21 MPG combined isn’t going to excite those seeking the best fuel economy, but it’s an acceptable compromise for the 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. This vehicle isn’t about saving fuel; it’s a compact SUV designed for trails beyond what pavement-focused SUVs can handle. The Trailhawk buyer values off-road ability and reliable dependability over saving money on gas. They accept the fuel economy knowing serious capability comes at a cost.

City and highway performance

The Cherokee Trailhawk gets an EPA-estimated 18 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. The city number reflects stop-and-go driving. Here, the vehicle’s weight and the engine’s naturally aspirated design affect mileage. The nine-speed automatic transmission helps keep the engine efficient on the highway. However, the boxy design hurts aerodynamics, which limits the high-speed mileage. The 3.2L V6 likes to rev high for aggressive driving. The engineering that makes this a capable off-roader affects fuel economy.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk at $2,100. This assumes 15,000 miles per year and national average fuel prices. Your fuel costs will depend on driving habits, location, and current prices. Frequent hard acceleration and braking, which are common in cities, will increase this number. See how your driving matches the EPA’s assumptions for a more accurate estimate.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard, but real-world fuel economy can vary. Driving hard, especially off-road, will lower MPG. Gradual highway driving might slightly beat the EPA estimate. The Trailhawk’s four-wheel-drive system adds weight and drag versus Jeep Cherokees with two-wheel drive, impacting fuel efficiency. Owners should track their fuel consumption to learn what to expect. You can research CHEROKEE MPG across all years to see if your driving matches consumer data.

How it compares

The Cherokee Trailhawk’s fuel economy is a below average compared to other compact SUVs with off-road aspirations. The Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road gets about 28 MPG combined, a big advantage. The Subaru Forester, with standard all-wheel drive, gets around 29 MPG combined. But those vehicles don’t offer the Trail Rated off-road ability of the Trailhawk. The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, much better off-road, gets around 19 MPG combined with its 3.6L V6. The Trailhawk buyer chooses a balance of capability and efficiency, knowing off-road performance comes at a cost. Review all Jeep fuel economy data if you want a deeper comparison with other vehicles from the manufacturer.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use the Cherokee Trailhawk’s nine-speed automatic transmission. It keeps the engine in its most efficient range. Drive smoothly. Avoid fast acceleration or braking, which makes the transmission downshift and burn more fuel.

Select “Auto” for the four-wheel-drive system on paved roads. This disengages the rear axle when you don’t need it, reducing drivetrain losses and improving fuel economy. Only engage 4WD modes on slippery or off-road areas.

Keep proper tire pressure. Low pressure increases rolling resistance, reducing fuel efficiency. Check your tires regularly with a gauge. Inflate them to the recommended pressure on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Reduce weight. Extra cargo increases the load, making the engine work harder and consume more fuel. Remove unneeded items from the trunk or cargo area for better efficiency.

Consider cruise control on the highway to keep a consistent speed. This prevents speed changes that waste fuel. Watch traffic and disengage cruise control when you need to maintain a safe following distance.