2021 Jeep Cherokee

This compact crossover SUV has several different trim levels, listed in order from base to top of the line: Latitude, Freedom, Latitude Plus, Altitude, Latitude Lux, 80th Anniversary Edition, Limited, Trailhawk, and High Altitude. The Anniversary Edition is based on the Latitude Lux, with the addition of special badges commemorating Jeep history along with a few extra touches. The Latitude is the base model and has 17-inch wheels. As you go up the line, Jeep adds extra features such as larger wheels, black vs. chrome trim accents, and a panoramic sunroof.

The base trim version, the Latitude, is already pretty tough. It boasts a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with an output of 180 horsepower. The Latitude Lux, Anniversary Edition, Limited, and Trailhawk get a powertrain upgrade: a 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine with 271 hp. The top-level High Altitude's powertrain is actually a step down, a 2-liter four-cylinder with 270 hp. It's a direct-injection turbo engine, however, which is designed for maximum torque and speedy acceleration with improved fuel efficiency. All trims are configured with a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Despite the Jeep brand's reputation for being an adventure-ready vehicle, the only trim that has four-wheel drive is the Trailhawk. The rest are front-wheel drive. This makes the Trailhawk an easy choice for those who want more control and better ability to handle rough terrain, as it lets the driver choose between high and low-gear options. The Trailhawk also includes the Selec-Terrain Traction Management System, which allows the driver to choose the best setting for current conditions, including snow, sport, rock, sand, and mud. There's also an Auto setting. All trims have a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds — it's not a towing workhorse, but you'll have no trouble pulling small trailers.

The Cherokee's interior comforts vary in opulence and comfort depending on the trim level you choose. The Latitude and Freedom have cloth bucket seats. The next two levels, Latitude Plus and Altitude, have seats with cloth and premium vinyl. All the rest, with the exception of the Trailhawk, have leather-trimmed bucket seats. It's an optional upgrade for the Trailhawk. All but the lowest two trims have heated front seats with lumbar support. All trims have a touch screen display, ranging from 7 inches to 8.2 inches, and every trim is compatible with Apple CarPlay. The top trims include navigation.

This year's Cherokee includes a host of new safety features. They include traction control, blind-spot and cross-path detection, electronic stability control, enhanced accident response system, collision and lane-departure warning, a rear backup camera, and plenty of air bags in all the right places. They also include LED daytime running headlamps, remote start, and parking assist. The addition of the LATCH-ready child seat anchor system makes it an ideal, safe choice for family adventures or a trip around town.