Jeep Cherokee Limited Diesel new car review

4 stars

Jeep's been on something of a roll lately, with the Grand Cherokee consistently among the best-selling four-wheel-drives in the country.

But the popular large SUV has had little in the way of backup until the arrival earlier in 2014 of the boldly styled Cherokee. The new mid-sizer has taken the fight to the SUV class leaders, including Mazda's CX-5, Honda's CR-V, Subaru's Forester and Nissan's X-Trail.

But unlike those rivals the Cherokee has been battling without a diesel engine – until now. Jeep is now offering a 2.0-litre turbo diesel, but only in the flagship Limited trim.

WHAT DO YOU GET?

Unlike the four-model petrol-powered Cherokee range the diesel is available only as a Limited. That means leather trim, heated and powered front seats, xenon lights, a premium sound system, front and rear parking sensors and a larger colour touchscreen.

That's on top of the already generous level of gear of some other Cherokee models that includes tyre pressure sensors, reversing camera, cruise control, Bluetooth, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone air-conditioning, powered tailgate and alloy wheels.

However the Cherokee Diesel brings a substantial $5000 premium over the regular V6-powered Cherokee Limited. That makes it a $49,000 proposition, which makes it one of the more expensive – albeit better-equipped – diesel medium SUVs on the market.

Just in case you want to spend more there are also option packs, one of which adds a panoramic sunroof.

Then there's the Electronic Convenience Group that adds smart key entry, a 230V powerpoint and a wireless charging pad for compatible phones.

Those wanting more active safety can opt for the Technology Group, which brings auto high beam, radar cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, a self-parking system and autonomous emergency braking.

WHAT'S INSIDE?

There's plenty to like with the Cherokee interior, starting with the 8.4-inch colour touchscreen that's simple to use. Menu buttons with legible (and large - brilliant!) icons along the button make it easy to toggle between radio, phone, navigation and vehicle functions. The buttons on the steering wheel take more familiarisation – mainly those on the back of the wheel.

A detailed trip computer between the main analogue instruments looks the business and presents plenty of info to the driver in a digestible format.

There's also decent practicality, including a storage area on top of the dash as one of numerous areas for nicknacks; throw in a decent centre console, sizeable glovebox and storage under the passenger's front seat and it's a practical device.

A chunky steering wheel and supportive seats are a win for the driver. However the lack of a driver's foot rest is annoying – and disappointing given the thoughtfulness elsewhere.

At least the electronic handbrake is smart enough to come on and off automatically as required.

The rear seats are also spacious enough for adults and come with rear air vents and decent vision. There's also a split-fold function that makes better use of the modest boot, although the retractable cargo blind can be difficult to click in and out of place.

UNDER THE BONNET

The headline with the diesel is, unsurprisingly, the engine. The 2.0-litre turbocharged unit muscles up 125kW and a stout 350Nm.

There's some initial hesitation that can make the throttle response feel lazy at times, and the stop-start system can exacerbate the delay when the engine goes to refire as you press the accelerator.

But once under way there's a decent dollop of torque that makes for easy acceleration. It generally teams well with the nine-speed auto, something that helps keep the engine in its sweet spot.

However that auto can occasionally feel clumsy when reapplying the throttle at lower speeds, with some unwanted jerks and jostles.

But the diesel hits its goal of being more frugal. Claimed consumption of 5.8 litre per 100km is largely unachievable in everyday driving, but we managed high 8s in predominantly suburban motoring.

It also claims a class leading tow capacity of 2393kg – half a tonne or more than most rivals.

For those looking to go off-road the Cherokee is also a cut above the soft-road competition. While its suspension travel is limited it has some smart electronics as part of its traction control system that helps it feed power to the wheels with grip. There's also a low range ratio for slow speed work.

However due to global demand the diesel isn't available with the more rugged and capable Trailhawk pack that brings a higher ride height and more off-road functionality.

ON THE ROAD

Like the regular Cherokee the diesel is proficient and competent on the road. There's an agility no Jeep before it has come close to, matched to fluent and responsive steering.

Grippy 18-inch tyres add to the impressive dynamics that isn't overly upset by bumps. It's also comfortable enough, meeting a good middle ground between feeling good in the bends and dealing with imperfections.

VERDICT

The diesel Cherokee ticks plenty of boxes, including competent on- and off-road manners and a frugal engine that's good for towing. Unfortunately, though, price isn't one of them. The $5000 premium over the V6 is difficult enough to swallow but the fact it's only available in the most expensive Limited trim level adds to the financial pain.

Specifications

Price

$49,000, plus on-road and dealer costs

Country of origin

USA

Engine

2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel

Power

125kW at 4000rpm

Torque

350Nm at 1750rpm

Fuel use

5.8L/100km

CO2 emissions

154g/km

Transmission

9-speed auto, four-wheel-drive

Weight

1854kg

Safety

7 airbags; stability control

Pros

Frugal diesel; functional interior; high equipment levels; off-road and towing ability

Cons

Expensive; diesel only available in single flagship trim level; engine lazy at low revs

 

The Competitors

Toyota RAV 4 Cruiser Diesel auto

Price: $48,990, plus on-road and dealer costs

Engine: 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel; 110kW/340Nm; 6-speed auto; 4WD

Fuel use and CO2 emissions: 6.5L/100km, 172g/km

Safety: 7 airbags; stability control

Pros: Thoughtful interior with clever storage; intuitive auto; great front seats; frugal

Cons: Engine performance only average; sub-standard wet weather grip; firm suspension

Our rating: 3.5

Mitsubishi Outlander Aspire diesel

PRICE $45,490

ENGINE 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel, 110kW/360Nm, 6-sp auto, 4WD

FUEL USE/CO2 EMISSIONS 5.8L/100km, 153g/km

SAFETY 7 airbags; stability control.

PROS Seating for seven at a keen price; good diesel engine; frugal; strong equipment list; five-year warranty.

CONS Sloppy dynamics; road noise; inconsistent steering.

OUR RATING: 3.5

Mazda CX-5 Akera diesel

Price: $48,620

Engine: 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel, 129kW/420Nm, 6-sp auto, 4WD

Fuel use/CO2 emissions: 5.7L/100km, 149g/km

Safety: 6 airbags; stability control

Pros: Clever and stylish interior; great diesel engine with stop-start; excellent on-road manners

Cons: Boot not as spacious as some; limited off-road ability; no rear air vents

Our score: 4