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2018 Jeep Cherokee: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee is a reshuffled trim lineup: Latitude becomes the starting model, while Latitude Plus and Latitude Tech Connect are added. It is otherwise a late-generation update rather than a redesign.
About the 2018 Jeep Cherokee
5th generation Cherokee (KL, 2014-2018), final year before the 2019 styling and powertrain update.
Jeep positions the Cherokee as the compact SUV for buyers who want real Jeep capability without giving up daily-driver comfort. The brochure leans on discovery, all-weather confidence, and available off-road ability, while also stressing useful tech, flexible seating, and upscale comfort on higher trims. That mix is what separates the Cherokee from many compact SUVs: it can be a comfortable commuter, but it also has trims with genuine trail hardware instead of just rugged styling.
Latitude is the straightforward everyday version, while Latitude Plus adds an 8.4-inch touchscreen, push-button start, and upgraded seating. TrailHawk focuses on off-road use with low-range four-wheel drive and a locking rear differential, while L Plus combines that hardware with ventilated leather seats and a power liftgate. Limited and Overland lean toward comfort, with features such as leather seating, built-in navigation, premium audio, and heated or ventilated front seats.
What changed, by category
Trim lineup
Latitude replaces Sport as the starting trim. New Latitude Plus and Latitude Tech Connect versions join the range, while Sport, Sport Altitude, 75th Anniversary, and High Altitude are dropped. Trailhawk L Plus continues under the shorter L Plus name.
Powertrain
A flexible-fuel powertrain that can run on gasoline or E85 joins the TrailHawk lineup.
Styling
High-intensity-discharge headlights with LED daytime running lights and roof rails become standard across the lineup.
Safety
Limited and TrailHawk make blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and rear parking sensors standard.
Tech
TrailHawk makes dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver’s seat, and proximity keyless entry standard. Limited gains a standard power liftgate.
2018 Jeep Cherokee specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.2 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Zero Evap, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.2 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Zero Evap, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.2 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Zero Evap, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.2 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Zero Evap, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.2 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Zero Evap, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.2 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Zero Evap, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter / V6, 3.2 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Flex Fuel, 2.4 Liter / 4-Cyl, Zero Evap, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd | Automatic, 9-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | FWD / 4WD | FWD / 4WD | FWD / 4WD | 4WD | FWD / 4WD | FWD / 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel | Gas / Flexible Fuel |
| MPG City | 18–21 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 15–21 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 18–21 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 15–21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24–28 mpg | 27–30 mpg | 22–30 mpg | 27–30 mpg | 24–28 mpg | 27–30 mpg | 22–30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 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 |
| Max Towing | 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 |
| Rear Legroom | 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 |
| Doors | 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 Parking Sensors | |||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||||
| 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 | |||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Jeep Cherokee a redesign?
No. The 2018 Jeep Cherokee remains part of the fifth-generation KL lineup and mainly receives trim and equipment changes. The broader styling and powertrain update arrives for 2019.
Which trims were added to the 2018 Jeep Cherokee lineup?
Latitude Plus and Latitude Tech Connect are added for 2018. Latitude Plus emphasizes comfort and an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while Latitude Tech Connect combines navigation, premium audio, rear parking sensors, and black exterior details.
Which Jeep Cherokee trims were dropped for 2018?
Sport, Sport Altitude, 75th Anniversary, and High Altitude are dropped for 2018. Latitude becomes the starting trim, and Trailhawk L Plus continues under the L Plus name rather than disappearing.
Which 2018 Jeep Cherokee trims gained more standard safety equipment?
Limited and TrailHawk gain standard blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and rear parking sensors for 2018. These features help alert the driver to vehicles beside the Cherokee or crossing behind it while reversing.
How do the 2018 Jeep Cherokee Latitude and Latitude Plus differ?
Latitude is the simpler starting trim with a 5-inch touchscreen, rearview camera, and adjustable split-folding rear seat. Latitude Plus adds an 8.4-inch touchscreen, push-button start, upgraded cloth-and-leather-trimmed seats, and a power driver’s seat.
2018 Jeep Cherokee Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Jeep Cherokee.
4.1
2018 Jeep Cherokee
(964 reviews)
“Vehicle is great quality all around, gives you comfort and makes you feel safe. Vehicle made strong with great body parts and manufactured with quality mechanical parts.”
“Love my Jeep Cherokee, it handles well and looks great. Many options for customization. I do not like the quality of the back up camera or the front cabin storage space.”