23 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel economy awards, but for the 2019 Jeep Cherokee FWD with the 3.2L V6, it represents a reasonable compromise. This isn’t a hyper-efficient crossover designed solely for maximizing MPGs. It’s a Jeep Cherokee, offering a blend of on-road comfort, practicality, and a hint of off-road capability appealing to a specific buyer. That buyer prioritizes space, comfort, and the potential for light-duty adventuring over squeezing every last mile from a gallon of gasoline.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 20 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway for this particular Cherokee configuration. The city figure reflects the realities of stop-and-go traffic, where the V6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission work harder. The nine-speed transmission helps keep the engine in its optimal power band, but frequent acceleration from a standstill takes its toll.

On the highway, however, the Cherokee settles into a more fuel-efficient cruise, with the transmission using its higher gears to reduce engine RPMs and boost fuel economy. The highway figure is respectable for a V6-powered vehicle of this size and weight, making it suitable for longer road trips.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $1,900 for the 2019 Jeep Cherokee FWD 3.2L V6. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with approximately 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway. It also assumes a national average fuel price. Keep in mind that your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, location, and regional fuel prices.

A driver who primarily commutes in heavy traffic will likely exceed that $1,900 estimate, while someone who mostly drives on the open highway might see lower costs.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides standardized fuel economy estimates, real-world MPG can vary considerably. Factors like driving style, weather conditions, tire pressure, and vehicle load all play a role. Aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, and carrying heavy loads will all negatively affect fuel economy. Conversely, driving conservatively, maintaining proper tire inflation, and minimizing unnecessary weight can help you get closer to the EPA estimates.

Many owners report that achieving the advertised 29 MPG highway figure is possible, especially on longer trips at consistent speeds. However, replicating the 20 MPG city figure can be more challenging, particularly in congested urban environments. Owners should consult sites like FuelEconomyHub.com for all Jeep fuel economy datato understand what other drivers are experiencing.

How it compares

Compared to other vehicles in the compact SUV segment, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee FWD 3.2L V6’s fuel economy is not class-leading. For example, the Honda CR-V with its 1.5L turbocharged engine achieves an EPA-estimated 28 MPG combined. The Toyota RAV4 FWD, with its slightly less powerful but more efficient 2.5L four-cylinder, also achieves a higher combined MPG of around 30. The Nissan Rogue, another popular choice, boasts a combined MPG figure around 29.

However, these competitors don’t offer the same level of V6 power or the more rugged image associated with Jeep. A more direct competitor might be something like a Chevy Equinox with its optional 2.0L turbo, which manages around 25 MPG combined. Ultimately, buyers considering the 2019 Cherokee with the V6 are often willing to trade some fuel efficiency for the added horsepower and towing capacity. They can also review CHEROKEE MPG across all years for comparisons.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Regularly check and maintain your tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Consult the sticker on your driver’s side doorjamb for the recommended tire pressure for your Cherokee.

Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. Smooth, gradual acceleration and anticipating traffic conditions to minimize hard braking can significantly improve fuel economy. The Cherokee’s nine-speed transmission is designed to keep the engine in its most efficient range, but it can’t compensate for overly aggressive driving habits.

Minimize idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to be restarted easily, and idling consumes fuel without moving the vehicle. This is important in urban environments where drivers often spend a significant amount of time at red lights.

Reduce unnecessary weight. Remove any items from your vehicle that you don’t need. Extra weight puts a strain on the engine and reduces fuel economy. Even small amounts of weight can add up over time, especially during city driving.

Consider using cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy. However, be mindful of the terrain and traffic conditions. If you’re driving in hilly areas, it may be more efficient to manage the throttle manually to avoid the transmission constantly shifting up and down.