Jeep Cherokee Sport Crd

The Age

Saturday June 21, 2008

Cameron McGavin

It's off the beaten track that this muscular 4WD shows its true worth, reports Cameron McGavin.

THE Cherokee has been a mainstay for Jeep over the past decade, so it's fair to say the new-generation version of this heavy-duty 4WD has some pretty big shoes to fill.

As you would expect, Jeep is claiming a raft of advances. It's bigger, more powerful yet thriftier, with a roomier, more practical interior and improved on-road refinement - all, Jeep says, with no cost to the Cherokee's legendary off-road abilities.

I don't know if it's better looking, though. While some will love the butch, Hummer-style visual bluster, it's not very well resolved, particularly at the front, where the headlights, guards and grille intersect awkwardly.

WHAT DO YOU GET?

Cherokee pricing kicks off at $39,990 for the petrol Sport model, with the diesel-powered CRD tested here costing $43,990. That's competitive with upper-level versions of models such as Kia's Sorento, but the Jeep's collection of features is comparatively modest - you get climate control, powered windows, six-stack CD player and cruise control, but no leather-shod steering wheel or trip computer and only 16-inch alloy wheels.

Next to competitors such as Nissan's Pathfinder, the Jeep's value prospects look much better.

The range-topping Limited adds leather, heated seats and snazzier trim, starting at $45,990 for the petrol model.

HOW SAFE?

Jeep has equipped the Cherokee with front, side and curtain airbags, stability/traction control with electronic roll mitigation, anti-lock brakes with brake assist and a tyre-pressure monitoring system.

The Jeep hasn't been put through the NCAP crash-test regimen but has achieved a strong five-star rating in US crash tests, although the US tests have different protocols.

WHAT'S INSIDE?

The old Cherokee was somewhat cramped in the back seat but this new one is much better, if still not remarkably roomy. There's sufficient space for tall people and the upright bench with its reclining backrest offers decent comfort.

The boot, too, is quite useful with its underfloor storage, reversible floor and luggage tie-downs, while the back seats are handy in that they fold totally flat. And, unlike some 4WDs, you get a full-sized spare tyre.

That's where the goodwill ends, though. The boot is quite small with the seats up, which is disappointing in light of the generous exterior.

Up front, the driving position is compromised by a cramped footwell, lack of a driver's footrest and no reach adjustment for the steering wheel.

Then there's the way it feels, which is cheap due to the boxy, bland design, flimsy materials and poor fit and finish.

Only the tactile climate-control knobs and chrome-edged instruments stand out in this wasteland of grey plastic.

Still, at least you won't feel bad should you it get it dirty, a potentially handy asset if you're actually going to use the Cherokee in the manner for which it was designed.

UNDER THE BONNET

The CRD's 130 kW, 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four is thoroughly up to date in terms of technology and looks good on paper, pumping out 460 Nm of torque from 2100 rpm.

The on-road result is generally favourable. Put the foot down and it sprints keenly, and it also responds with determination to calls for rolling acceleration. It'll tow up to 2270 kg and has a long-legged cruising gait that eats hills.

Fuel economy is good.

We averaged a commendable 10.5 L/100 km on test - not a match for the 9.4 L official figure, but pretty good for a two-tonne 4WD.

However, there are niggles.

Turbo lag occasionally intrudes in lazy urban dawdling, and isn't helped by the five-speed auto's slow reactions and middling shift quality. There's plenty of diesel grumble and rumble.

ON THE ROAD

In combining a tough, traditional 4WD chassis with modern electronic trickery, the Cherokee is not only capable off the beaten track but user-friendly as well.

Changing between 2WD, auto 4WD and low-range 4WD is simply a matter of flicking a switch.

In low range it'll happily chug its way through all sorts of challenging terrain, while hill-descent control and hill-start assist take the guesswork out of steep climbs and descents.

The Jeep is also quite proficient on tarmac by heavy-duty 4WD standards, but ultimately can't disguise its weight and the limitations of its live rear axle.

No issues on smooth surfaces, where its reactions prove faithful and predictable. However, put some bumps and undulations into the mix and its composure - along with the ride quality - evaporates.

VERDICT

Whether the Cherokee makes sense comes down to what you're looking for. If, like most 4WD buyers, you're unlikely to ever venture off the beaten track, then steer clear, because you'll find significantly better cabin space, on-road refinement and dynamics by shopping in the light-duty part of the market.

But if you actually need a heavy-duty off-roader, the Jeep isn't so easy to dismiss. While there is plenty of room for improvement, particularly inside, its strong and economical diesel drivetrain, value, toughness and off-road nous add up to an essentially worthy package.

JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT CRD 3/5

HOW MUCH: $43,990 (auto only).

ENGINE: 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel; 130 kW/460 Nm.

WHAT'S IT GOT: Twin front and side/curtain airbags, stability/traction control with

electronic roll mitigation, ABS with EBD and BA, hill-descent control/hill-start assist,

rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring system, climate-control air-conditioning, powered windows and heated mirrors, cruise control, remote central locking, CD player with auxiliary jack, 12-volt outlet, four cupholders, 16-inch alloy wheels, engine immobiliser and alarm, three year/100,000 km warranty.

FOR: Muscular and thrifty diesel powerplant, more space, handy off-road,

plenty of safety gear, decent value.

AGAINST: Bouncy ride, handling wilts on poor surfaces, cheap cabin atmosphere, small boot.

THE COMPETITION

KIA SORENTO EX-L CRDi

HOW MUCH: From $44,490.

ENGINE: 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel; 125 kW/392 Nm.

SAFETY: Four-star NCAP crash rating. Six airbags, stability/ traction control, ABS.

WHAT'S IT GOT: Climate-control air-conditioning, leather, cruise control, trip computer, CD player, sunroof, 17-inch alloys.

FOR: Grunty diesel engine, loads of toys and safety gear, value.

AGAINST: Wobbly handling, shuddery ride, unremarkable cabin packaging and presentation.

OUR SCORE: 3/5

NISSAN PATHFINDER ST

HOW MUCH: From $44,990.

ENGINE: 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel; 126 kW/403 Nm.

SAFETY: Four-star NCAP crash rating. Two airbags, ABS, stability control.

WHAT'S IT GOT: Air-conditioning, power windows, cruise control, CD player, 16-inch alloys.

FOR: Strong and efficient diesel driveline, seating for seven, looks tough, drives OK, capable off-road.

AGAINST: Cramped middle and final-row accommodation, average ride, skimpy equipment.

OUR SCORE: 3/5

S SANGYONG KYRON M270XDi

HOW MUCH: From $36,990.

ENGINE: 2.7-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel; 121 kW/340 Nm.

SAFETY: No NCAP crash rating.

Six airbags, ABS, parking sensors.

WHAT'S IT GOT: Air-conditioning, power windows, cruise control, CD player, 18-inch alloys.

FOR: Sharp price, diesel engine is strong and efficient.

AGAINST: Unsophisticated auto, soggy handling, wobbly ride, stability control not available.

OUR SCORE: 2/5.5

© 2008 The Age

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