2025 Jeep Cherokee – Stuck in the Mud or Ready to Conquer?
The 2025 Jeep Cherokee is here, and honestly, we’re a little confused. Jeep’s midsize SUV is caught between its rugged heritage and an identity crisis—does it want to be a Trailhawk-badged off-roader or a soft-riding suburban commuter? With competitors like the Ford Bronco, Toyota RAV4, and Honda CR-V eating its lunch, the Cherokee needs to prove it’s still relevant. We drove it, compared it, and scoured YouTube to see if this thing still has a pulse.
What’s New (And What’s Not) in the 2025 Cherokee
Jeep isn’t reinventing the wheel here, but there are some tweaks:
Exterior – Still Polarizing, But Slightly Less So
- Slimmer headlights – Jeep finally toned down the controversial “split-face” design (a little).
- New wheel options – 17-inch to 19-inch choices, including blacked-out Trailhawk versions.
- More aggressive bumper – Better approach angles for off-road trims. Interior – Stuck in 2020?
- Same old Uconnect 5 – An 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen, but no major UI upgrades.
- Plastic fantastic – Hard-touch dash and door panels feel cheap next to a Honda CR-V’s soft-touch materials.
- Seats are comfy, though – Available leather and heated/vented front seats save the day.
Powertrain – The Usual Suspects
- 2.4L Tigershark (180 HP) – Underpowered and thirsty (avoid this one).
- 3.2L V6 (271 HP) – The sweet spot for power, but still not as efficient as rivals.
- No hybrid? Seriously? – Toyota and Ford are laughing with their RAV4 Hybrid and Bronco Hybrid options.
How Does the 2025 Cherokee Stack Up Against the Competition?
| Feature | 2025 Jeep Cherokee | 2025 Ford Bronco | 2025 Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Engine | 2.4L Inline-4 (180 HP) | 2.3L EcoBoost Inline-4 (300 HP) | 2.5L Inline-4 (203 HP) |
| Off-Road Specs | Trailhawk Package (10.8″ ground clearance) | Sasquatch Package (11.6″ ground clearance) | TRD Off-Road Package (8.6″ ground clearance) |
| Technology | Uconnect 5 with 10.1″ touchscreen | SYNC 4 with 12″ touchscreen | Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite |
| Starting Price | Approximately $32,000 | Approximately $36,000 | Approximately $29,000 |
Verdict: The Cherokee Trailhawk can still off-road, but the Bronco destroys it in capability, and the RAV4 is cheaper and more efficient.
YouTubers Don’t Hold Back – Test Drive Reactions
- The Fast Lane Truck (YouTube: @TFLAuto) – “The Cherokee feels outdated. The Bronco and even the new Nissan Rogue make this thing feel old.”
- Redline Reviews (YouTube: @RedlineReviews) – “The V6 is the only way to go, but the fuel economy is brutal. Jeep needs a hybrid ASAP.”
- TFL Off-Road (YouTube: @TFLOffRoad) – “The Trailhawk is still legit off-road, but the Bronco is just on another level.”
Should You Buy the 2025 Jeep Cherokee?
Pros
✔ Trailhawk is still a beast – One of the best off-roaders in its class.
✔ V6 engine is punchy – If you don’t care about MPG.
✔ Decent towing (up to 4,500 lbs) – Better than most compact SUVs.
Cons
❌ Outdated interior – Feels like a rental car compared to a Mazda CX-50.
❌ No hybrid option – A huge miss in 2025.
❌ Pricing is steep – A Bronco Base is a better value for off-roaders.
Final Verdict – Who Is This SUV For?
The 2025 Jeep Cherokee is in a weird spot. If you absolutely need a Trailhawk and don’t want a Ford Bronco, it’s still a solid pick. But for everyone else? The RAV4, Bronco, and even the Hyundai Tucson offer better tech, efficiency, and value.
What do you think? Is the Cherokee still worth it, or is it time for Jeep to go back to the drawing board? Sound off in the comments.