2017 Jeep Cherokee
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD, 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.2L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, FFV, Midgrade Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 21 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 181.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,680–3,942 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints1,338 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 276 for similar models — most often about the power train.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 Jeep Cherokee is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.2L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 182 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,942 lb (4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (21 city / 30 highway), 3% better than the 2017 small SUV average of 24.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1338 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2017
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2016 Cherokee — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Cherokee →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD | 181.9 in | 73.2 in | 66.5 in | 106.3 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 3,942 lb | 57/43 |
| 4dr SUV FWD | 181.9 in | 73.2 in | 66.5 in | 106.3 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 3,680 lb | 57/43 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherokee FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 25 | +3% | $2,700 | 361 |
| Cherokee FWD FFV | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 25 | +3% | $2,700 | 361 |
| Cherokee FWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | -1% | $3,150 | 377 |
| Cherokee 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 23 | +1% | $2,900 | 378 |
| Cherokee 4WD FFV | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 23 | +1% | $2,900 | 378 |
| Cherokee 4WD | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +1% | $3,300 | 388 |
| Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 23 | +1% | $2,900 | 385 |
| Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 22 | -4% | $3,050 | 412 |
| Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -8% | $3,600 | 416 |
| Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 21 | -8% | $3,600 | 432 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2017 Jeep Cherokee.
Similar 2017 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Jeep Cherokee (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2017 Toyota RAV4 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Honda CR-V | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2017 Toyota 4Runner | 18 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2017 Hyundai Tucson | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2017 Subaru Forester | 28 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2017 Mazda CX-5 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (6)
Power Train · Jan 16, 2025
NHTSA campaign 25V011000 · 63,130 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power and/or loss of park function.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the drivetrain control module and PTU software and replace the PTU, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 19, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 01C.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Apr 27, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V302000 · 25,980 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power or loss of park function.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 11, 2023. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 45A. This recall expands previous recall number 20V-343.
Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit · Jun 11, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V343000 · 67,248 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). Relative movement in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft may cause some input spline teeth to wear off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, power cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission which results in a loss of drive while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the Park function while stationary.
- Risk
- A loss of drive can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. A loss of the Park function can cause unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive and prevent rolling in Park by activating the electronic parking brake if a failed input spline occurs. This recall began July 14, 2020. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is W47.
Electrical System › Software · May 17, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V332000 · 4,815,661 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
- Risk
- If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Aug 31, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V543000 · 22,242 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The tire and rim size information required to be on the Certification label was omitted during manufacturing, which may result in an incorrect tire and rim combination being installed on the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- The missing tire and rim designation information may lead to an incorrect combination being installed on the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners and will provide a corrected certification label, free of charge. The recall began October 13, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T53.
Air Bags › Knee Bolster · Nov 2, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V799000 · 88 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 13, 2016, to October 17, 2016. Improper welds on the driver's knee air bag inflator may prevent the air bag from properly inflating.
- Risk
- If the driver's knee air bag does not properly inflate, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's knee air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 9, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S84.
Not every 2017 Jeep Cherokee is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Jeep Cherokee buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 646 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 340 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 260 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 31,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2017 Jeep Cherokee. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Cherokee years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Cherokee | 37 | 188.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 9 |
| 2023 Cherokee | 24 | 181.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 3 |
| 2022 Cherokee | 26 | 181.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 52 |
| 2021 Cherokee | 26 | 181.5 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 176 |
| 2020 Cherokee | 26 | 181.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 334 |
| 2019 Cherokee | 26 | 181.5 in | ★★★★★ | 11 | 1,671 |
| 2018 Cherokee | 25 | 181.9 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 688 |
| 2016 Cherokee | 25 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 9 | 1,412 |
| 2015 Cherokee | 25 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 11 | 1,778 |
| 2014 Cherokee | 25 | 181.9 in | Not rated | 13 | 2,431 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →