The Jeep Cherokee V (KL), specifically the facelifted version introduced in September 2018 and continuing through March 2023, represented a significant evolution of the Cherokee mid-size SUV. This variant, equipped with the 2.4-liter inline-four engine producing 180 horsepower and paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, served as a core offering within the Cherokee lineup, positioned as a balance between affordability and capability. It aimed to appeal to buyers seeking a comfortable and practical SUV for daily use, with the added benefit of Jeep’s renowned off-road heritage. The KL facelift brought updated styling, improved interior materials, and enhanced technology features compared to the initial KL generation.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Jeep |
| Model | Cherokee |
| Generation | Cherokee V (KL, facelift 2018) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.4 (180 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | September, 2018 |
| End of production | March, 2023 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.7 l/100 km (22 US mpg, 26.4 UK mpg, 9.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.6 l/100 km (30.9 US mpg, 37.2 UK mpg, 13.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.4 l/100 km (25 US mpg, 30.1 UK mpg, 10.6 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.2 kg/Hp, 108.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.1 kg/Nm, 139.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 180 Hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Power per litre | 76.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 232 Nm @ 4600 rpm (171.11 lb.-ft. @ 4600 rpm) |
| Maximum engine speed | 6500 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | ED6 |
| Engine displacement | 2360 cm3 (144.02 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 88 mm (3.46 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 97 mm (3.82 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.2 l (5.49 US qt | 4.58 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.8 l (7.19 US qt | 5.98 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1658 kg (3655.26 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2291 kg (5050.79 lbs.) |
| Max load | 633 kg (1395.53 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 448 l (15.82 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1555 l (54.91 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 907 kg (1999.59 lbs.) |
| Length | 4623 mm (182.01 in.) |
| Width | 1859 mm (73.19 in.) |
| Height | 1669 mm (65.71 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2705 mm (106.5 in.) |
| Front track | 1593 mm (62.72 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1603 mm (63.11 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.5 m (37.73 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 16.7° |
| Departure angle | 24.6° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 9 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 225/60 R17; 225/55 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 17; 7J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Cherokee variant is the 2.4-liter Tigershark inline-four cylinder engine, designated as the ED6 engine code. This engine is a naturally aspirated powerplant featuring multi-port fuel injection and a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain. The engine’s design prioritizes fuel efficiency and smooth operation over outright performance. The 2.4L engine produces 180 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 232 Nm (171 lb-ft) of torque at 4600 rpm. The engine utilizes a conventional engine block construction and a cast aluminum cylinder head. The nine-speed automatic transmission, sourced from ZF, is a key component of this powertrain. This transmission offers a wide range of gear ratios, contributing to both fuel economy and acceptable acceleration. The transmission’s complexity, however, has been a source of some reliability concerns in early production years.
Driving Characteristics
The 180 hp, front-wheel drive Cherokee with the nine-speed automatic delivers a comfortable and predictable driving experience. Acceleration is adequate for everyday driving situations, but it’s not particularly brisk. The nine-speed transmission generally shifts smoothly, but can sometimes exhibit hesitant behavior, particularly at lower speeds. The wide gear ratio spread helps to keep the engine operating in its optimal range for fuel efficiency during highway cruising. Compared to the available 3.2-liter V6 engine, this 2.4-liter variant offers significantly less power and acceleration. However, it provides a noticeable improvement in fuel economy. The front-wheel drive configuration contributes to better fuel efficiency but limits off-road capability compared to the available four-wheel drive systems.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.4L Automatic Cherokee typically came standard with features such as air conditioning, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a rearview camera, and basic safety features like ABS and stability control. Higher trim levels, such as the Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk, added features like leather upholstery, heated seats, a premium sound system, and advanced driver-assistance systems like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, navigation system, and various appearance packages.
Chassis & Braking
The Cherokee’s chassis features an independent front suspension with McPherson struts and a multi-link independent rear suspension. This setup provides a comfortable ride quality and decent handling characteristics. Front-wheel drive models utilize ventilated front discs and solid rear discs for braking. The braking system is equipped with ABS and electronic brake-force distribution. Steering is provided by an electric power steering system, offering light and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2.4-liter Cherokee Automatic was generally well-received by critics as a practical and fuel-efficient option within the mid-size SUV segment. However, some reviewers noted the engine’s lack of power and the occasional hesitation of the nine-speed transmission. Compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, the Cherokee offered a more rugged aesthetic and available four-wheel drive, but often lagged behind in terms of fuel economy and overall refinement. The V6 engine offered a significant performance upgrade, but at the cost of increased fuel consumption.
Legacy
The 2.4-liter Cherokee Automatic has established itself as a relatively reliable and affordable option in the used car market. While the nine-speed transmission has been known to experience some issues, particularly in early production years, many owners have reported years of trouble-free operation. The engine itself is generally considered durable and long-lasting. As a result, this variant remains a popular choice for buyers seeking a practical and capable SUV at a reasonable price point.
