Jeep Cherokee: Which Should You Buy, 2021 or 2022?

Most significant changes: Consolidation to four total trims for 2022, starting with the new base X; base 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine dropped; Uconnect 4C with 8.4-inch touchscreen standard; additional standard equipment for Latitude Lux

Pricing: The 2022 Cherokee starts at $35,590 for an X or Latitude Lux model, a significant $6,105 increase over the base 2021 starting price for an erstwhile Latitude trim with front-wheel drive. Prices for the Trailhawk and Limited trims increase slightly for 2022.

On sale: Now, with X trim arriving later in 2022

Which should you buy, 2021 or 2022? Shoppers looking for the most affordable Cherokee should look for a 2021; prices are up for 2022 on the base model, but you also get more features, including a standard V-6 engine. Those shopping for higher trims may also want to consider a model-year 2021 since prices are also up, but not as significantly.

Jeep’s Cherokee SUV sees some minor changes for 2022, including a trim level shake-up that moves the Latitude Lux to the base trim instead of 2021’s Latitude. In addition, there’s more standard equipment for the Latitude Lux and the Uconnect system with the 8.4-inch touchscreen is now standard; the 2021 base model used a 7-inch display.

Related: 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review: Grander Across the Board

For 2022, the new Cherokee X trim joins the lineup. It adds more rugged-looking graphics outside as well as upgraded cloth and vinyl seats with a trim-specific pattern inside. The X has standard four-wheel drive, rides on a 1-inch-taller suspension and uses the 3.2-liter V-6 engine. Also new for 2022, the base Latitude Lux trim gets additional standard equipment such as a power liftgate, 7-inch color display, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a 115-volt power outlet.

The 2022 Jeep Cherokee in base Latitude Lux with front-wheel drive trim and the V-6 engine starts at $35,590, a significant $6,105 increase over the 2021’s $29,485 starting price for a lower Latitude trim with FWD and the previous base four-cylinder engine (prices include a $1,595 destination).

That base 2.4-liter four-cylinder has been dropped entirely for 2022. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is an additional $695 across the lineup. For 2022, the Latitude Lux is the only model with FWD; 4WD costs an additional $1,500.

The new Cherokee X trim, like the Latitude Lux, starts at $35,590. The 4WD-only Trailhawk trim starts at $38,640, up slightly from 2021’s $38,135. At the top of the list, the 4WD-only Limited starts at $40,340, also more than a model-year 2021 Limited 4WD’s $38,935 price.

The 2022 Jeep Cherokee is on sale now; Jeep said the new X trim will be out later.

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• Research the Jeep Cherokee

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