22 MPG combined isn’t going to win any fuel economy awards, but that’s hardly the point of the 2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD with the 3.2L V6. This is a machine engineered for off-road ability, not hypermiling. Its buyers are willing to accept compromises at the pump in exchange for its distinctive looks, confident 4×4 system, and legitimate ability to tackle challenging terrain. While some SUVs aim for mass appeal, the Trailhawk caters to a specific driver who prioritizes adventure and capability over ultimate efficiency.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the Trailhawk break down to 19 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the realities of stop-and-go driving, where the V6 needs to work its way through traffic. The 9-speed automatic transmission does its best to keep the engine in its most efficient range, but the weight of the vehicle and the limitations of a naturally aspirated engine working hard in low-speed conditions reduce economy. On the open road, the 26 MPG highway rating is more attainable, but even there the Trailhawk’s boxy shape and off-road tires create aerodynamic drag.

Extended highway trips will undoubtedly require more frequent fuel stops than more streamlined SUVs.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the annual fuel cost for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD 3.2L V6 is approximately $2,000. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel prices at the time the estimate was created. Your actual fuel costs may vary based on your individual driving habits, fuel prices in your area, and the type of fuel you use.

Those who frequently venture off-road will certainly see their annual fuel costs climb above this estimate, while drivers with mostly highway commutes might see slightly lower costs.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy for the Trailhawk can vary significantly. Owners report figures range from slightly below the EPA’s 19 MPG city estimate to occasionally exceeding the 26 MPG highway rating on longer trips. Key factors influencing fuel economy include driving style, cargo weight, tire pressure, and ambient temperature. Aggressive acceleration and frequent use of the Trailhawk’s off-road features will reduce fuel economy.

The Trailhawk’s off-road-oriented tires typically have higher rolling resistance than standard all-season tires, contributing to reduced fuel efficiency.

How it compares

Compared to other compact SUVs, the Trailhawk’s fuel economy is definitively on the lower end. A 2016 Toyota RAV4 4WD, for example, achieves a combined EPA rating of 24 MPG. Even the Subaru Forester 2.5i, with its standard all-wheel drive, manages 28 MPG combined. Vehicles equipped with smaller, turbocharged engines, like the Ford Escape 1.5L EcoBoost (26 MPG combined), often offer superior fuel economy without sacrificing too much performance.

However, none of these competitors possess the Trailhawk’s reliable off-road capability. The Land Rover Discovery Sport, another off-road-capable SUV, achieves a similar 22 MPG combined, highlighting that ruggedness often comes at a price. Prospective buyers considering the CHEROKEE MPG across all years should weigh the importance of off-road prowess against fuel efficiency when making their decision.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key to saving fuel. Avoid aggressive starts and hard braking, allowing the vehicle to gradually build speed. The 3.2L V6 responds best to a smooth, consistent driving style, which helps the 9-speed transmission operate efficiently. Minimize unnecessary idling, especially if you’re stationary for more than a minute.

The Trailhawk’s V6 consumes a surprising amount of fuel when idling, so switching off the engine during extended stops can make a noticeable difference over time.

Maintain proper tire inflation as indicated on the doorjamb sticker. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, reducing fuel economy. Regularly checking and adjusting tire pressure ensures optimal efficiency and extends tire life.

Given the Trailhawk’s off-road intentions, owners sometimes forget that proper inflation matters even when not on the trails.

Reduce aerodynamic drag by removing unnecessary items from the roof rack. Roof racks, while useful, significantly increase wind resistance, especially at highway speeds. Removing them when not in use can improve fuel economy. Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Extra cargo adds to the engine’s workload, resulting in increased fuel consumption.

Only carry essential items and remove anything that’s not needed for your current journey. Plan your routes strategically to avoid congested areas.

Stop-and-go traffic consumes significantly more fuel than steady-state driving. Using navigation apps to identify and avoid traffic jams can improve fuel economy. Consider the all all Jeep fuel economy data available to make an informed decision.