What's the Best 2016 Jeep Cherokee Trim Level for Me?
Posted on January 20, 2020
Jeep has always been a byword for ruggedness and off-road prowess, and it still is. However, models like the 2016 Jeep Cherokee are now a lot more than just vehicles for dealing with the tough off-the-beaten-track trails or for handling severely bad weather. In fact, the Cherokee is now even available in front-wheel drive, with two different engine choices, and in no less than six different trim levels. There really is a 2016 Jeep Cherokee for just about everyone, so let's take a look at them in more detail to see which one is right for you.
Cherokee Sport
The Jeep Cherokee Sport is the entry into the 2016 lineup, but it certainly isn't a vehicle that shouts "base model" to anyone. Compared to some rivals, this model could be mistaken for something higher up in a range. With such upscale features as LED lighting, Uconnect 5.0 with AM/FM Radio, Bluetooth with streaming audio and voice control, keyless entry, and a full-blown media centre, you really don't feel as though you're on the bottom rung of the Cherokee ladder in this one. This model is for those on a relatively limited budget wanting to get into the Jeep Cherokee range, but don't want to have to do without some pretty upscale features.
Cherokee North
The Cherokee North is next in the family and it's one for those who are prepared to pay a little extra for additional connectivity and a little more style. The first thing you'll notice is that while the Sport comes with steel wheels, the Cherokee North gets a set of 17-inch alloy wheels. Although the Jeep Cherokee Sport comes generously equipped, you'll be amazed at how much extra you get with the Cherokee North for what isn't a whole lot more money. Deep tint privacy glass, climate controls integrated into the touchscreen, ambient interior LED lighting and fog lamps are just a few enhancements the North gets over the entry-level Sport trim.
Cherokee 75th Anniversary Edition
The Cherokee 75th Anniversary Edition really starts to kick things up a bit and it's a model for those who intend spending some time in the wilderness or on extended journeys. Along with some special bronze cosmetic enhancements to mark the anniversary, this special edition gets some serious practical upgrades, such as all-season tires, tire pressure monitoring, Uconnect 8.4 with its 8.4-inch touchscreen, a dual pane panoramic sunroof, and an electronic vehicle information centre.
Cherokee Limited
Limited trim levels are often top-of-the-range or just below for some manufacturers, but it's just above halfway in the Cherokee family. Although all Cherokee models can obviously cope with some serious off-roading if you choose the 4x4 versions, this Limited trim is for those who also want a little more luxury and refinement than you get in the Sport, North and 75th Anniversary Edition. The Limited adds such comforts as: advanced dual-zone climate control, Nappa leather-faced seating, ParkView rear back-up camera, universal garage door opener and a windshield wiper de-icer. The Limited is a great blend of capability and luxury for those not wanting to spend the extra for the Trailhawk or Overland.
Cherokee Trailhawk
The Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is a relatively new trim and it's one for those who want all the luxury, comfort, refinement and connectivity of the Limited, but need some more advanced features for coping with the seriously rough stuff when they go off-road. This is a model that's as at home on dirt trails in the wilderness as it is on the daily commute to the office. The Trailhawk is for buyers who really do intend to use the Cherokee to the full extent of its off-road capability. There are a number of aesthetic enhancements over the Limited, but the key additional features are: heavy-duty engine cooling for the 3.2-litre engine option, Jeep Active Drive Lock, a locker rear axle and off-road suspension. It probably won't come as too much of a surprise that Trailhawk is the only model in the Cherokee range that is only available in 4x4 format.
Cherokee Overland
The Cherokee Overland is the model for buyers who want incredible off-road prowess in a vehicle as luxurious as many prestige sedans. The Overland doesn't add any features to enhance the 4x4 capability of the Cherokee over that of the Trailhawk, but it does ramp the comfort and luxury up to 11. Over and above the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk trim, the Overland gets you features that include an Alpine premium sound system with subwoofer; blind-spot monitoring; memory for exterior mirrors, radio settings, and driver's seat; premium leather-faced heated and ventilated front seats, and plenty more besides.
One of the great things about the 2016 Jeep Cherokee lineup is that there's just so much choice. As well as all the Jeep Cherokee trim levels, each model is available with 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains (except 4x4-only Trailhawk). Every model is also available with a choice between the economical 2.4-litre I-4 Tigershark MultiAir engine and the powerful 3.2-litre Pentastar V-6, although every model features the excellent nine-speed automatic transmission.
Now you've seen that there's a 2016 Jeep Cherokee for just about every budget and every driving environment, don't waste any time in checking out our website where you can learn more about the Cherokee, browse our inventory, and schedule a test drive in this fabulous SUV.