2021 Jeep Cherokee
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV 2WD I4, 4dr SUV 2WD V6, 4dr SUV 4WD I4, 4dr SUV 4WD V6
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.2L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 180–271 hp
- Transmission
- 9-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 23 city / 31 hwy
- Length
- 181.5 in
- Curb weight
- 3,662–4,054 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Strong performanceUp to 271 hp, versus about 203 hp for similar 2021 models.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 33 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl and 3.2L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 182 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,662 lb (4dr SUV 2WD I4).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 31 highway), 2% worse than the 2021 small SUV average of 26.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 176 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Cherokee — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Cherokee →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Belvidere, Illinois
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Cherokee configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV 2WD I4 | 181.5 in | 73.2 in | 66.5 in | 106.3 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 3,662 lb | 57/43 |
| 4dr SUV 2WD V6 | 181.5 in | 73.2 in | 66.5 in | 106.3 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 3,788 lb | 57/43 |
| 4dr SUV 4WD I4 | 181.5 in | 73.2 in | 66.5 in | 106.3 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 3,962 lb | 57/43 |
| 4dr SUV 4WD V6 | 181.5 in | 73.2 in | 66.5 in | 106.3 in | 61.8 / 61.8 in | 4,054 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 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | -2% | $2,600 | 345 |
| Cherokee FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 31 / 25 | -5% | $2,700 | 352 |
| Cherokee 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | 0% | $2,800 | 369 |
| Cherokee 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | 0% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Cherokee FWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | -13% | $2,900 | 387 |
| Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | -4% | $2,900 | 387 |
| Cherokee 4WD | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | -8% | $3,050 | 400 |
| Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -12% | $3,200 | 416 |
| Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 21 | -12% | $3,200 | 432 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Jeep Cherokee SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 16.9% |
| 2021 Jeep Cherokee SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 17.4% |


Similar 2021 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Jeep Cherokee (this car) | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Honda CR-V | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2021 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (4)
Power Train · May 7, 2026
NHTSA campaign 26V290000 · 61,711 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
- Risk
- A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the Drivetrain Control Drivetrain Control Module, PTU, and Electronic Park Brake software, and replace the PTU, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed June 25, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy becomes available. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 40D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 14, 2026.
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain · Jul 8, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V516000 · 13 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. An improperly secured connector for the right-side curtain air bag may prevent the air bag from deploying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 214, "Side Impact Protection" and 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
- Risk
- An air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will secure the connector, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 71B.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Cooler/Radiator › Hoses And Fittings · May 4, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V310000 · 18,800 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The transmission oil cooler hose may have been incorrectly cured, allowing transmission fluid to leak.
- Risk
- A transmission fluid leak increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the hose, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Y18.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm · Oct 27, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V657000 · 698 vehicles
- Problem
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude and Jeep Cherokee Limited vehicles. One or both of the front lower control arms may fracture while driving.
- Risk
- A front lower control arm fracture while driving may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash without prior warning.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front lower control arms and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W81. Note: Owners are advised to not drive their vehicles until they have been inspected and repaired if needed.
Not every 2021 Jeep Cherokee is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Jeep Cherokee buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 99 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 28 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 22 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 60,000 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 2021 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 |
| 2020 Cherokee | 26 | 181.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 334 |
| 2019 Cherokee | 26 | 181.5 in | ★★★★★ | 11 | 1,672 |
| 2018 Cherokee | 25 | 181.9 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 688 |
| 2017 Cherokee | 25 | 181.9 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 1,338 |
| 2016 Cherokee | 25 | 181.9 in | ★★★★★ | 9 | 1,412 |
| 2015 Cherokee | 25 | 181.9 in | ★★★★★ | 11 | 1,778 |
| 2014 Cherokee | 25 | 181.9 in | ★★★★★ | 13 | 2,431 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →