The 2018 Jeep Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II, with the 3.2L V6, gets an EPA-estimated 21 MPG combined. This might not seem remarkable, but context is important. This isn’t just a crossover for errands. It’s a Jeep Cherokee, built for off-road adventures, and its fuel economy reflects that trade-off.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 18 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. Stop-and-go city driving takes a toll, and the Cherokee’s weight and strong all-wheel-drive system don’t help. The highway number is better. The nine-speed automatic transmission, sometimes criticized for its shifting at low speeds, helps keep the engine in its best range at cruising speeds, which helps highway mileage. The 3.2L V6 uses a lot of gas, but it delivers smooth power, especially useful on hills or when passing.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II at $2,500. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the national average fuel price. Your actual costs will vary depending on your driving, fuel type, and local gas prices. However, $2,500 is a good benchmark for comparing the Cherokee’s costs to other vehicles.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are useful, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Owners of the 2018 Jeep Cherokee 4WD with Active Drive II and the V6 report numbers close to the EPA estimates, and some even match or exceed the 26 MPG highway figure on long trips at moderate speeds. Aggressive driving, frequent off-roading, or hauling heavy loads will reduce fuel economy. Cold weather and winter gas also affect fuel economy.

How it compares

Compared to other compact SUVs with all-wheel drive, the 2018 Jeep Cherokee 4WD’s fuel economy is in the middle. The Honda CR-V AWD achieves 29 MPG combined, while the Toyota RAV4 AWD manages 25 MPG combined. However, those vehicles don’t offer the same off-road ability as the Cherokee with Active Drive II. Even the Jeep Compass Trailhawk, with its smaller 2.4L engine, achieves only 22 MPG combined. The Subaru Forester, with standard all-wheel drive, gets around 28 MPG combined. However, none of these competitors have the rugged character and off-road history of the Cherokee. Buyers choosing the Cherokee with Active Drive II often accept a slight fuel economy penalty for its capability and Jeep character. Check CHEROKEE MPG across all years for other model year comparisons.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Pay attention to tire pressure. The 2018 Jeep Cherokee’s recommended tire pressure is on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Keeping proper inflation minimizes rolling resistance, which is important on a heavy vehicle.

Avoid hard acceleration and braking. The 3.2L V6 responds to throttle input, but heavy acceleration burns fuel quickly. Drive smoothly and anticipate traffic to minimize unnecessary braking, and take advantage of the vehicle’s momentum.

Use cruise control on the highway. Keeping a consistent speed minimizes changes in fuel use. The Cherokee’s nine-speed transmission benefits from a steady pace on the highway, allowing it to settle into the most efficient gear.

Keep up with scheduled maintenance. Regular oil changes and air filter replacements ensure the engine runs well. A poorly maintained engine works harder and uses more fuel. If you are curious about other models besides the Cherokee, review all Jeep fuel economy data.