Jeep® Cherokee Returns For 2021, Adding More Content To Its Core Models:

The Jeep® Cherokee returns for the 2021 model year, looking to add even more standard features and some redesigned optional packages to help separate the midsizer from the compact Compass and help attract more sales to the struggling nameplate. The Cherokee has struggled worldwide in the past couple of years, despite receiving a mid-cycle refresh in the 2019 model year.

Thanks to dealer guides we are learning more about the upcoming updates for the 2021 model year. The 2021 lineup will consist of five core models, Latitude, Latitude Plus, Latitude Lux, Limited, and Trailhawk. So we figured we would dig deeper to break down the new changes.

Starting with the entry-level Latitude model, the Jeep brand has added even more standard safety content to the Cherokee lineup. Those features include…

• Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection
• Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking
• Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist
• Rain Sensitive Wipers
• Heated Exterior Mirrors with Turn Signals

The Cherokee Latitude will come standard with the aging 2.4-liter Tigershark inline-four-cylinder engine stop-start (ESS) that delivers 180 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque. The Tigershark is mated with the 948TE 9-speed automatic transmission and is rated by the EPA to achieve 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway for front-wheel-drive (4×2) models and 21 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway for the four-wheel-drive (4×4) models with the Jeep Active Drive I 4×4 system. The 271 horsepower and 239 lb.-ft. of torque 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 with ESS is also available.

For 2021, the Latitude can now be optioned with a Compact Spare Tire for 4×2 models. The Cherokee Latitude will have a starting U.S. Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $26,290 for 4×2 models and $27,790 for 4×4 models excluding destination.

The 2021 Cherokee Latitude Plus returns with some newly added standard features like…

• Heated Seats
• Heated Premium Wrapped Steering Wheel with Audio Controls
• Remote Start
• Windshield Wiper De-Icer

Cherokee Latitude Plus also returns with standard 2.4-liter Tigershark power but is available with the 3.2-liter Pentastar V6. Both the Jeep Active Drive I and Jeep Active Drive II 4×4 systems can be optioned on the package. Jeep Active Drive II offers electronic 4×4 Low and Neutral range shifting.

The Latitude Plus also has two new optional packages for the new model year, which includes a Compact Spare Tire for 4×2 models and the new Sun & Sound Group that includes…

• Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof
• Premium Alpine Audio
• Active Noise Control System

The Cherokee Latitude Plus will have a starting U.S. MSRP of $28,605 for 4×2 models and $30,105 for 4×4 models excluding destination.

The recently introduced Cherokee Latitude LUX model returns for 2021 but is now its own unique trim. The new upper-level Latitude model adds a few new features for 2021. Those features include…

• 3.2-liter Pentastar V6
• Nappa Leather Seating
• Power Passenger Seat with 4-Way Lumbar

Of course, you can option your Latitude LUX with the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four-cylinder that delivers 270 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. There are a few additional options added for the 2021 model year. Besides the Compact Spare Tire for 4×2 models and the new Sun & Sound Group, there is a new Comfort & Convenience Group which includes…

• 115-Volt Aux Power Outlet
• 8.4-inch Touchscreen Radio
• Dual-Zone Air Temperature Controls
• 7-inch color thin-film-transistor (TFT)
• Power Liftgate
• Rear-View Auto Dim Mirror
• Security Alarm
• Universal Garage Door Opener

The Cherokee Latitude LUX will have a starting U.S. MSRP of $30,125 for 4×2 models and $31,625 for 4×4 models excluding destination.

The Trail-Rated Cherokee Trailhawk returns for the 2021 model year with some new standard content which includes…

• Heated Seats
• Heated Premium Wrapped Steering Wheel with Audio Controls
• Remote Start
• Windshield Wiper De-Icer

The off-road-oriented Cherokee also adds a number of new packages for the 2021 model year. A new Sun, Sound, & NAV Group adds the following content as optional equipment…

• Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof
• Premium Alpine Audio
• Active Noise Control System
• 8.4-inch Uconnect Touchscreen with Navigation

There is also a new Technology Group package for the Cherokee Trailhawk, that package includes…

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Full Stop & Go
• Auto High Beam Headlamp Control
• Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist with Stop
• Side Distance Warning

There is also a new Trailer Tow Group for 4×4 models, which is optional on Latitude LUX, Trailhawk, and Limited models. The Cherokee Trailhawk will have a starting U.S. MSRP of $35,330 excluding destination.

The Cherokee Limited will also return for the new model year. The Limited trim will add the following equipment as standard equipment for 2021…

• Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Front and Rear Park Sense
• Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist
• Automatic High Beams

When it comes to optional equipment, the top-tier Limited model will also have a wide range of new optional equipment. Besides the Compact Spare Tire for 4×2 models and new Trailer Tow Group for 4×4 models, there is a new Elite Package which includes…

• 8.4-inch Uconnect 4C with Navigation
• Carpeted Cargo Area Trim Panels
• Chrome Tow Hooks
• Hands-Free Power Liftgate
• Ventilated Front Seats and Heated 2nd Row Seats with Fore/Aft Adjustments 

While the 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 is standard, while the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four-cylinder is optional. Both the Jeep Active Drive I and Jeep Active Drive II 4×4 systems can be optioned on the package. Jeep Active Drive II offers electronic 4×4 Low and Neutral range shifting.

The Cherokee Limited will have a starting U.S. MSRP of $34,030 for 4×2 models and $35,530 for 4×4 models excluding destination.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee is scheduled to start production on Monday, August 31st at the Belvidere Assembly Plant.