The 2017 Jeep Cherokee only lasts around 150,000 miles with serious engine and transmission problems. At $15,750 to $21,300, it’s cheaper than most other SUVs, yet not worth the money when a sudden failure can cost thousands to repair.
Is the 2017 Jeep Cherokee a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 6/10 – 2017 is a bad year for the 2017 Jeep Cherokee since there are a lot of problems reported, giving it a low overall score. Owner reviews complain about transmission problems, expensive repair bills, as well as leaks.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are much nicer than a lot of other SUVs, the seats are very comfortable, although the cargo area is small.
- Reliability 5/10 – There are a lot of transmission & engine problems found on the 2017 Cherokee. Avoid models from 2014–2017, as well as 2019. Models from 2018, along with 2020-2022 are much more reliable.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is poor from the standard 4-cylinder engine, while the optional V6 is decently powerful for an SUV of its size.
- Safety 7/10 – The 2017 Jeep Cherokee is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. Optional upgrades include a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, parallel park assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, & brake assist.
- 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 $28 cheaper than average, at $220 per month.
- Value 6/10 – The 2018 Jeep Cherokee is cheap, yet a combination of rapid depreciation paired with expensive mechanical problems make it a bad value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Jeep Cherokee?
- Consumer Reports says the Jeep Cherokee fails to get a lot of the day-to-day basics right, with low owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Cherokee at 3.5/5, praising the available 8.4-inch touchscreen stereo system, but doesn’t like the small cargo capacity.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the 2017 Jeep Cherokee at 3.9/5, enjoying the high-end interior options, but owners don’t like the weak 4-cylinder engine.
What Common Problems Does the 2017 Jeep Cherokee Have?
Common problems found on the 2017 Jeep Cherokee include irregular shifting between gears, the engine stalling while driving, along with failures to start. Overall, these problems are more severe than other SUVs, leading to higher repair bills as the Cherokee ages.
Irregular shifting between gears shows up on a lot of Cherokee models in the first 35,000 miles. There are two major sources of the problem. The first is software which dealerships can update for around $100. Physical damage to the transmission is the second, which costs around $1,600 to fix, or $3,500 to replace.
The engine stalling while driving has also been reported on the 2017 Jeep Cherokee at 40,000 miles. There are software updates which fix some of the issues for around $150, while others have failed head gaskets. If the head gasket fails, you will usually need to replace the engine, costing over $6,000.
Failure to start is another common complaint by owners of the 2017 Jeep Cherokee at around 50,000 miles. The main computer is known to fail as the SUV ages, and has to be replaced. The problem isn’t as widespread as older computer failures on Jeeps, but it still shows up. Changing out the computer costs around $6,000.
There are 4 recalls, which is similar to other SUVs from 2017. The most serious recall covers the power transfer unit input splines, which may break, leading to a rollaway. Jeep will replace the parts and update the software on affected models. Other recalls are less severe including missing labels and some welding issues which only affect 88 models.
How Long Will the 2017 Jeep Cherokee Last?
A well-maintained 2017 Jeep Cherokee should last around 150,000 miles, which is only half as long as the top-rated Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly higher than other SUVs, according to data from Repair Pal, at $428 per year.
As a 2017 Jeep Cherokee reaches 100,000 miles owners should be prepared to replace the oil pan gasket for $500, control arms costing $600, as well as the transmission mounts, which cost around $200.
I haven't had any problems with the mechanics of the car, the only problem I've had was related to a software download issue.
No, we have not have any mechanical problems with the SUV. Having a 6 cylinder gives you more powers for acceleration.
Never had problems at all! It drives really good and gets pretty good gas! Other than a popped tire though, awesome car.
Very good SUV. I would buy another one like it again. It runs great with good gas mileage. I love it best SUV I have had.
Yes I've owned jeeps in the past and always had a good reliable vehicles with never any problems iop.
Yes, the jeep Cherokee limited is reliable. It does not currently have any major problems. It is safe and comfortable.
For the amount of fine I have had my jeep for, almost two years; I am comfortable saying it is very reliable; I haven't had any issues with it lately. Other than if you do not change the oil at the suggested and needed time. The engine stops and does not allow you to keep driving; protecting the motor.
It has been very reliable and I have not had any problems with it to date. Only taken in for regular maintenance and oil changes.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is good in the 2017 Jeep Cherokee, offering a standard 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth. There’s an optional, larger 8.4-inch touchscreen Uconnect system available as well.
Safety technology is worse than other SUVs with no standard advanced safety features. Optional upgrades include a rearview camera, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, parallel park assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, brake assist, as well as lane departure warning.
Is the 2017 Jeep Cherokee a Good Value?
No, the 2017 Jeep Cherokee is not a good value since there are some expensive problems with them. Blue book fair market prices range from $15,750 to $21,300, making it cheaper than a Honda Pilot or Mazda CX-9. When new, the price range was $23,695 to $37,695. Depreciation is worse than other SUVs, losing about 15% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Jeep Cherokee?
There are five models of the Jeep Cherokee offered in 2017, from the base Sport all the way up to the well-equipped Overland. It’s also offered with either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
Sport is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seats
- LED Running Lights
- Air Conditioning
- Remote Keyless Entry
- Cruise Control
- Bluetooth
- 5-Inch Touchscreen Interface
- Six-Speaker Audio System
Latitude is a step up, adding:
- Body-Colored Door Handles & Mirrors
- Upgraded Cloth Upholstery
- Xenon Headlights
- Rearview Camera
- Satellite Radio
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- 115-Volt Outlet
Trailhawk is next in the lineup with:
- Advanced Active Drive II Four-Wheel-Drive System
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- All-Terrain Tires
- Increased Ground Clearance
- Upgraded Suspension
- Locking Rear Differential
- Cloth and Leather Seats
- 4-Inch Uconnect Touchscreen
- Siri Eyes Free
Limited adds features such as:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Remote Ignition
- Power Folding Side Mirrors
- Leather Upholstery
- Heated Front Seats
- Eight-Way Power Driver Seat
- Heated Steering Wheel
Overland is the flagship model which has:
- Unique 18-Inch Wheels
- Premium Leather Seats
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Power Liftgate
- Nine-Speaker Audio System
- Safety Technology Package
What Engines Come In the Jeep Cherokee?
- The base engine is a weaker 2.4L 4-cylinder which makes 184 horsepower while getting up to 25 MPG. It is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
- An available upgrade is the strong 3.2L V6, which generates 271 horsepower at up to 24 MPG. This also comes with the same nine-speed automatic transmission. Performance is good, taking 7.4 seconds to go from 0-60- MPH.
What Colors Does the Jeep Cherokee Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Jeep Cherokee?
The 2017 Jeep Cherokee is a comfortable midsize SUV, offering seating for up to five passengers. Seating is nice in both the front and rear seats, offering supportive and high quality materials.
Passenger room is good throughout the cabin with enough space for taller adults in the back seats.
How Much Storage Space Does the Jeep Cherokee Have?
Cargo space is lower than many other midsize SUVs, only offering enough space for 4-5 suitcases behind the rear seats, and around 12 with the seats folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fifth generation of the Jeep Cherokee was launched in 2014, and is still in production as of 2022.
2015: Standard rearview camera on Latitude and Trailhawk models, optional frontal-crash mitigation system, auto stop-start added to V6 models.
2016: Siri Eyes Free added to Uconnect system.
2017: Standard Xenon headlights on all models except for Sport, new Overland model.
2018: New Latitude Plus model added to the lineup.
2019: Minor exterior styling changes, optional 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo, upgraded stereo system.
2020: No major changes.
2021: More safety features included as standard, new Latitude Lux & 80th Anniversary editions added.
How Does the Jeep Cherokee Compare to the Competition?
The Jeep Cherokee is one of the worst midsize SUVs offered in 2017 since there are a lot of engine and transmission problems reported as they age, making it one buyers should avoid.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is another SUV offered by Jeep which costs around $5,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, while the Jeep Cherokee has lower ownership costs. We recommend the Jeep Grand Cherokee for most buyers since there are fewer mechanical problems.
The Toyota 4Runner is a competitor which costs about $8,500 more. Off-road performance is better in the Toyota 4Runner, while the Jeep Cherokee has a more upscale interior for the money. We recommend the Toyota 4Runner since they last much longer, have fewer mechanical issues, and hold their value better.
Do Owners Recommend the Jeep Cherokee?
Yes, it is stylish and reliable and good in the snow. I enjoy the leather and interior which is comfortable and luxurious for a mid size SUV.
Yes, I have had good success with this SUV. There are a few things that I would change about it. The engine shuts off when you are driving and stop unless you hit the button on the inside to prevent it. This is supposed to make for better fuel economy, but truthfully it startles you if you do not know about it.
Yes! I have had no problems with it in the almost 3 years I have had it. Good gas and easy to drive. I absolutely love it!
Yes very good. I have no problems with it and the dealership was great. The battery was the only problem so far and the dealership replaced under warranty.
Yes very dependable and rugged. I would recommend buying any jeep products. They will give you years of great comfort and great gas mileage.
Yes it is a good vehicle. It is safe, reliable, and comfortable for the driver as well as all of the passengers.
Yes I think it is a good vehicle. What I like about it is the color, the front lights, the space in the car, I usually use it for work and load it up with produce. The back seats are foldable making more room to transport anything. It is leather full seats, the stereo is touch screen and heated seats. It is really comfortable and luxurious to me. It is front wheel drive.
Yes and a very good car for my family.Car drives and rides very comfortable for me and my family. Would recommend to anyone.