2017 JEEP CHEROKEE

Cherokee tops Honda CRV ..USA,USA, USA

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: Safety Rating: Technology Rating: Value Rating: 5

I just purchased a 2017 Cherokee Latitude a few weeks ago, and continue to be impressed. To put it in perspective, I also have a 2016 Honda CRV and can make a good comparison now. I had shopped both cars and negotiated rock bottom deals on both. The sticker price of the Jeep was $36K but with big rebates to be had the price of both cars ended up within $100 of each other, or $27.5K out the door going with their mid level trim; Latitude for the Jeep and EX for the CRV. But compare what I got in terms of value: Power: the 6 cylinder engine of the Jeep is is much more powerful and smooth than the 4 cylinder in the Honda..a 90 hp difference..advantage Jeep. Convenience: The Jeep has Power tailgate, Much better/larger LCD Infotainment System, Remote Start, More Adjustable and comfortable power front seats Auto Mirror, integrated 911 system etc not on the CRV. The CRV came with heated seats and the blind spot camera, both nice things but not of the value of the Jeep. Utility: The Jeep came with Roof Rails, Tow package (can tow 4500 lbs!), and full size spare. Honda did not include roof rails at that price point or tow hitch, and can tow only 1500 lbs if so configured. Advantage Jeep. Design: The Jeep has a unique outdoorsey presence about it, with off color stitching. The Honda is a good design, but more boring. The Jeep has a full panoramic sunroof, while the Honda just has a small standard one. 4WD: The Jeep has adjustable settings of the drive system, not to mention higher ground clearance and approach angles. While not a Trailhawk, the Jeep Latitude wins vs the CRV re offroad capabilities. Ride Quality: This is a big factor.:The Jeep is as smooth as can be; The Honda is great compared to other small SUV's and has an impressive CVT transmission but compared to the Jeep ride quality is not as good and does not feel as substantial. Especially on long highway trips, the Jeep with the V6 is just a better place to be and feels like a luxury car. In fairness the CRV scores some points with more cargo room, better mpg, and the blind spot camera. So in terms of Value, the Jeep is the clear winner and would even be worth the sticker price. In terms of reliability, I guess that is TBD, but the Jeep seems impressively solid and unstressed. If that is a big concern, Jeep offers an insane Lifetime/Unlimited Miles Warranty Upgrade for $2-3K. Being an import car buyer since 1982 ( my CRV was assembled in Canada), I am now changing my perception. Honda and CRV are always rated at the top of pack, and there are some outdated perceptions out there that imports are somehow better. Jeep Cherokee has one of the highest US contents of any vehicle. It is great to support fellow hard working Americans who make a product that is world class. USA, USA, USA!!