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Powertrain Options Thoughts? Model thoughts?

5K views 20 replies 15 participants last post by  scarpi 
#1 ·
So I see the Latitude, Limited along with a variety of drive trains what are your takes on these options. I prefer the 3.2 over the 2.4 I noticed Jeep Active Drive 2 9 speed tranny. What is the best setup. I noticed some manufacturers have fancy names for the tranny powertrain and its hard to tell if these options are worth it.
 
#2 · (Edited)
I'll write out something somewhat detailed, because it may help others too. We can't possibly tell you what the best setup for you is.

In general: the Cherokee is a very nicely equipped SUV that is more capable off-road than its direct competition.

First, comparing features:

Sport: You didn't mention this one, but it is the entry, no frills option. No V6.

Latitude: Feature-light version of the Limited.
Advantage: Price, 17" wheels accomodate a wide variety of tires.
Disadvantage: Some options not available... options which are very nice, and often outside of this market segment (affordable SUV/crossover). You have to add options to get basic segment features, like a backup camera. Does not have skid plates or a rear-locking differential, and therefore is not a true off-road vehicle.
Competitors (imo): Rogue, CX-5, Rav4, CR-V, Entry Forester

Limited (I'll try not to be too biased): Full-featured small/mid SUV. Advantage: Nicely equipped, lots of very nice options. The technology group is amazing, imo, and offers features which are typically "luxury". The luxury group is also notably "luxury car" feeling. Disadvantage:price, 18" wheels do not accomodate a variety of good tires (I will buy 17" rims next winter for good winter tires) Does not have skid plates or a rear-locking differential, and therefore is not a true off-road vehicle.
Competitors: Loaded Escape, Loaded Forester, RDX.

Trailhawk: The only option if you really want to use the vehicle off-road, as it has the AD-lockand is Trail Rated. It is equipped for that at the base level, and can further be equipped to be almost as feature packed as the limited (for a few thousand more).
Advantage: Plenty of upgrade options, some pretty necessary, Trail Rated, looks arguably the best.
Disadvantage: Price, fuel economy, and cannot have some features, like HID headlights.
Competitors: None? It is pretty alone in mission - it's a blend of real off road capability and road manners, I'm not sure what else really tries to do that.

Next, the drive systems: I am not an expert on these things, so please correct me if I am wrong about my statements.

All Cherokees come with the 9 speed automatic transmission, but the gear ratios change somewhat based on engine and 4x4 system.

I4 vs. V6: Obvious difference, but somewhat dubious in value. The V6 has by turns been reported as "much more powerful" to "underwhelming" in performance compared to the I4, while the I4 has been describe as "plenty powerful," "very weak," and most often: "adequate." The V6 costs you 2mpg or so.

ADI: Either the Latitude or the Limited can have this option. This is basically a comparable four wheel drive system to most of the competition, though it is thought to be generally superior to everything but Subaru, and comparable to Subaru. Has different modes which can be pre-selected to give better performance in various conditions: Sport, Snow, Mud.

ADII:Again, either the latitude or the limited. "Off road suspension" like the trailhawk, and a more advanced mechanism for transferring power during 4x4 utilization. This 4x4 system is thought to be the best in the segment, hands down, excepting AD-lock. Has different modes which can be pre-selected to give better performance in various conditions: Sport, Snow, Mud. Adds active hill descent and 4x4 low modes for additional capability.

AD-lock: Trailhawk only. Incorporates a real mechanical rear differential locker and is generally considered to be a true (if entry-level) off-road-able drive train. Miles beyond anything competing in the same market. The trailhawk is aimed at a good blend off real off-road capability and on-road performance and comfort. Adds the pre-selectable mode: Rock, and selec-speed terrain for additional capability ("off road cruise control").


I bet I have made mistakes here, please correct me.
 
#3 ·
Nice post 'Search' .. that should be stickied somewhere so it isn't lost.

I have the Latitude, 3.2, ADII 4x4.. It is far more powerful than my old Jeep Liberty V6 4x2. I was caught a little off guard by the power when accelerating up a freeway on ramp for the first time.

I like my latitude, and really, the only thing I don't have, is a leather interior and technology package, both things I did not need, so I ended up saving quite a bit when compared to a similarly equipped Limited.
 
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#4 ·
Quite so: you pay several thou for the privilege to pay several more for the tech and luxury packages.

Obviously, that's not ALL of the difference, but still..
 
#5 ·
Thanks for the breakdown: Thanks awesome breakdown. My wife loves the rear camera features and heated seats as well as the acceleration in the Kia Sportage turbo as well but the truck went to dealer too many times and it is horrendous in the snow and she requires to drive in the snow and when there is like 2" snow or so AWD it won't go up a hill yet my Benz c300 AWD can fly up the hill with 4 inches on it. Thats basically what I am looking for great acceleration, Great in snow and the safety features of camera etc.
 
#7 ·
All you need to know..........
V6 w/ Active Drive 2

Active drive 2 will give you off-road suspension and some extra things.
Things like extra transmission cooling and center off neutral for the drive train.
"Search" details it above in detail.
Tow also adds some extra things and is worth it.
Limited 4x4
V6 w/AD2
Tech group
Luxury group
Tow group
Navigation
:smile:
 
#10 ·
Winter traction comes down to tires before all else. It doesn't matter how sophisticated the awd/4wd system is, if the tires can't find traction then they'll break loose. Whether or not you'll "need" snow tires depends on what your driving conditions are and what your winter conditions are like. Even then, you might be able "to get by" with the stock all season or all terrain tires but if you want the best performance, actual snow tires are the way to go.
 
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#11 ·
You hit it right on the head with regarding the tires. It snowed last night and we got about 4 inches. I was about and about before the roads were plowed. I put my Limit in the "snow mode" and it did okay. However, the stock Continental's aren't the greatest but I did okay. I plan to replace the Continental's before next winter.
 
#12 ·
When test driving a Limited with 4 cyc, not impressed. But just prior we tested the Subaru Forester with CVT and turbo 4. That's a sweet engine/transmission but not much else. Asked to test drive the Limited V6 next, now we're talking! More than enough power. Yes gas mileage suffers but for long trips, up hills and such, I couldn't go with the 4 cyc. Last car (Outback) had a 6 so the difference in gas mileage with Limited is a wash. Feels more powerful than 6 in Outback despite difference in weight.

As for Active Track II, I ended up with that since everything else on the Jeep was what I wanted and they made me a good deal to take this unit. I doubt I'll need it, my idea of 'off road' is dirt roads here in Santa Fe in the snow. Not unhappy I have the extra options should the need arise.

The tech package is absolutely awesome!
 
#13 ·
I would like confirmation that you can't get the V6 in the Sport model of the KL. I know Canada is a different country and all, but we are still in North America and why would Jeep not allow US customers to have this option. Do you think the powers that be think the US customer will just step up to next model if they want the V6 under hood?

Pat.
 
#17 ·
92 miles for me...46 down hill, 46 up hill. The thing I worry about a little is the 4 banger straining on the uphill portion sucking away the mpg's and passing.
 
#15 ·
FYI, my wife's Latitude V6 w AD1 came with Firestones on it.
I have been greatly impressed with how well it has handled this winter(and it's been a bad one in Iowa let me tell you!)
I have long known that a 4x4 is really only as good as the rubber you put on it and so far I'm thinking that when it comes time to replace these I'll buy the excact same tires.
That says a lot cause I'm generally not a fan of stock tires.
In fact I've bought new trucks in the past and stuck $1000+ in tires on them immeadiatly.
 
#16 ·
On the issue of tires I agree with all the above.
Tires are a balance of your driving needs.
I had no issues with the Continentals this winter, and we had a lot more snow that usual.
AT type or snow tires would have been a lot better. I have had AT on my last 3 Jeeps.
In general the Continentals are a smoother ride for obvious reasons.
I just wish you had tire options on the Limited. The AT type is a good all around tire.
 
#19 ·
I wasn't planning on to, but I stumbled into a TrailHawk with the 4-cyl motor on a test drive quest. I was expecting the worst, but having come from 4-cyl engines all my driving life, I wasn't that disappointed by its performance. It had some pep, and the tranny seemed smoother than some of the 6-cyl I had test drove before it. Overall, the 6-cyl won me over for towing capacity and power (when/if I need it).
 
#21 ·
There's been some good answers to your questions here. I haven't read all the posts but I might add that as you say "what's is the best setup" depends on what you are going to do with the vehicle. Here's my take on it. If you're a hard core off roader then the TH is probably a must. If you only go off roading occasionally as I do and that includes typical dirt, or gravel forest roads with the occasional pothole then a Cherokee with ADII will suit you just fine. It would be just below the TH in capability. A Cherokee with ADI will probably get you through most driving situations and weather with some light off roading included, but it won't have the ground clearance that the TH or an ADII Cherokee has. As far as the capabilities of the two wheel drive Cherokees, it probably would be better if the owners of those vehicles commented on their qualities for you. That's my take on your questions and hope this was helpful for you.
 
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