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Where are the Liberty vs. Cherokee reviews?

8685 Views 21 Replies 14 Participants Last post by  12Bravo
Hello there, just registered on this forum. I've driven a Liberty (first a 2008 Limited and then a 2011 Limited, both purchased brand new) for literally the past decade, and am now trading up to a 2019 Cherokee Overland, which should arrive from the factory hopefully in a couple weeks. I went with the V6, because I don't like the sound of 4-cyl engines, and I'm not convinced that the turbo is the better choice in the long run. Obviously since it's already being built, I've already made my decision to make the switch, but I've been scouring the internet for info on the Cherokees while I've been waiting, and I've noticed a distinct lack of any real comparisons between the outgoing KK Liberty and the new KL Cherokee. I know the KL is a completely different vehicle than the KK, but it still served as a direct replacement, so you'd think SOMEBODY would think it was a good idea to directly compare the two.

I've been pretty happy overall with my KK, and was planning on driving it a few more years, but am trading up now because it's threatening to cost me potentially thousands in repairs (transmission is making me very nervous, among other things), and I'd rather put the money into something new with better ride, better mileage, and a long warranty safety net. I did test drive a 2019 KL Overland before custom ordering one spec'd to my liking, and it seemed to be quite an upgrade over my KK, but it was a fairly short test drive. I wish I had been more thorough, but I was in a hurry for various reasons, so now I've just been spending my days dreaming about it, and stressing about it, hoping I made the right choice, especially given all the issues with the 9-speed that I wasn't fully aware of before I placed my order. My parents have a 2014 Grand Cherokee, which I've enjoyed driving from time to time, but it's a bit on the big side for me, so I'm really hoping this new Cherokee offers a similar experience in a smaller package.

Anyway, due to the lack of official comparison reviews, I'd like to hear if there are any owner reviews to be had. I'm curious to know if anyone else here has upgraded to a KL from a KK, or even a KJ, and what your thoughts are on how they compare. I'm tired of reading about how the Cherokee compares with other ugly crossovers that I couldn't care less about. I want to hear how it compares to older Jeeps!
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Hello there, just registered on this forum. IAnyway, due to the lack of official comparison reviews, I'd like to hear if there are any owner reviews to be had. I'm curious to know if anyone else here has upgraded to a KL from a KK, or even a KJ, and what your thoughts are on how they compare. I'm tired of reading about how the Cherokee compares with other ugly crossovers that I couldn't care less about. I want to hear how it compares to older Jeeps!
Welcome to the forum...…..
Buyers remorse or as I call it 2nd thoughts is very common and I get them also.

* Transmission issues were fixed mid 2015 production with a new hardware fixed ZF. No more issues to date.
* The KL platform is a new platform for the new Cherokee. The KL is a totally new type of SUV that is basically a computer on 4 wheels.
It also has a unique drive train and 9 speed transmission that sets it apart from all the others and other brands, in my opinion.

In my case I drove it first, a 2014 Cherokee, and loved the way it drove and handled. It just felt solid. I had a '04 Grand Cherokee SE V8 at the time.
I did compare all the interior area like seating and had almost as much room as the Grand. I factory ordered it as I could not get the options I wanted on the dealer lot. I absolutely wanted the Full Tech group and tow group.
For me there was almost no difference between the two in function except rear cargo storage and the '14 being loaded with more tech.
Towing was great with the '14 as it was with the Grand.

How it compares with my 3 older Jeeps, both '92, 2001 Cherokees, and an '04 Grand Cherokee simply said it does not in any way.

Its far better, more solid and road quiet than the other ones. It also is more stable due to the stability controls built into the vehicle.

I have never looked back at that early purchase of my 2014 Cherokee. Also glad I picked up a Max Care Life plan on it as I will keep this one a long time.
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