The 2021 Jeep Cherokee (KL) is the SUV that successfully reinvented itself. When the KL generation launched in 2013, its controversial "squinty" headlights polarized opinion. This **Facelift model (2019-2023)** fixes that with a handsome, conventional front end while retaining the chassis that makes it one of the few compact crossovers capable of conquering the Rubicon Trail (in Trailhawk spec). Production ended in **2023**, making these late models the best of the breed.

Three engines define the Cherokee experience:

• 2.0L Turbo (Hurricane): 270 HP / 400 Nm. RECOMMENDED Shared with the Wrangler. It is punchy, lighter than the V6, and offers the best blend of power and economy.
• 3.2L V6 (Pentastar): 271 HP. The old-school choice. Smooth, linear power and excellent towing capacity (2,000kg), but thirsty.
• 2.4L MultiAir (Tigershark): 180 HP. The base engine. Feels underpowered for a vehicle this heavy. Avoid unless on a strict budget.

• Uconnect 4: The 8.4-inch touchscreen is intuitive and supports Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The interior materials on "Limited" and "Overland" trims are surprisingly premium, with Nappa leather options.
• Space: Rear legroom is decent (sliding rear seats), but the boot (730 Litres) is slightly smaller than a Honda CR-V due to the high load floor (hiding a full-size spare in some trims).

• Consumption: 10–12 km/l (2.0L Turbo). The V6 struggles to get 9 km/l in mixed driving.
• Service: Jeep parts are expensive in Kenya compared to Toyota. The 9-speed automatic gearbox (ZF 9HP) in earlier models had issues, but the 2019+ software updates largely fixed the hunting/jerky shifts.

Trailhawk Legend: If you get the Trailhawk trim, you get 220mm clearance, skid plates, tow hooks, and an Active Drive Lock 4WD system with a rear locker. It is arguably the most capable vehicle in its class off-road, easily handling Maasai Mara mud.

4-Star Euro NCAP rating. Features Adaptive Cruise Control and LaneSense. Reliability is average; check for oil consumption on 2.4L models and ensure the PTU (Power Transfer Unit) for the 4WD system is servicing correctly.

Who is this for? The adventurer who needs a daily driver that can genuinely handle rough terrain on weekends. Who is it NOT for? Fuel misers—even the 2.0T is not as efficient as a RAV4 Hybrid.