with its available Trailhawk trim and genuine trail capability. On the road, the Cherokee feels composed and stable, with a ride that absorbs most bumps, though the transmission can occasionally hesitate when you ask for quick acceleration. Inside, the cabin is well-built with comfortable seats and a user-friendly touchscreen, but cargo space is tighter than some rivals offer. Owners praise the Cherokee's fuel economy, stylish interior, and the Active Drive system's terrain settings that make it a confident companion in snow and mud. The Latitude Plus is the mid-level trim that adds niceties like a leather-wrapped wheel and power driver seat, while skipping the Limited's extra chrome and luxury touches. Its 3.2L V6 makes 271 horsepower and pairs with a nine-speed automatic; in two-wheel drive form it's lighter and more efficient than the 4WD versions, though you lose the off-road modes. The Latitude Plus comes with LED headlamps and fog lamps as standard, which is rare at this price point and gives you noticeably better visibility on dark roads.