Three times during my test drive of the 2019 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4×4, I bee-lined across the parking lot to the driver’s door and confidently pulled the handle, almost yanking off my arm. The door was locked. For a split-second, I wondered if I had lost the smart key. Then I would peer inside this mid-size SUV to see someone else’s stuff. Again. Again. And Again!
Okay. So people love this Jeep and this particular color — Velvet Red Pearl-Coat Exterior with Black Interior and premium Nappa leather-trimmed bucket seats. And they like to park next to people who drive the exact same vehicle, right down to the 18-inch by 7-inch premium polished wheels, new front and rear design with improved LED headlamps and tail lamps as well as the dual panoramic sunroof, roof rails and dual bright exhaust tips.
If all those things were in place, and you are not into memorizing license plates, wouldn’t you think it was yours too?
This two-row, five-seater with the signature seven-slot grille is powered by a 3.2 V6 24-Valve VVT engine with 9-speed automatic transmission, harnessing 271 horsepower. Off-road warriors will appreciate the 7.9 inches of ground clearance and the selec-train system with auto, snow, sport and sand/mud modes. They’ll also make good use of the 54.9 cubic feet of cargo space when the second-row is folded. For those who need to stay in touch, you can access Apple Carplay and Google Android through the Uconnect with 8.4 inch display monitor.
The never ending love that I have for the available hands-free power liftgate will never go away, but I was truly mesmerized with the safety measures in place with the LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist. This feature uses visual warnings when it detects an unintended lane drift and will course correct the vehicle back into its lane if the driver does not respond. During this test drive, I happen to have had a long, late night where I didn’t respond in a timely manner.
The technology took over and guided me and the leather-wrapped heated steering wheel back to the appropriate lane. I veered out of my lane on purpose a few times just to test the consistency. It’s not a self-driving car, but this exercise in technology dependence certainly gives today’s driver a taste of the not-so-distant future of driving.
Now if only the Jeep called my name (like KITT from the movie Knight Rider) when it sensed the smart key was close by. Using the remote start button is an option for now.
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4×4 MSRP: $33,620; Combined City/Highway MPG: 22.
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