Owners of the 2015 Jeep Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II with the 3.2L V6 get 21 MPG combined. It’s a figure they likely accept, perhaps grudgingly, as the price of admission for a compact SUV that delivers genuine off-road capability alongside everyday practicality. This isn’t the Cherokee for fuel-sipping commutes; it’s for those who prioritize trail-readiness and the security of a reliable 4×4 system, knowing full well that sipping fuel is not its forte.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2015 Jeep Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II V6 at 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the toll taken by stop-and-go traffic and the V6 engine’s thirst for fuel under acceleration. The highway number is more respectable, suggesting that the Cherokee can maintain reasonable efficiency on longer journeys, especially when using the nine-speed automatic transmission’s higher gears. However, remember that the Active Drive II system is always engaged, which slightly lowers the MPG compared to a front-wheel drive variant.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Jeep Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II 3.2L V6 is $2,100. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Keep in mind that your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do (mostly city or highway), and the price of gasoline in your area. Aggressive driving, frequent off-roading, and consistently high gas prices will significantly increase your yearly fuel expenses beyond this estimate.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a benchmark, real-world fuel economy for the 2015 Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II V6 often falls slightly below those numbers. Many owners average around 17-20 MPG in mixed driving conditions. Towing, carrying heavy loads, or navigating challenging terrain will further decrease fuel efficiency. Consider these factors when budgeting for fuel costs.

How it compares

In the competitive compact SUV segment, the 2015 Jeep Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II 3.2L V6 lags behind several competitors in fuel economy. For example, the Honda CR-V offers a combined MPG of 29, while the Toyota RAV4 achieves 26 MPG combined. Even the Subaru Forester, known for its standard all-wheel drive, manages 28 MPG combined. However, these vehicles lack the Cherokee’s off-road prowess. A better comparison might be with other V6-powered SUVs with similar off-road intentions, such as the Nissan Frontier 4×4 (17 MPG combined) or a more rugged version of the Toyota 4Runner (17 MPG combined). So while others may offer better CHEROKEE MPG across all years, they don’t possess the same off-road capability of Active Drive II.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 2015 Jeep Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II with its 3.2L V6 is not designed for hypermiling, but there are ways to make incremental improvements in fuel economy. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The V6 engine responds best to smooth, gradual inputs, particularly from a standstill, and those hard launches will immediately impact your fuel usage.

Maintain proper tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level listed on the doorjamb sticker. And, consider a more fuel-efficient tire when it comes time for replacement; look for tires with a low rolling resistance rating.

Minimize unnecessary weight. Carrying excessive cargo inside the vehicle or bulky items on the roof rack adds extra weight, reducing fuel efficiency. Remove any items that you don’t need and consider removing the roof rack when not in use, as it creates aerodynamic drag. These small steps can add up over time.

Consider using the “AutoStick” manual shift mode in certain situations. While the nine-speed automatic is generally efficient, you can sometimes improve fuel economy by manually selecting higher gears at lower RPMs, especially when cruising on relatively flat roads. Experiment to see if it makes a difference for your driving style.

Keep up with regular maintenance. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. Ensure that your Cherokee receives regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and other scheduled maintenance according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Also, make sure you are using the correct type of motor oil, as specified by Jeep. You can see all Jeep fuel economy data across the model lineup.