“If you love the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the V8 engine, get it before it's gone and it's coming fast. My year may be the last of its kind. I do not like the new styling and it's doubtful I will buy another.”
2021 Jeep Cherokee: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important change for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee is that a broader set of active-safety features became standard across the lineup. It was not redesigned, but Jeep also reshuffled the trim range and added two special editions.
About the 2021 Jeep Cherokee
KL generation (2014-2023), third model year after the 2019 refresh.
Jeep positions the Cherokee as a compact SUV for buyers who want more real Jeep capability than the typical small crossover without giving up everyday comfort. Its core pitch is useful off-road hardware, available 4x4 systems, strong towing for the class, and a quieter, more upscale cabin than many shoppers expect from the badge. That makes it a fit for people who want one vehicle to handle commuting, road trips, bad weather, and occasional trail use.
The 2021 Cherokee ranges from the straightforward Latitude to comfort-focused and upscale versions with heated seats, leather, larger touchscreens, and panoramic roofs. The 80th Anniversary Edition combines leather, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, and a panoramic roof, while the TrailHawk stands apart with a V6, a locking rear differential, raised suspension, and skid plates for off-road driving.
What changed, by category
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, and rain-sensing wipers became standard across the lineup. Adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and automatic parking assist also became standard on Limited and High Altitude.
Styling
The commemorative 80th Anniversary Edition and military-themed Freedom special edition joined the range. North, TrailHawk Elite, and Upland were dropped, while Lux continued under the Latitude Lux name.
2021 Jeep Cherokee specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Zero Evap, 2.4 Liter | V6, 3.2 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Zero Evap, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Zero Evap, 2.4 Liter | V6, 3.2 Liter | V6, 3.2 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Zero Evap, 2.4 Liter | V6, 3.2 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 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 | 4WD | 4WD / FWD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD / FWD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD / FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 19–23 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 18 mpg | 19–23 mpg | 23 mpg | 22 mpg | 19–23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 31 mpg | 27–31 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 24 mpg | 27–31 mpg | 31 mpg | 31 mpg | 27–31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 270–271 hp | 180 hp | 180 hp | 271 hp | 270–271 hp | 270 hp | 180 hp | 270–271 hp |
| Torque | 171 lb-ft | 239–295 lb-ft | 171 lb-ft | 171 lb-ft | 239 lb-ft | 239–295 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 171 lb-ft | 239–295 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 54.7 cu-ft | 54.7 cu-ft | 54.7 cu-ft | 54.7 cu-ft | 54.7 cu-ft | 54.7 cu-ft | 54.7 cu-ft | 54.7 cu-ft | 54.7 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 | |||||||||
| Cruise Control | |||||||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||||||
| Park Assist | |||||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||||||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | |||||||||
| Roof Rails | |||||||||
| Tow Hooks | |||||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Jeep Cherokee?
The biggest change is the expanded standard safety package. Every 2021 Cherokee has blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, and rain-sensing wipers.
Was the 2021 Jeep Cherokee redesigned?
No, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee was not redesigned. It remains part of the KL generation and received safety-equipment and trim-lineup updates instead.
Which Jeep Cherokee trims were added or renamed for 2021?
The 80th Anniversary Edition and Freedom special edition were added for 2021. The Lux trim continued under the new Latitude Lux name rather than being replaced by an unrelated model.
Which Jeep Cherokee trims were dropped for 2021?
The North, TrailHawk Elite, and Upland trims were dropped from the 2021 Cherokee lineup. The off-road-focused TrailHawk remained.
Did the 2021 Jeep Cherokee get a new engine or transmission?
No, the 2021 Cherokee did not receive a lineup-wide engine or transmission change. Its main updates centered on standard safety equipment and the trim range.
2021 Jeep Cherokee Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Jeep Cherokee.
4.2
2021 Jeep Cherokee
(1,209 reviews)
“My jeep is comfortable and dependable with more than enough features and good mileage and cargo room. Nothing fancy but looks good and gets the job done.”
“Beautiful and sporty look. Great acceleration. Reliable vehicle- love the safety features. Very comfortable seats. Roomy. Good technology.”