Small crossovers and SUVs have gobbled up an increasingly large portion of the American automotive market, and it's easy to see why. Advances in design and engine technology have brought their fuel economy to new heights, and owners love the additional cargo and passenger space they offer, not to mention the raised drive height and greater capability. Possibly no other vehicle demonstrates the strengths of the small SUV better than the 2019 Jeep Cherokee. With a new, stylish exterior and other major changes for 2019, the Jeep Cherokee sits right in the sweet spot for many buyers, both when it comes to features and value.

We're going to take a look at what has made the Jeep Cherokee one of the most popular crossovers on the market today, as well as the changes for 2019 that have taken it to all-new heights of performance, style, and comfort.


Design of the 2019 Jeep Cherokee

Jeep is known for being a "workhorse" brand, with rugged styling and performance. However, they also know that even serious off-roaders spend most of their driving time on solid pavement, whether in the city or on country roads. The 2019 Cherokee provides owners with the best of both worlds: an attractive, commuter-friendly package that can also handle some serious off-roading. For 2019, Jeep has completely changed the Cherokee's exterior styling, giving it a more modern, refined look. For many buyers, these changes are enough to lead them to choose the Cherokee over other competing crossovers.

However, Jeep also made some other important changes. With increased convenient storage in the cabin, the 2019 Cherokee is more family and commuter-friendly than ever, offering ease of use, practicality, and comfort. The interior of the 2019 Cherokee has gotten a lot of praise for its solid materials, logical design, and comfortable seating. The Cherokee has certainly come a long when it debuted.

But the benefits of Jeep's interior design don't stop there. For 2019, Jeep has upgraded the Cherokee's infotainment system, offering a 7-inch touchscreen as standard across the range that is equipped with Bluetooth, as well as Android Auto & Apple CarPlay. Even some much more expensive SUVs are still lagging behind when it comes to infotainment, and Jeep is offering great value here by offering these features as standard. The interface is also known for being very intuitive and easy to use, bringing a nice technological boost to this already impressive small SUV.

Powertrain Options

Another big change for 2019 comes in the form of the Cherokee's powertrain options. All-new for this year is a turbocharged 2.0l engine. Offering nearly as much power as the V6 option, while providing greater torque and fuel efficiency, this 2.0l turbo is a real winner for 2019. While serious off-roaders will choose the Trailhawk trim with its standard V6, the 2.0l turbo offers the perfect blend of power and efficiency for many buyers.

But that's not to say the base 2.4l engine is insufficient. Offering great efficiency and confident acceleration, it's a great option for maximizing the Cherokee's value. The 2019 Cherokee comes standard with FWD, and is of course available with AWD to handle inclement weather. Opting for the Trailhawk gets you Jeep's specialized AWD system with locking differential, terrain and descent control, off-road tires, and other features that make for a truly unique driving experience.


It All Starts With a Test Drive

Drivers who test drive a 2019 Jeep Cherokee often wind up thoroughly impressed with its friendly on-road driving dynamic. The comfortable, well-crafted interior is another aspect that makes the Cherokee a favorite among families. But for the off-roaders out there, the big surprise is finding such a capable off-road vehicle in such a compact, friendly package. If you're shopping for a small SUV for yourself or your family, you owe it to yourself to test drive the competitive 2019 Jeep Cherokee.