The Jeep Cherokee is exceedingly capable on multiple fronts. It’s an off-road trooper, and it’s a pleasurable city/highway road warrior. For 2016, this midsize SUV compliments its interior presentation with updates to the Uconnect in-vehicle connectivity system when equipped with the 8.4-inch touchscreen. New Uconnect features include Siri Eyes Free (drivers use voice commands to send text messages and initiate phone calls using an Apple iPhone 4s or later), and Do Not Disturb (routes incoming calls to voice mail and suppresses text messages). A one-week test drive of the 4x4 Cherokee Overland showcased the vehicle’s all-around aptitude, like its fuel-minded rear axle disconnect; a nifty industry-first feature when 4x4 isn’t needed.

Cherokee offers two engine choices: a 3.2-liter V6 engine with engine stop/start technology that provides 271 horsepower at 6500 rpm and 239 pounds-feet of torque at 4400 rpm, and a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that releases 184 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 171 pounds-feet of torque at 4600 rpm. Both engines mate to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The 106.26-inch wheelbase Cherokee provides 24.6 cubic feet of stow space with rear seat up, 54.9 cubic feet with rear seat folded, and 58.9 cubic feet with front passenger seat and rear seat folded down. On 4x4 Cherokee SUVs, the load floor height is 30.9 inches. The Cherokee Overland 4x4 has an MSRP of $38,395 and collects estimated mpg of 19 city26 highway.