I've been asked to post this in it's own thread. After months of driving experience, editing and refinement, here it is.
I would like to begin this article with a quote;
"It's a fact of life that behavior is influenced by what people believe, whether true or not. Numerous cases from history bear this out.
For example, sailors were once fearful of sailing outside the sight of land lest they would fall off the edge of the world. In the early*19th century, the train was considered dangerous because it was believed that if you moved faster than 25 miles per hour, you’d be traveling too fast to breathe. At a later date, the New York Times warned that electric light would cause blindness. Microwave ovens, automobiles and airplanes have had equally vociferous opponents."
Ed Newman - AMSOIL INC.,*
The newest Cherokee KL is the latest offering from the Iconic Jeep brand, and although it is meeting head-on with strict criticisms, it is also accepted with open arms by those who accept diversity and change, and who truly appreciate the Jeep line and it's evolution into what it has become, and will continue to do so well into the future.
Here are a few things I'm sure that we've all heard before;
"Geez. Not this again. They're here, like 'em or not. Accept it and move on."
--------------------
"I think the looks of them will eventually grow on people. Not everyone that buys one is looking to offroad it anyway. The interior is definitly nice though."
--------------------
"You think die-hard off-roaders bought XJs when they were new? NOPE."
--------------------
"Yep, I was there (speaking of the new Cherokee XJ). Old ladies, retired folks, doctors, lawyers, soccer moms, yuppies. No lift kits were available. And the CJ folks were telling us it would never amount to anything because it wasn't a "real" Jeep."
--------------------
"Yea, then they dropped the YJ on the CJ folks, that really set them off."
--------------------
"I looked at the XJ in 84 and 85. Ended up getting a Full size pick up. That little station wagon didn't do it for me."
--------------------
"I still hear that from time to time on the trail... then I do something in my XJ their toy box can't and they shut up. I recommend that KL owners try that approach."
--------------------
"I will admit the KLs looks are growing on me, particularly how hideous the front is. If it weren't for that tragic grill/lights combination it would look like every other crossover on the road, but it's instantly recognizable."
--------------------
"I was a kid when the XJ's came out. We had a Ramcharger and I distinctly remember the adults in our 4x4 club making fun of the guys in the new Jeep Yuppy Wagons. Where are the Ramchargers now?"
--------------------
"I want the trailhawk front seats. they almost look narrow enough to fit in an XJ."
--------------------
"… the really surprising thing is that despite its off-road capability - especially the Trailhawk - the 2015 Jeep Cherokee gives up nothing on-pavement, where most drivers will spend their time." --*Kelley Blue Book(2015)
---------------------
Jeeps newest model to their line up has a perfect blend and balance of almost everything that most consumers could ever want or need, with a few additional bonuses that rivals it's competitors.
Some have expressed how the rear cargo area is lacking in room.
True. But, although the cargo area is a bit on the small side, it is still sufficient for many. I too would like to have more cargo space, but for the most part it is effective enough for what I need. If additional cargo is desired, utilize the cargo rails that are standard on the upper level Cherokee and get yourself a set of crossbars and a rooftop basket, which many have and done with not only the Jeep line, but to every SUV known to man.
If you wanted more rear cargo room, you should have gotten yourself a pickup or a cargo van.
Some have expressed that their new Trailhawk's ride quality is a bit "harsh" on the road.
I can tell you from personal experience that although the (Trailhawk) suspension is a bit stiffer due to the off road package, it is still a very smooth and comfortable ride. It also has a one inch factory lift to make it more off-road worthy. (I will cover more on that shortly). The suspension is very smooth and responsive. It does not allow the vehicle to experience body roll near as much as many other SUVs or CUVs. It also hugs the corners like that of a sports car. I would also like to add that this unit is much more stable on side hills than most any other four wheel drive on the market (but I don't recommend everyone pushing their limits).
If you wanted a smoother ride, you should have gotten yourself a luxury car.
Some are wanting the Cherokee to have a more powerful motor.
Although the standard 4 cylinder is a bit lacking in the power dept, it does a fairly good job of propelling a 4000 lb. vehicle that weighs up to 1000+ lbs. more than most any other vehicle with an equivalent sized engine fairly well, and with a decent fuel efficiency even for a Jeep! But, if you don't mind a trade-off of losing a few MPGs for more power, then get the Optional 3.2L V6. It's a smaller sized V6 engine that still does a pretty good job of propelling a two ton vehicle over the Colorado mountain passes with ease. (BTW, The new Cherokee's 3.2L V6 has "Best in class V6 fuel efficiency). Mash down on the skinny pedal and the little 3.2-liter shoves the Trailhawk to 60 mph in under 7.2 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 15.7 at 90 mph—standout figures for a crossover of this size!
If you want more power, get something with a V8 or turbo.
Some are wanting the Cherokee to be more off-road capable, like a Wrangler.
I have to admit, it is lacking the ability to install a lift with a significant increase in ride height, but the Trailhawk does come from the factory with a one inch factory lift (over those of the non-TH versions), it also has decent approach, break-over and departure angles. Not to leave out the little details, this model not only has 4 low, it also has "Rock Mode AND a rear locking differential, features that the stock XJ had never seen from the factory. These additional features are what made the Trailhawk earn the esteemed "Trail Rated" badge. In stock form, it out classes all of its competition, except for the Wrangler Rubicon (which really isn't a competitor), but it's not competing with the Rubicon, is it?
If you want a more capable off-Road vehicle, get a Wrangler, that's what they're made for.
The interior is not what I had expected.
Although this part isn't heard often, some are not quite happy with the layout of the interior, but most people are still impressed with the refinements, especially with the optional features, such as Leather, an Interactive uConnect System, ergonomics, dual climate zone heating and cooling, heated seats (optional on select models), many storage (cubby hole) options, and so much more. The new Cherokee has the most refined interior of any Jeep, excluding the Grand Cherokee, as well as most any SUV in its class and price range. The uConnect is also available as an option and is very convenient at so many levels. Many have reported that all of the control functions are easily accessible by the driver as well as the passenger. There has even been reports from many high end car owners that the new Cherokee (with the upgraded trim levels) is very comparable to many of their favorites.
If you wanted more creature comforts, get a high end SUV or a luxury vehicle.
Some are saying that it's an "Ugly" Jeep.
I have to admit, when the new Cherokee KL was introduced in 2013 for the 2014 model year, I'm one of the many who had thought that it was one of the ugliest Jeep Vehicles ever designed and that it should have been shelved or named something else, anything but a Jeep. BUT, when I had started looking more at the JK Wrangler, the YJ Wrangler, the Cherokee XJ, or even the AMC Eagle (who remembers those?), I had realized that those vehicles had also suffered the same criticism from the older crowds when each new model was introduced, with many of them saying that "coil springs don't belong on a Jeep!" or "that thing ain't no CJ!" or some have even stated that the new Wrangler "should not have come with four doors!" Jeep is revolutionizing their vehicles based on the consumers desires an recommendations. It is the end result of our collective thinking, and it must be working because their production and sales numbers continue to rise and speak for themselves.
Have you noticed many other SUVs and CUVs and how they look? Once you have realized that Jeep is only keeping up with the times, you'll discover how the new Cherokee is running parallel to many other vehicles, or even raising the bar and setting new standards. But, to separate itself from the rest of the SUV/CUV crowd, Jeep is making a BOLD Statement with a creative new design of their newest Cherokee. Many say that the old classics never die, they just look better with age. But, if Jeep had never changed its look, will it have appealed to so many as it has done? If Jeep had never changed, would it have faced the possibility of extinction? Jeep is pushing the boundaries on the Cherokee KLs newest look while incorporating visual cues to honor it's tradition, including its famed seven slot grill. How many other vehicles honor it's past like the Jeep while moving forward with the times?
If you want a "real Jeep," buy an old MB or CJ.
Some want a better towing capacity.
If you purchase the Cherokee KL with the optional Tow Group, you're in luck because it has a respectable 4500# tow rating, which makes it "Best in Class." That's pretty impressive for a mid-sized SUV, or CUV that is based on a car platform. But for those of us who didn't opt for the factory tow package, the 2000# tow rating is still very respectable for a mid-sized vehicle, and this suits most of our needs.
If you want something with a better tow rating, buy a larger vehicle with a V8, or a pickup.
Some are wanting the new Cherokee KL to be more sportier.
The new Cherokee KL wasn't exactly meant to be a sports car, despite the platform that it is based on. With that in mind, it is still a very sporty vehicle. Not only does it handle great, it has the Optional Sport Mode which allows the shift points to be at higher RPMs and sends power 60/40 (rear/front) to the axles. Want more fun? Press and hold the ESC (electronic stability control) button for 3-5 seconds to shut it off and see what really it can do, (but please do so in a responsible manner). With the Optional V6, it definitely feels more sportier. I had the pleasure to experience the Trailhawk in Sport Mode, and I can honestly say that its performance and handling were very impressive, both on and off road.
If you want a sportier ride, buy a sports car.
Some are wanting better fuel economy out of the new Cherokee.
(This also ties in with the More Power statement above).
First off, great fuel economy isn't one of Jeeps strong points. In the past, the words Jeep and Fuel Economy were rarely used in the same sentence, unless it was in reference to how bad it's fuel economy was. Fortunately for Jeep though, both of the Cherokee engines have some respectable fuel economy numbers, despite that the vehicle weighs in at two tons. With the 4 cylinder you still get a respectable mpg. What's very impressive is that the V6 doesn't fall that much behind the 4 cylinder in fuel economy numbers, and it almost matches the 4 cylinder numbers in the Trailhawk. The Cherokee KL 4 cylinder option has a highway fuel economy rating of 31 miles per U.S. gallon and a 45% better fuel economy rating than the Liberty/Cherokee it replaces, all while having a smaller tank than its predecessors.
If you want a more fuel efficient vehicle, buy a Prius.
*On a side note, I have to laugh, for I have read in some of the Prius forums that some of the owners are not happy with the lower than advertised fuel economy numbers, stating that they should be getting much higher numbers than what they are actually getting. Oh well, you can't please them all!
We've all heard this before. You know, the ones who always has something to say when something different comes around, especially when this turn of change happens to the iconic Jeep. Change is hard to accept for some, especially when it's involving a so-called die-hard Jeep enthusiast.
If you were expecting more out of your Cherokee than what you got, then maybe you should have gotten a vehicle that does meet your needs. But take a moment and think about this, what could you possibly get that can or will do better than the new Jeep Cherokee KL overall in all categories?
Although the new Jeep Cherokee KL cannot meet 100% of the customers needs, it does have a respectable amount of balance in every category, and that's why I feel that it is a very capable vehicle for most any situation, terrain, and condition. It is truly one of the few factory built vehicles that will allow you to travel hundreds, if not thousands of miles on the highway to a campsite or a trailhead in comfort, run the trails all weekend long, then drive it back home at the end of the long weekend and not feel driver fatigue (the feeling similar to Jet Lag) the next morning when you head back to work.
To this author, the new Jeep Cherokee KL is the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and capability. In factory form it has obtained "best in class" in many of its features and capabilities. I simply cannot think of a more capable vehicle than the new Cherokee. It is truly a remarkably capable vehicle!
The vehicle pictured is my 2015 Trailhawk that was purchased from Salt Lake Valley CDJR in Salt Lake City, Utah on November 11th, 2015. It only had 11 miles on it when I had signed the paperwork. It is currently approaching 10,000 trouble-free miles with only a couple minor updates done, the uConnect system and the Power Liftgate Module cover.
It has been lifted 1.5" using what's called the Aussie Lift, which was discovered by Dave Thomas in Australia. There have been two write-ups posted right here in the Cherokee KL threads.
I would like to begin this article with a quote;
"It's a fact of life that behavior is influenced by what people believe, whether true or not. Numerous cases from history bear this out.
For example, sailors were once fearful of sailing outside the sight of land lest they would fall off the edge of the world. In the early*19th century, the train was considered dangerous because it was believed that if you moved faster than 25 miles per hour, you’d be traveling too fast to breathe. At a later date, the New York Times warned that electric light would cause blindness. Microwave ovens, automobiles and airplanes have had equally vociferous opponents."
Ed Newman - AMSOIL INC.,*
The newest Cherokee KL is the latest offering from the Iconic Jeep brand, and although it is meeting head-on with strict criticisms, it is also accepted with open arms by those who accept diversity and change, and who truly appreciate the Jeep line and it's evolution into what it has become, and will continue to do so well into the future.
Here are a few things I'm sure that we've all heard before;
"Geez. Not this again. They're here, like 'em or not. Accept it and move on."
--------------------
"I think the looks of them will eventually grow on people. Not everyone that buys one is looking to offroad it anyway. The interior is definitly nice though."
--------------------
"You think die-hard off-roaders bought XJs when they were new? NOPE."
--------------------
"Yep, I was there (speaking of the new Cherokee XJ). Old ladies, retired folks, doctors, lawyers, soccer moms, yuppies. No lift kits were available. And the CJ folks were telling us it would never amount to anything because it wasn't a "real" Jeep."
--------------------
"Yea, then they dropped the YJ on the CJ folks, that really set them off."
--------------------
"I looked at the XJ in 84 and 85. Ended up getting a Full size pick up. That little station wagon didn't do it for me."
--------------------
"I still hear that from time to time on the trail... then I do something in my XJ their toy box can't and they shut up. I recommend that KL owners try that approach."
--------------------
"I will admit the KLs looks are growing on me, particularly how hideous the front is. If it weren't for that tragic grill/lights combination it would look like every other crossover on the road, but it's instantly recognizable."
--------------------
"I was a kid when the XJ's came out. We had a Ramcharger and I distinctly remember the adults in our 4x4 club making fun of the guys in the new Jeep Yuppy Wagons. Where are the Ramchargers now?"
--------------------
"I want the trailhawk front seats. they almost look narrow enough to fit in an XJ."
--------------------
"… the really surprising thing is that despite its off-road capability - especially the Trailhawk - the 2015 Jeep Cherokee gives up nothing on-pavement, where most drivers will spend their time." --*Kelley Blue Book(2015)
---------------------
Jeeps newest model to their line up has a perfect blend and balance of almost everything that most consumers could ever want or need, with a few additional bonuses that rivals it's competitors.
Some have expressed how the rear cargo area is lacking in room.
True. But, although the cargo area is a bit on the small side, it is still sufficient for many. I too would like to have more cargo space, but for the most part it is effective enough for what I need. If additional cargo is desired, utilize the cargo rails that are standard on the upper level Cherokee and get yourself a set of crossbars and a rooftop basket, which many have and done with not only the Jeep line, but to every SUV known to man.
If you wanted more rear cargo room, you should have gotten yourself a pickup or a cargo van.
Some have expressed that their new Trailhawk's ride quality is a bit "harsh" on the road.
I can tell you from personal experience that although the (Trailhawk) suspension is a bit stiffer due to the off road package, it is still a very smooth and comfortable ride. It also has a one inch factory lift to make it more off-road worthy. (I will cover more on that shortly). The suspension is very smooth and responsive. It does not allow the vehicle to experience body roll near as much as many other SUVs or CUVs. It also hugs the corners like that of a sports car. I would also like to add that this unit is much more stable on side hills than most any other four wheel drive on the market (but I don't recommend everyone pushing their limits).
If you wanted a smoother ride, you should have gotten yourself a luxury car.
Some are wanting the Cherokee to have a more powerful motor.
Although the standard 4 cylinder is a bit lacking in the power dept, it does a fairly good job of propelling a 4000 lb. vehicle that weighs up to 1000+ lbs. more than most any other vehicle with an equivalent sized engine fairly well, and with a decent fuel efficiency even for a Jeep! But, if you don't mind a trade-off of losing a few MPGs for more power, then get the Optional 3.2L V6. It's a smaller sized V6 engine that still does a pretty good job of propelling a two ton vehicle over the Colorado mountain passes with ease. (BTW, The new Cherokee's 3.2L V6 has "Best in class V6 fuel efficiency). Mash down on the skinny pedal and the little 3.2-liter shoves the Trailhawk to 60 mph in under 7.2 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 15.7 at 90 mph—standout figures for a crossover of this size!
If you want more power, get something with a V8 or turbo.
Some are wanting the Cherokee to be more off-road capable, like a Wrangler.
I have to admit, it is lacking the ability to install a lift with a significant increase in ride height, but the Trailhawk does come from the factory with a one inch factory lift (over those of the non-TH versions), it also has decent approach, break-over and departure angles. Not to leave out the little details, this model not only has 4 low, it also has "Rock Mode AND a rear locking differential, features that the stock XJ had never seen from the factory. These additional features are what made the Trailhawk earn the esteemed "Trail Rated" badge. In stock form, it out classes all of its competition, except for the Wrangler Rubicon (which really isn't a competitor), but it's not competing with the Rubicon, is it?
If you want a more capable off-Road vehicle, get a Wrangler, that's what they're made for.
The interior is not what I had expected.
Although this part isn't heard often, some are not quite happy with the layout of the interior, but most people are still impressed with the refinements, especially with the optional features, such as Leather, an Interactive uConnect System, ergonomics, dual climate zone heating and cooling, heated seats (optional on select models), many storage (cubby hole) options, and so much more. The new Cherokee has the most refined interior of any Jeep, excluding the Grand Cherokee, as well as most any SUV in its class and price range. The uConnect is also available as an option and is very convenient at so many levels. Many have reported that all of the control functions are easily accessible by the driver as well as the passenger. There has even been reports from many high end car owners that the new Cherokee (with the upgraded trim levels) is very comparable to many of their favorites.
If you wanted more creature comforts, get a high end SUV or a luxury vehicle.
Some are saying that it's an "Ugly" Jeep.
I have to admit, when the new Cherokee KL was introduced in 2013 for the 2014 model year, I'm one of the many who had thought that it was one of the ugliest Jeep Vehicles ever designed and that it should have been shelved or named something else, anything but a Jeep. BUT, when I had started looking more at the JK Wrangler, the YJ Wrangler, the Cherokee XJ, or even the AMC Eagle (who remembers those?), I had realized that those vehicles had also suffered the same criticism from the older crowds when each new model was introduced, with many of them saying that "coil springs don't belong on a Jeep!" or "that thing ain't no CJ!" or some have even stated that the new Wrangler "should not have come with four doors!" Jeep is revolutionizing their vehicles based on the consumers desires an recommendations. It is the end result of our collective thinking, and it must be working because their production and sales numbers continue to rise and speak for themselves.
Have you noticed many other SUVs and CUVs and how they look? Once you have realized that Jeep is only keeping up with the times, you'll discover how the new Cherokee is running parallel to many other vehicles, or even raising the bar and setting new standards. But, to separate itself from the rest of the SUV/CUV crowd, Jeep is making a BOLD Statement with a creative new design of their newest Cherokee. Many say that the old classics never die, they just look better with age. But, if Jeep had never changed its look, will it have appealed to so many as it has done? If Jeep had never changed, would it have faced the possibility of extinction? Jeep is pushing the boundaries on the Cherokee KLs newest look while incorporating visual cues to honor it's tradition, including its famed seven slot grill. How many other vehicles honor it's past like the Jeep while moving forward with the times?
If you want a "real Jeep," buy an old MB or CJ.
Some want a better towing capacity.
If you purchase the Cherokee KL with the optional Tow Group, you're in luck because it has a respectable 4500# tow rating, which makes it "Best in Class." That's pretty impressive for a mid-sized SUV, or CUV that is based on a car platform. But for those of us who didn't opt for the factory tow package, the 2000# tow rating is still very respectable for a mid-sized vehicle, and this suits most of our needs.
If you want something with a better tow rating, buy a larger vehicle with a V8, or a pickup.
Some are wanting the new Cherokee KL to be more sportier.
The new Cherokee KL wasn't exactly meant to be a sports car, despite the platform that it is based on. With that in mind, it is still a very sporty vehicle. Not only does it handle great, it has the Optional Sport Mode which allows the shift points to be at higher RPMs and sends power 60/40 (rear/front) to the axles. Want more fun? Press and hold the ESC (electronic stability control) button for 3-5 seconds to shut it off and see what really it can do, (but please do so in a responsible manner). With the Optional V6, it definitely feels more sportier. I had the pleasure to experience the Trailhawk in Sport Mode, and I can honestly say that its performance and handling were very impressive, both on and off road.
If you want a sportier ride, buy a sports car.
Some are wanting better fuel economy out of the new Cherokee.
(This also ties in with the More Power statement above).
First off, great fuel economy isn't one of Jeeps strong points. In the past, the words Jeep and Fuel Economy were rarely used in the same sentence, unless it was in reference to how bad it's fuel economy was. Fortunately for Jeep though, both of the Cherokee engines have some respectable fuel economy numbers, despite that the vehicle weighs in at two tons. With the 4 cylinder you still get a respectable mpg. What's very impressive is that the V6 doesn't fall that much behind the 4 cylinder in fuel economy numbers, and it almost matches the 4 cylinder numbers in the Trailhawk. The Cherokee KL 4 cylinder option has a highway fuel economy rating of 31 miles per U.S. gallon and a 45% better fuel economy rating than the Liberty/Cherokee it replaces, all while having a smaller tank than its predecessors.
If you want a more fuel efficient vehicle, buy a Prius.
*On a side note, I have to laugh, for I have read in some of the Prius forums that some of the owners are not happy with the lower than advertised fuel economy numbers, stating that they should be getting much higher numbers than what they are actually getting. Oh well, you can't please them all!
We've all heard this before. You know, the ones who always has something to say when something different comes around, especially when this turn of change happens to the iconic Jeep. Change is hard to accept for some, especially when it's involving a so-called die-hard Jeep enthusiast.
If you were expecting more out of your Cherokee than what you got, then maybe you should have gotten a vehicle that does meet your needs. But take a moment and think about this, what could you possibly get that can or will do better than the new Jeep Cherokee KL overall in all categories?
Although the new Jeep Cherokee KL cannot meet 100% of the customers needs, it does have a respectable amount of balance in every category, and that's why I feel that it is a very capable vehicle for most any situation, terrain, and condition. It is truly one of the few factory built vehicles that will allow you to travel hundreds, if not thousands of miles on the highway to a campsite or a trailhead in comfort, run the trails all weekend long, then drive it back home at the end of the long weekend and not feel driver fatigue (the feeling similar to Jet Lag) the next morning when you head back to work.
To this author, the new Jeep Cherokee KL is the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and capability. In factory form it has obtained "best in class" in many of its features and capabilities. I simply cannot think of a more capable vehicle than the new Cherokee. It is truly a remarkably capable vehicle!
The vehicle pictured is my 2015 Trailhawk that was purchased from Salt Lake Valley CDJR in Salt Lake City, Utah on November 11th, 2015. It only had 11 miles on it when I had signed the paperwork. It is currently approaching 10,000 trouble-free miles with only a couple minor updates done, the uConnect system and the Power Liftgate Module cover.
It has been lifted 1.5" using what's called the Aussie Lift, which was discovered by Dave Thomas in Australia. There have been two write-ups posted right here in the Cherokee KL threads.