2021 Jeep Cherokee: A Trim Comparison
There are three Jeep models with the Cherokee name. The name has been around since 1974 across various models. Jeep has recently come under fire for continuing to use it, but so far, they’re sticking with it.
We’ll be looking at the smaller compact crossover: the 2021 Jeep Cherokee. It’s a full 7 inches shorter than its big brother (the Grand Cherokee) but no less capable. There are a full 9 different trim options for this compact Jeep crossover, so there’s something for every buyer! So let’s get straight to breaking down each one so you know what features are included at which price point.
Latitude
First up is the base trim, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude. It has a starting MSRP of $26,755. The base engine for the Jeep Cherokee is a 2.4L I4 Tigershark MultiAir 2 Engine. It’s capable of 184 horsepower and 179 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle sits on 17-inch aluminum wheels and it comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission. On this base trim, buyers only have the choice between eight colors whereas upper trims have as many as twelve choices.
Some of the top features include a 7-in infotainment display with Uconnect 4 software and six audio speakers. A rear back-up camera is also standard, as is hill start assist, electronic roll mitigation, and trailer sway damping. The Cherokee Latitude is not eligible for many of the options and packages that upper trims can choose from. However, there is a four-wheel-drive powertrain option for $28,255.
Freedom
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee Freedom also offers both FWD and 4×4 powertrains. FWD models start at $27,705 while the 4x4s run $29,205. This is a specialized trim level with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the USO.
In keeping with the service member theme, the Cherokee Freedom features an Oscar Mike hood decal and American flag decals on the front doors. Many of the cosmetic features on the Freedom trim are blacked out. This includes the 18-inch matte black aluminum wheels, gloss black roof rails, black interior design, and black exterior finishes.
Latitude Plus
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus is more akin to the base-level Cherokee Latitude. It has the same blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection, lane departure warnings and keep assists, and full-speed forward collision warning standard.
Additional standard features that build upon the base trim include a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and a windshield wiper de-icer. This trim will be especially useful for those in cold-weather states. This is also the first trim available with keyless entry. The FWD version of the Cherokee Latitude Plus starts at $28,825, and a 4×4 starts at $30,325.
Altitude
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee Altitude has some of the glossy black cosmetic features of the Freedom trim paired with the more advanced offerings of the Latitude Plus trim level. The full suite of safety features from previous trims is maintained.
However, the exterior also has 18-inch black gloss wheels, black badging and accents, and black roof rails. The driver’s seat also gains power eight-way comfort settings with lumbar support. The seats are a mixture of cloth and premium vinyl. The front-wheel-drive version has a starting MSRP of $30,265 while the 4×4 starts at $31,765.
Latitude Lux
The next trim is the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Lux with a starting price of $30,345 for the FWD. A 4×4 powertrain begins at $31,845. It is similar to the other Latitude trims with the major difference being an upgraded engine. The Cherokee Latitude Lux comes equipped with a standard 3.2L Pentastar V6 engine. The transmission remains a 9-speed offering.
Additional “Lux” features include premium Nappa leather-trimmed seating throughout the cabin, and both front seats now have power positioning and lumbar support.
We think that buyers would do well to explore this trim as it offers the best “bang-for-your-buck” for most people.
80th Anniversary
To celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Jeep name, the brand is offering special anniversary trims across its entire lineup. For the 2021 Jeep Cherokee, the 80th Anniversary trim starts at $32,525 for the FWD model and $34,025 for the 4×4 model.
It has 19-inch granite crystal aluminum wheels and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. On the inside, the Uconnect infotainment system is upgraded to an 8.4-inch touchscreen. The driver also has a 7-inch color information cluster display. The premium Nappa leather-trimmed seating remains with Berber floor mats also. If you would rather have a 2L I4 DOHC DI Turbo engine, that’s an available option for just shy of an additional $700.
Limited
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee Limited starts at $34,495 for a FWD powertrain model and $35,995 for a 4×4. The Limited still has the 3.2L V6 engine as standard. However, there are a few upgraded safety features that start at this trim level. Adaptive cruise control with stop and go comes standard, as does parallel and perpendicular park assist.
Other additional standard features include a power liftgate, automatic high-beam handlamps, an 8.4-inch infotainment touchscreen that has pint-to-zoom, and 18-inch polished painted aluminum wheels. The tires are also an all-season variety. Another differentiating factor from lower trims is the standard Alpine-branded premium audio system.
Trailhawk
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is only available with a 4×4 powertrain. The Trailhawk badging is Jeep’s top-rated off-road models. They have increased ground clearance, for example, and distinctive black accent decals on the center of the hood.
With its focus on off-roading, it does have some seemingly “downgraded” standard features compared to the trims that immediately preceded it. It has smaller 17-inch wheels, for instance. It also does not have navigation in the infotainment system or leather-trimmed seats, nor is there a sunroof. Although, drivers may be thankful for the lack of leather making the seats easier to clean. Heated seats and heated steering wheel are also lacking. The Trailhawk does have a remote vehicle start system, however. The MSRP is $35,795.
High Altitude
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee High Altitude is the pinnacle of trim options. With a starting MSRP of $37,185 for the FWD model, buyers will get 19-inch satin-gloss granite crystal metallic wheels and an anodized gunmetal finish to the vehicle. This is also the only trim that features body-colored lowers and flairs (unless you count choosing the black body color on lower trims to match the always-black body cladding).
Inside, the Uconnect 8.4-inch infotainment system comes standard with navigation. The Nappa leather-trimmed seating has Tungsten accent stitching. The double-pane sunroof makes a return on this top-tier trim. A four-wheel-drive version will up the price further to $38,685.
(Featured image via Facebook)