A front-end makeover (new headlamps, daylight running lamps, fog lamps, hood, and front fascia), and new engine (2.0-liter 4-cylinder), highlight changes for the 2019 Jeep Cherokee. A week-long test drive of this midsize SUV left positive imprints for its cargo touting capacity (more than 54 cubic feet with rear seats folded and nearly 26 cubic feet with rear seat upright) and its easy disposition while traversing deeply pockmarked gravel roads. The 2019 model also adds a new power rear lift-gate that can be opened with a foot “kick” motion under the bumper.

The test driven Cherokee was powered by the carryover 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that releases 180 horsepower at 6400 rpm/170 pounds-feet of torque at 4600 rpm. A 271 horsepower/239 pounds-feet of torque Pentastar V6 engine also remains as a carryover powerplant. The new engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that produces 270 horsepower at 5250 rpm/295 pounds-feet of torque at 3000-4500 rpm. An upgraded 9-speed automatic transmission is standard on all five model trims (Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited, Overland, and Trailhawk). Test driven front wheel drive Cherokee Latitude carries a base MSRP of $23,995 and collects estimated mpg of 22 city/31 highway.