Oh they look amazing! But comfort and, frankly, price it’s the Trailhawk. To get all the bells and whistles currently on my Trailhawk Elite on a Wrangler, it would be the Rubicon and would cost on average about $20k more. Then I’d be driving a $65k+ vehicle OFF ROAD… think about that and let it sink in. I wish I had $65k+ for a vehicle I don’t care what happens to. Yeah…not really. 😎
Why did you choose your Cherokee over Wrangler?
I'm sure this has been brought up before, but I am just curious. For me, I was between my 2020 TH and a 2018 JKU Golden Eagle.
The biggest factor for me was price. I got the TH for about 28k, and the JKU was at 34k. I had a Mercedes E63 AMG at the time that was in need of a full head bolt and valve bucket replacement. It was my daily driver, and while I felt I could do all the head work, I would need more than just a weekend to do it, so I knew I had to trade it in and eat quite a bit of negative equity (about 4k worth). So going with the cheaper TH was clearly the better option there. Had I not been underwater on the AMG, it would have been a closer decision.
Towing was the next big factor. Long story short, I was being medically retired from the Navy, and it kind of popped up out of nowhere. Normally the DOD will pay for a move, but with the surprise medical retirement coming up, and my lease in Virginia ending before they said they would be able to move me, I knew I would have to pull my household goods behind whatever I traded the AMG in for. With the TH towing at 4500, and the JKU at 2000, the TH would likely tow most of my household goods. To tow with the JKU I would need a much smaller U-Haul trailer, so I would have to lose at least half of my household goods.
Interior was another big factor. The 2018 JKU if anyone knows, has a very spartan and bland interior. It was obvious the TH had the upper hand on this one. The TH kept the majority of the things I was used to in the AMG, just missing out on some of the minor options such as adaptive cruise, automatic high beams, and automatic rain detecting wipers.
Obviously with the Cherokee being closer to a crossover than a SUV, it rode closer to what I was used to. In just the short test drive in the JKU, my back really felt the rough ride quality, so that would have been a real stretch to try and live with the JKU (maybe the JLU is better in this regard, but way out of my price range) . I'm sure I would get some health care to take care of my bodily aches and pains eventually, but driving the JKU from Virginia to Michigan even if I didn't have a trailer behind me would hurt.
Now obviously I wanted the Wrangler for its superior off road performance and HUGE aftermarket support, which is why I went with a Trailhawk. Still decent enough off-road with a decent enough aftermarket presence. But sacrificing all of the above points just for that isn't worth it to me, especially with 95% of my driving would be on paved roads. Gladiator was on the top of my list, but to check off most of my boxes, I would need an overland or Rubicon trim, and that's just way too far off my price range at the moment.
So what about you? What made you choose your Cherokee?
The biggest factor for me was price. I got the TH for about 28k, and the JKU was at 34k. I had a Mercedes E63 AMG at the time that was in need of a full head bolt and valve bucket replacement. It was my daily driver, and while I felt I could do all the head work, I would need more than just a weekend to do it, so I knew I had to trade it in and eat quite a bit of negative equity (about 4k worth). So going with the cheaper TH was clearly the better option there. Had I not been underwater on the AMG, it would have been a closer decision.
Towing was the next big factor. Long story short, I was being medically retired from the Navy, and it kind of popped up out of nowhere. Normally the DOD will pay for a move, but with the surprise medical retirement coming up, and my lease in Virginia ending before they said they would be able to move me, I knew I would have to pull my household goods behind whatever I traded the AMG in for. With the TH towing at 4500, and the JKU at 2000, the TH would likely tow most of my household goods. To tow with the JKU I would need a much smaller U-Haul trailer, so I would have to lose at least half of my household goods.
Interior was another big factor. The 2018 JKU if anyone knows, has a very spartan and bland interior. It was obvious the TH had the upper hand on this one. The TH kept the majority of the things I was used to in the AMG, just missing out on some of the minor options such as adaptive cruise, automatic high beams, and automatic rain detecting wipers.
Obviously with the Cherokee being closer to a crossover than a SUV, it rode closer to what I was used to. In just the short test drive in the JKU, my back really felt the rough ride quality, so that would have been a real stretch to try and live with the JKU (maybe the JLU is better in this regard, but way out of my price range) . I'm sure I would get some health care to take care of my bodily aches and pains eventually, but driving the JKU from Virginia to Michigan even if I didn't have a trailer behind me would hurt.
Now obviously I wanted the Wrangler for its superior off road performance and HUGE aftermarket support, which is why I went with a Trailhawk. Still decent enough off-road with a decent enough aftermarket presence. But sacrificing all of the above points just for that isn't worth it to me, especially with 95% of my driving would be on paved roads. Gladiator was on the top of my list, but to check off most of my boxes, I would need an overland or Rubicon trim, and that's just way too far off my price range at the moment.
So what about you? What made you choose your Cherokee?
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To be honest, I never seriously considered a Wrangler. I did sit in a 4 door at the dealer.
Yeah it would be nice to have one, but in Flo-ri-duh the rock gardens and mountains trails
are hard to find, so I'd end up with a (pricey) vehicle designed for someplace else.
So the reasons I chose a Cherokee:
1) I wanted a larger (than a Fiesta ST) vehicle that was a nice place to be as a daily driver.
2) I wanted 4 wheel drive for when I go up to the mountains to camp.
3) I wanted to be able to tow my bike to the mountains
4) As the household's primary vehicle, it needed practicality.
5) I didn't want a full size SUV or truck, it's just the wife and I.
The Trailhawk checked all the boxes. It's a 'niche' vehicle, so the competition in its class
is limited. Once I test drove it, the choice was made. No regrets yet. 😉
Yeah it would be nice to have one, but in Flo-ri-duh the rock gardens and mountains trails
are hard to find, so I'd end up with a (pricey) vehicle designed for someplace else.
So the reasons I chose a Cherokee:
1) I wanted a larger (than a Fiesta ST) vehicle that was a nice place to be as a daily driver.
2) I wanted 4 wheel drive for when I go up to the mountains to camp.
3) I wanted to be able to tow my bike to the mountains
4) As the household's primary vehicle, it needed practicality.
5) I didn't want a full size SUV or truck, it's just the wife and I.
The Trailhawk checked all the boxes. It's a 'niche' vehicle, so the competition in its class
is limited. Once I test drove it, the choice was made. No regrets yet. 😉
I actually prefer body on frame 4X4s (had a Blazer and an Explorer). But I think the only ones left are the Wrangler, the new Bronco, and the 4Runner.
a. Jeep makes the best unibody 4X4s around, but the Grand (like the 4Runner & Bronco) is just a tad too big.
b. I wouldn't want a Wrangler for my primary road car, for the comfort factor.
a2 + b2 = c2 (for Cherokee KL)
a. Jeep makes the best unibody 4X4s around, but the Grand (like the 4Runner & Bronco) is just a tad too big.
b. I wouldn't want a Wrangler for my primary road car, for the comfort factor.
a2 + b2 = c2 (for Cherokee KL)
Full size Bronco is body on frame...😎I think the only ones left are the Wrangler and the 4Runner.
Right you are...Full size Bronco is body on frame...😎
I wanted fuel mileage and an all wheel drive that I could go everywhere in reason and it had to be a Jeep. Looked at wranglers but comfort and fuel economy was the biggest negative factors. My trailhawk can get me everywhere I need to go. Although when I bought my new latitude in July I did look at the gladiator really hard but the 30,000 price difference was a no Brainer. Both my Cherokee's get fuel mileage a wrangler owners I work with only dream about. 😎😎
I honestly considered the big boy Bronco for a while. But I didn't feel like waiting a year for a lower spec to be delivered, and the ones on lots near me are going for 70-100k. Bronco Sport was an option, and really took a hard look at it, but the Cherokee seemed more offroad focused. I do some trails and ORV parks every few months, so that was big for me. I always have fun with my vehicles, so a grocery getter wasn't something I really wanted. The last few vehicles I had I would take to tracks and drag strips quite often, but maintenance on a daily that can go to the track gets insane really quick, so I wanted to go another route and start off-roading instead.Full size Bronco is body on frame...😎
I cant tell you how many women I know that but a JLU Sahara and keep it bone stock and never even see even a dirt road 😂Actually down here there's a ton of women that drive some pretty nice
Wranglers!
I'm definitely considering getting a toy Jeep once the TH is payed off. Probably a TJ or a JK depending on how prices will look in a couple years...now in ADDITION to the TH this would be fun:
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I certainly looked at other models Jeep had to offer like the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler. I discovered that those lacked many standard features, and they also don’t fair as well in the safety department in comparison to the KL.
More features for a lesser price tag only made more sense to me. Not to mention how comfortable it is, it just soaks up bumps and is un-phased. Fuel economy was most definitely another factor. I didn’t care about the cargo capacity as it is usually just myself, and I could always get crossbars and other goodies if needed.
Do I regret my decision? No! Sometimes I do wish I would have splurged and gotten ADII, but I haven’t gone anywhere it can’t go for now.
More features for a lesser price tag only made more sense to me. Not to mention how comfortable it is, it just soaks up bumps and is un-phased. Fuel economy was most definitely another factor. I didn’t care about the cargo capacity as it is usually just myself, and I could always get crossbars and other goodies if needed.
Do I regret my decision? No! Sometimes I do wish I would have splurged and gotten ADII, but I haven’t gone anywhere it can’t go for now.
Ride quality, Fuel Economy, Steering, Towing, Cargo, Value, etc
At one point, I had considered the possibility of getting a Wrangler Unlimited. But at the time in 2016, I would've had to get one at least a few years old, likely with the old 3.8L engine, less features, and creature comforts, and on an objective level overall, a much worse vehicle.
The only thing the Wrangler has going for it is it's off-road capability, and unless you only drive off-road, there are FAR better options out there. Heck, just the new Ford Bronco is a better buy simply because it'll ride better for those longer trips.
If you must stay with Jeep, either the Cherokee, or Grand Cherokee are a much better value for everyday driving. Sure, resale value is going to be higher in the Wrangler, but I don't consider that to be a big deal in the end. Despite that the used market is hot right now due in part to the chip shortage for new vehicles, cars are not investments. Yes, in some cases, people have gotten their purchase price back as a trade-in value, but that is an exception to the rule. Don't expect it to last over the long-term.
That said, if a used car dealer was offering me 25 grand for my Cherokee with 165k miles on it, I would at least think about selling it, and upgrade to likely a mid-size pick-up.
At one point, I had considered the possibility of getting a Wrangler Unlimited. But at the time in 2016, I would've had to get one at least a few years old, likely with the old 3.8L engine, less features, and creature comforts, and on an objective level overall, a much worse vehicle.
The only thing the Wrangler has going for it is it's off-road capability, and unless you only drive off-road, there are FAR better options out there. Heck, just the new Ford Bronco is a better buy simply because it'll ride better for those longer trips.
If you must stay with Jeep, either the Cherokee, or Grand Cherokee are a much better value for everyday driving. Sure, resale value is going to be higher in the Wrangler, but I don't consider that to be a big deal in the end. Despite that the used market is hot right now due in part to the chip shortage for new vehicles, cars are not investments. Yes, in some cases, people have gotten their purchase price back as a trade-in value, but that is an exception to the rule. Don't expect it to last over the long-term.
That said, if a used car dealer was offering me 25 grand for my Cherokee with 165k miles on it, I would at least think about selling it, and upgrade to likely a mid-size pick-up.
Went from a 2002 Wrangler X. Hard and soft tops. 4.0 had 250k ish. Wanted more comfort, bells and whistles. Got a 2014 Latitude 2.4, 4x4, w/ cold weather group in December 2013. 1st car i've owned with power locks and windows.
106k on it now. Still have that "I miss you Wrangler" heart pang.
106k on it now. Still have that "I miss you Wrangler" heart pang.
I wanted a Wrangler, I had a 2000 TJ. I would have got a Wrangler instead of the KL but I think the 4 door Wranglers look dumb and the 2 door ones don't have enough space or 4 people and anything else.
First was price, second was road comfort. KL already has plenty of off road ability for stuff around here.
Women can score cool guy points too!Actually down here there's a ton of women that drive some pretty nice
Wranglers! The only thing is there's a ton of after market parts for
Wranglers, not so much for the KL. Don't get me wrong I'd rather
have my TH, but some of the Wranglers down here look pretty sweet!
My point is the same though. Lots of people (men and women and everything in between) out there buying wranglers because they look cool, while ignoring all practical aspects.
And don't get me wrong, it's important for someone to like how their vehicle looks. But I don't understand making such a big trade-off of storage space and on-road feel, for a vehicle that won't even see a dirt trail
I wanted a solid middle ground in everything. 4x4 V6, decent amount of space, fun to drive. Under 20k(mine atleast was). Originally I just wanted something with 4x4 V6 and had a sports mode and I found this
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Value.
The Cherokee had 98% of what I wanted (just missing 360* camera, and heated rear seats)
I did consider the Wrangler, but the features of a Wrangler that I would use, that I wouldn't use and the features that aren't available on a Wrangler vs the KL TH swayed me to the KL TH.
Also, the KL is more comfortable to me. I find the JL/JT too be cramped inside.
The Cherokee had 98% of what I wanted (just missing 360* camera, and heated rear seats)
I did consider the Wrangler, but the features of a Wrangler that I would use, that I wouldn't use and the features that aren't available on a Wrangler vs the KL TH swayed me to the KL TH.
Also, the KL is more comfortable to me. I find the JL/JT too be cramped inside.
The Overland had heated rear seats, and the 2021 Limited Elite Package adds them as well. Don't know why we can't spec a TH up to that spec...The Cherokee had 98% of what I wanted (just missing 360* camera, and heated rear seats)
I was coming from a 2006 Mazda Miata and was tired of the view in such a low car. I really wanted a Wrangler because I wanted another soft top. I shopped the hell out of them, finding the dealers that would sell as close to invoice as possible but I found that any JL or even JK Unlimited that I was interested in was out of my price range, even base Sport trim levels. I found that the Cherokee would give me way more bang for the buck. I found a used KL Limited with every package except towing and ADII (it has ADI and I accepted the panoramic sun roof as a substitute for a soft top) and only 15K miles for ~$26K. I couldn’t resist. I hadn’t even test driven one but I trusted the reviews I read.
21 - 40 of 116 Posts
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