The 2018 Jeep Cherokee lasts around 200,000 miles with some average throttle body and transmission software issues. At $16,575 to $23,150, it’s a decent value for an SUV with a nice interior and advanced technology.
Is the 2018 Jeep Cherokee a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2018 is a decent year for the Jeep Cherokee, although it’s only average compared to other SUVs on the market. Owner reviews praise the comfortable cabin, smooth suspension, as well as the powerful stereo system.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are nice for an SUV in its price range, the seats reasonably comfortable, although the cargo space low.
- Reliability 7/10 – There are some engine problems reported, yet they are not as widespread as in earlier models. Avoid Cherokee models from 2014–2016, while 2017–2021 are more reliable choices.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is poor with the 4-cylinder engine, while the V6 offers a decent amount of power for the size of the Cherokee.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2018 Cherokee is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. A rearview camera is standard. Optional safety tech upgrades include blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning with brake assist, adaptive cruise control, as well as lane departure warning.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 25 MPG, giving 395 miles of range from the 15.8 gallon tank. Gas costs are $37 cheaper than average at $209 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2018 Jeep Cherokee is a decent value since they’re cheaper than a lot of other SUVs, while still being reliable.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Jeep Cherokee?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 Jeep Cherokee fills a good spot between a compact and midsize SUV, with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Cherokee at 3.6/5, praising the smooth suspension on rough roads, but doesn’t like the weak 4-cylinder engine.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Cherokee a 3.9/5, enjoying the powerful V6 engine, but owners don’t like the lack of room in the cabin.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Jeep Cherokee Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Jeep Cherokee include the engine shutting down while driving, failure to shift into higher gears, as well as splitting leather on the seats. Overall, these problems are similar to other SUVs, with lower estimated repair costs as well.
The engine shutting down while driving is the most widespread complaint from 2018 Jeep Cherokee owners at roughly 20,000 miles. There is a known problem with the throttle body which causes the engine to stall. Replacing the throttle body fixes the problem, costing around $450. There’s also an oil pump failure which can cause the engine to stall, which is addressed by a recall.
Failure to shift into higher gears has also been reported by Cherokee owners at around 1,000 miles. There’s a software update for the transmission which improves shifting performance. Most dealers will install the software for free, while some may charge up to $100.
Splitting leather on the seats also shows up on some Jeep Cherokee models at 30,000 miles. The side of the driver’s front seat in particular, wears down quickly as people get in and out of the SUV. There are several solutions. Installing a seat cover costs around $50, repairing the leather costs $200, while new leather is about $800.
There are 6 recalls on the 2018 Jeep Cherokee, which is more than many other SUVs from the same year. The most serious recall covers a potential fuel leak which could lead to a fire. Jeep will replace the fuel tube on models with the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine for free. Other recalls cover cruise control, as well as the voltage regulator, which Jeep will also repair for free.
How Long Will the 2018 Jeep Cherokee Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Jeep Cherokee can last around 200,000 miles, which is around 100,000 miles less than the top-rated Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are more affordable than other SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $376 per year.
As a 2018 Jeep Cherokee reaches 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the A/C direr for $350, blower motor costing $275, as well as the radiator hose which costs around $550.
Reliable yes. Had an issue of the battery dying in the middle of the summer but it was replaced. No other issues so far.
Yes. My only complaint is that they new jeeps do not come with a spare tire only an air compressor. Which is nice but have been stuck on the side of the road in the country with a flat.
We have never had any problems with this vehicle. Very dependable. Starts every time, runs like a dream.
I have experienced trouble with stopping and starting where it seems as if there's a stall and it jerks forward.
It is reliable. I have not encountered any problems however I only owned it for 2 years. I only have good things to say.
I think that it is very reliable because there are many safety features regarding its performance which make me feel much more protected. I personally don't see any problems with it
Yes it is reliable. The only issue I've had with it is something wrong with the shifter which needs to be fixed under the warranty. Other than that I've had little problems with her.
It has been extremely reliable. The only issue we had was a trim piece that came off from the front wheel fender.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good in the 2018 Jeep Cherokee offering a standard 5-inch touchscreen. There’s a larger 8.4-inch touchscreen, which is available as an optional upgrade.
Safety technology is also great for an SUV with a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades include blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, forward collision warning, brake assist, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic high beam headlights, as well as parallel park assist.
Is the 2018 Jeep Cherokee a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 Jeep Cherokee is a decent value since it holds up well over time while being affordable to maintain. Blue book fair market prices range from $16,575 to $23,150, making it cheaper than a Honda Pilot or Subaru Outback. When new, the price range was $24,395 to $37,340. Depreciation is similar to other midsize SUVs, losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Jeep Cherokee?
There are five models of the Jeep Cherokee offered for 2018 from the base Latitude all the way up to the luxurious Overland. It’s also offered with either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
Latitude is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Wheels
- Cloth Upholstery
- Xenon Headlights
- Reclining Rear Seats
- Bluetooth
- Rearview Camera
- 5-Inch Touchscreen
- Six-Speaker Audio System
Latitude Plus is a step up, adding:
- Keyless Ignition and Entry
- Leather Inserts In The Upholstery
- Power Driver Seat
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Satellite Radio
Limited has more features including:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Remote Ignition
- Power Folding Side mirrors
- 4-Inch Touchscreen Stereo System
- Leather Upholstery
- Heated Front Seats
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Power Liftgate
Trailhawk is off-road focused with:
- Wider 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- All-Terrain Tires
- Off-Road Suspension
- Locking Rear Differential
- Skid Plates
- Tow Hooks
- Cloth and Leather Upholstery
- Siri Eyes Free
Overland is the luxurious model which has:
- 18-Inch Wheels
- Body-Color Exterior rim
- Sound-Deadening Windshield
- Wood Steering-Wheel Insert
- Premium Leather Upholstery
- Ventilated Front Seats
- Nine-Speaker Audio System
What Engines Come In the Jeep Cherokee?
- The base engine is a weak 2.4L 4-cylinder which makes 184 horsepower while getting up to 25 MPG. It comes with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
- A step up is the stronger 3.2L V6 which produces 271 horsepower at up to 24 MPG. This engine also features a nine-speed automatic transmission. Performance is okay, taking 7 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Jeep Cherokee Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Jeep Cherokee?
The 2018 Jeep Cherokee is a comfortable SUV with seating for up to five passengers. Seating is supportive, offering excellent cushions paired with some high quality leather and cloth options available.
Passenger room is good throughout the cabin with enough legroom in the rear seats to fit taller adults.
How Much Storage Space Does the Jeep Cherokee Have?
Cargo room is okay, although it’s lower than many other SUVs on the market. There’s enough space for 4-5 suitcases behind the rear seats and 10-12 with the seats folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fifth generation of the Jeep Cherokee came out in 2014, and is still in production as of 2022.
2015: Engine stop-start on V6 models, rearview camera on Latitude and Trailhawk models.
2016: Siri Eyes Free added to 8.4-inch Uconnect system.
2017: Standard Xenon headlights on all models except for Sport, Overland model introduced.
2018: New Latitude Plus model added to the lineup.
2019: Minor exterior styling changes, new turbocharged 4-cylinder engine offered, upgraded stereo system.
2020: No major changes.
2021: More standard safety features across the lineup, Latitude Lux edition launched.
How Does the Jeep Cherokee Compare to the Competition?
The Jeep Cherokee is a good SUV since it offers a nice interior, good off-road capabilities for its size, as well as decent long-term reliability ratings.
The Jeep Compass is a smaller SUV offered by Jeep which costs about $1,000 less. Where the Jeep Compass stands out is that it’s easier to park in crowded cities with small parking spaces, while the Jeep Cherokee is much better off-road. We recommend the Jeep Cherokee since there are fewer complaints from owners.
The Toyota Highlander is a slightly larger SUV which costs about $7,000 more. Technology is better in the Toyota Highlander, while the Jeep Cherokee’s 4WD system works better off-road. We recommend the Toyota Highlander since they last longer, although both SUVs are worth taking a look at.
Do Owners Recommend the Jeep Cherokee?
Yes love it. Rides well, good safety ratings. Decent gas mileage and seats 5. Take it camping a lot. Love the color.
Yes love it, very comfortable. Good on gas too. No blind spots and love the backup camera. Lots of room.
It is an awesome vehicle. Handles well in all types of weather, is roomy and comfortable. It is a joy to drive and handles like a dream.
It has been a great vehicle with very few issues. Routine maintained emergency only drives like a compact car.
Yes. It is super reliable. I have not had any problems. It is sleek and the interior is luxurious. Love it.
Yes I love it because it is very cool looking and it’s been my dream car since I was young and it is very safe and makes me feel protected while I'm driving in it
It is an excellent vehicle. It has plenty of cargo space while being exceptionally comfortable for myself and my passengers. I love the fact that even though it's an SUV the gas mileage is great.
I love my Jeep. It has a smooth ride, good on gas mileage and extremely comfortable interior. It has also been reliable. I have had to drive far distances this summer and it has been excellent.