“This little Cherokee had all the bells and whistles I was looking for. The panoramic moonroof was and is still my favorite. Towing capacity was an added bonus, but the way this thing drives had me in love! Gas mileage could be a bit better but nonetheless I'm super thrilled with my little go getter.”
2016 Jeep Cherokee: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee is the midyear arrival of the Overland, a new luxury-focused range-topping trim. Otherwise, this is a light-update year rather than a redesign.
About the 2016 Jeep Cherokee
KL generation, third model year (2014-2018 pre-refresh)
Jeep positioned the 2016 Cherokee as a compact SUV that mixed everyday comfort with more real off-road ability than most rivals. Its pitch was simple: quieter and more comfortable than a traditional truck-based SUV, but available with genuine Jeep 4WD hardware, low-range capability on the right models, and a user-friendly cabin with strong infotainment. For most shoppers, the Cherokee’s identity was a comfortable daily driver with an outdoorsy edge that competitors like the CR-V and RAV4 didn’t match off pavement.
Jeep positioned the lineup from the straightforward Sport and everyday Latitude to the leather-trimmed Limited and richer Overland. Trailhawk is the off-road specialist with a locking rear differential, low-speed crawl control, and skid plates, while the 75th Anniversary edition stands out with bronze trim, a panoramic sunroof, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Altitude models gained a flexible-fuel version designed to run on gasoline or ethanol-blended fuel. The rest of the lineup had no major mechanical overhaul.
Styling
The luxury-focused Overland joined the lineup midyear. Jeep also added the bronze-themed 75th Anniversary edition and the blacked-out High Altitude and Sport Altitude editions. Leather seats became standard on Trailhawk.
Safety
Trailhawk's alarm system changed from standard equipment to optional.
Tech
Cherokees with the 8.4-inch touchscreen gained Siri Eyes Free, a customizable drag-and-drop menu bar, and a Do Not Disturb function.
2016 Jeep Cherokee specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.2 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.2 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.2 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.2 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.2 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.2 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.2 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.2 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.2 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel |
| MPG City | 21–22 mpg | 20–22 mpg | 20–22 mpg | 20–22 mpg | 20–22 mpg | 19 mpg | 20–22 mpg | 20–22 mpg | 21–22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29–31 mpg | 28–31 mpg | 28–31 mpg | 28–31 mpg | 28–31 mpg | 25–26 mpg | 28–31 mpg | 28–31 mpg | 29–31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 184–271 hp | 184–271 hp | 184–271 hp | 184–271 hp | 184–271 hp | 184–271 hp | 184–271 hp | 184–271 hp | 184–271 hp |
| Torque | 171–239 lb-ft | 171–239 lb-ft | 171–239 lb-ft | 171–239 lb-ft | 171–239 lb-ft | 171–239 lb-ft | 171–239 lb-ft | 171–239 lb-ft | 171–239 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 4500 lb | 4500 lb | 4500 lb | 4500 lb | 4500 lb | 4500 lb | 4500 lb | 4500 lb | 4500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 58.9 cu-ft | 58.9 cu-ft | 58.9 cu-ft | 58.9 cu-ft | 58.9 cu-ft | 58.9 cu-ft | 58.9 cu-ft | 58.9 cu-ft | 58.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 40.3 in | 40.3 in | 40.3 in | 40.3 in | 40.3 in | 40.3 in | 40.3 in | 40.3 in | 40.3 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||||
| HID Headlights | |||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||||||
| Privacy Glass | |||||||||
| Roof Rails | |||||||||
| Tow Hooks | |||||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||
| Subwoofer | |||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||||
| USB Ports | |||||||||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2016 Jeep Cherokee redesigned?
No. The 2016 Cherokee remained part of the same KL generation introduced for 2014. Its main updates were the new Overland trim, several special editions, and revised features for the 8.4-inch touchscreen system.
What was new about the 2016 Jeep Cherokee Overland?
The Overland was a new midyear luxury trim and the range-topping 2016 Cherokee. It added richer cabin materials, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated wood-trimmed steering wheel, navigation, premium audio, blind-spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors.
Which special editions were added to the 2016 Jeep Cherokee lineup?
The 75th Anniversary, High Altitude, and Sport Altitude editions were added for 2016. The 75th Anniversary used bronze accents and themed cabin details, while the two Altitude editions emphasized gloss-black exterior trim.
Did the 2016 Jeep Cherokee get updated infotainment?
Yes. Cherokees equipped with the 8.4-inch touchscreen gained Siri Eyes Free, a drag-and-drop menu bar, and a Do Not Disturb function for 2016.
Did the 2016 Jeep Cherokee have major engine changes?
No. The 2016 Cherokee was largely unchanged mechanically, though the Altitude added a flexible-fuel version designed for gasoline or ethanol-blended fuel.
2016 Jeep Cherokee Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Jeep Cherokee.
4.2
2016 Jeep Cherokee
(959 reviews)
“I love my Jeep. It has everything that I could imagine in a vehicle. Looks good, comfortable, able to drive off road, and has a high towing capacity.”
“My Cherokee sport is the right fit for me in size, mpg, seating and easy driving. I love it.”