“Jeep Cherokee is much smaller than I anticipated and the manufacturer used cheap and low grade materials for the interior. Very disappointed.”
2017 Jeep Cherokee: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest confirmed change for the 2017 Jeep Cherokee is the addition of the more comfortable Trailhawk L Plus trim. This is not a redesign; the year mainly brings trim, equipment, and powertrain-availability changes.
About the 2017 Jeep Cherokee
5th gen (KL), fourth model year, pre-refresh before the 2019 styling update.
Jeep positions the Cherokee as the compact SUV for shoppers who want everyday comfort without giving up real trail ability. Its core pitch is simple: comfortable road manners, a flexible cabin, and more serious 4x4 hardware than most rivals offer. That mix sets it apart from more road-focused competitors, especially in TrailHawk form, while upper trims like Limited and Overland push it toward a more premium feel.
The 2017 Cherokee ranges from the straightforward Sport to the leather-lined Overland, while TrailHawk remains the off-road-focused version with a locking rear differential, raised suspension, and skid plates. Trailhawk L Plus combines that trail hardware with Nappa leather, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power liftgate. Style-focused versions include the blacked-out Sport Altitude and High Altitude, plus the bronze-accented 75th Anniversary edition.
What changed, by category
Trim lineup
Trailhawk L Plus joins as a more comfortable version of the off-road-focused TrailHawk, adding Nappa leather, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power liftgate. The previous Altitude trim leaves the lineup.
Powertrain
Flexible-fuel powertrains are dropped from the 75th Anniversary, High Altitude, and Sport Altitude trims. Otherwise, the same engine family and nine-speed automatic carry over.
Safety
HID headlights become standard on nearly every trim above Sport, broadening the use of stronger lighting across the lineup.
Tech
Park assist changes from standard to optional on the Overland trim. There is no full infotainment overhaul.
2017 Jeep Cherokee specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 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, 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, PZEV, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.2 Liter | 4-Cyl, 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 | FWD | FWD / 4WD | FWD / 4WD | FWD / 4WD | 4WD | FWD / 4WD | FWD / 4WD | FWD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16–21 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 18–19 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 21 mpg | 18–19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 23–30 mpg | 27–30 mpg | 27–30 mpg | 27–30 mpg | 24–25 mpg | 27–30 mpg | 27–30 mpg | 29–30 mpg | 24–25 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 | 54.9 cu-ft | 54.9 cu-ft | 54.9 cu-ft | 54.9 cu-ft | 54.9 cu-ft | 54.9 cu-ft | 54.9 cu-ft | 54.9 cu-ft | 54.9 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 Headlights | |||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | |||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||||||||
| 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
Is the 2017 Jeep Cherokee a redesign?
No. The 2017 Cherokee remains part of the fifth-generation KL lineup and receives trim and equipment changes rather than a full redesign.
Which trim joined the 2017 Jeep Cherokee lineup?
Trailhawk L Plus joined the 2017 Cherokee lineup. It keeps TrailHawk’s off-road equipment while adding more comfort and convenience features.
What does the 2017 Cherokee Trailhawk L Plus add?
The 2017 Cherokee Trailhawk L Plus adds Nappa leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a power liftgate, and keyless entry with push-button start to the TrailHawk’s off-road hardware.
Did the 2017 Jeep Cherokee get new engines?
No. The 2017 Cherokee carries over the same engine family and nine-speed automatic transmission. Flexible-fuel powertrains leave the 75th Anniversary, High Altitude, and Sport Altitude trims.
Which 2017 Jeep Cherokee trim is the most luxurious?
Overland is the most luxurious 2017 Cherokee trim. It has Nappa leather, heated and ventilated front seats, navigation, an Alpine audio system, and sound-reducing windshield and front-door glass.
2017 Jeep Cherokee Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Jeep Cherokee.
4.2
2017 Jeep Cherokee
(1,186 reviews)
“Jeep Cherokee has been rock solid since day one. Comfortable, Reliable, and Fun to drive.”
“This is our 5 Jeep all bodies stayed in great shape little to no rust all engine over 150,000 miles great for Michigan winters living out in the country where our roads are last to be plowed. Great towing power. It's a Jeep thing!!!”