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2018 Jeep Cherokee

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

Jeep Cherokee
Pictured: 26 Jeep Cherokee Limited AZIAS. Photo: HJUdall, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
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
★★★★★
Recalls
7 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 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), 0% better than the 2018 small SUV average of 24.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.

It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 688 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2018

  • Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 4 stars overall

Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Cherokee →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD181.9 in73.2 in66.5 in106.3 in61.8 / 61.8 in3,942 lb57/43
4dr SUV FWD181.9 in73.2 in66.5 in106.3 in61.8 / 61.8 in3,680 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Cherokee FWD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 9-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 30 / 250%$2,700361
Cherokee FWD FFV2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 9-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 30 / 250%$2,700361
Cherokee FWD3.2L 6-cylAutomatic 9-spdFront-Wheel Drive21 / 29 / 24-4%$3,150377
Cherokee 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 9-spdAll-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 23-1%$2,900378
Cherokee 4WD FFV2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 9-spdAll-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 23-1%$2,900378
Cherokee 4WD3.2L 6-cylAutomatic 9-spdAll-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23-1%$3,300388
Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 9-spd4-Wheel Drive21 / 27 / 23-1%$2,900385
Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 9-spd4-Wheel Drive19 / 25 / 22-5%$3,050412
Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II3.2L 6-cylAutomatic 9-spd4-Wheel Drive18 / 26 / 21-9%$3,600416
Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD3.2L 6-cylAutomatic 9-spd4-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 21-9%$3,600432
5/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.9 MPG2018 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2018 Jeep Cherokee SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.9%
2018 Jeep Cherokee SUV 2WD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★17.4%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2018 Jeep Cherokee SUV 4WD
Frontal crash test — 2018 Jeep Cherokee SUV 4WD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2018 Jeep Cherokee SUV 4WD
Side crash test — 2018 Jeep Cherokee SUV 4WD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2018 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Jeep Cherokee (this car)25 MPG★★★★★7
2018 Toyota RAV432 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Honda CR-V30 MPG★★★★★5
2018 Toyota 4Runner18 MPG★★★★★5
2018 Hyundai Tucson27 MPG★★★★★1
2018 Subaru Forester28 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Mazda CX-529 MPG★★★★★3

Recalls (7)

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.
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood · Aug 9, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V524000 · 12,779 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Risk
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft · Jul 26, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V494000 · 702 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee all-wheel-drive vehicles. The bearing cage for the right front halfshaft assembly may not have been properly heat treated, possibly resulting in the bearing cage breaking and a potential halfshaft assembly failure.
Risk
If the halfshaft bearing cage breaks, the halfshaft may not be able to transmit engine power, causing a loss of drive or it can allow the vehicle to move while in the "Park" position. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front right halfshaft assemblies, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U78.
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.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · May 1, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V282000 · 48,990 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine. These vehicles may have been manufactured with a fuel tube that may leak fuel into the engine compartment.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of the ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tube, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U39.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine · Oct 24, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V670000 · 357 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee and Compass vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. The engines may have a cracked oil pump housing that can result in oil pump failure.
Risk
If the oil pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the oil pump, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 5, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T65.
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Jeep Cherokee is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

688Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
11Involved a crash
5Involved a fire
7Injuries reported
33,200 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train295
Electrical System188
Unknown Or Other174
Engine155
Service Brakes34
Steering30
Fuel/Propulsion System26
Vehicle Speed Control20
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 624/12: 425/01: 725/02: 1725/03: 625/04: 725/05: 425/06: 825/07: 625/08: 625/09: 1025/10: 325/11: 925/12: 626/01: 1126/02: 1426/03: 626/04: 826/05: 1026/06: 126/07: 226/08: 226/09: 426/10: 224/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 17

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Jeep Cherokee buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 295 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Electrical System — 188 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Engine — 155 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 33,200 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Cherokee years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Cherokee37188.2 inNot rated49
2023 Cherokee24181.5 in★★★★★13
2022 Cherokee26181.5 in★★★★★352
2021 Cherokee26181.5 in★★★★★4176
2020 Cherokee26181.5 in★★★★★3334
2019 Cherokee26181.5 in★★★★★111,671
2017 Cherokee25181.9 inNot rated61,338
2016 Cherokee25181.9 inNot rated91,412
2015 Cherokee25181.9 inNot rated111,778
2014 Cherokee25181.9 inNot rated132,431

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →