22 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD with the 2.4L four-cylinder, it represents a compromise most owners are willing to make. This isn’t a vehicle purchased for hyper-miling; it’s bought for its off-road chops and rugged capability, and that capability simply carries a fuel cost. Trailhawk buyers prioritize ground clearance, skid plates, and Jeep’s legendary four-wheel-drive system over squeezing every last mile from a gallon of gasoline.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2018 Cherokee Trailhawk 4×4 2.4L put city driving at 19 MPG and highway cruising at 25 MPG. The city figure reflects the stop-and-go conditions and lower average speeds where the Cherokee’s weight and four-wheel-drive system work against it. The highway figure, while better, still illustrates that the Cherokee’s boxy shape and elevated ride height aren’t optimized for aerodynamic efficiency. Keep in mind that the aggressive tires fitted to the Trailhawk, which provide superior grip on challenging terrain, also introduce added rolling resistance on pavement, further impacting fuel consumption.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD 2.4L at $2,000. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Of course, your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do (mostly city or mostly highway), and the price of gasoline in your area. Drivers who frequently venture off-road or engage in aggressive driving will likely exceed this estimate. On the other hand, those who primarily use the Cherokee for highway commuting may see slightly lower costs.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized benchmark, real-world fuel economy for the 2018 Cherokee Trailhawk can vary significantly. Many owners report figures close to the EPA estimates under normal driving conditions. However, aggressive driving, frequent use of four-wheel-drive, and the addition of aftermarket accessories (roof racks, larger tires, etc.) can all drag down fuel economy. Drivers who track their fuel consumption and use fuel-saving techniques often report being able to achieve figures slightly above the EPA’s estimates. Explore CHEROKEE MPG across all years.

How it compares

Compared to other compact SUVs with off-road intentions, the 2018 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk’s fuel economy lands somewhere in the middle. The Subaru Forester, particularly models without the turbo engine, typically achieve better fuel economy, often exceeding 28 MPG combined. The Toyota RAV4 Adventure, while not quite as off-road focused as the Trailhawk, manages around 25 MPG combined. Even the Jeep Compass Trailhawk, despite being a smaller vehicle, often sees similar or only slightly better MPG figures due to its smaller engine working harder to move the vehicle. To compare the Trailhawk to other Cherokee models, examine all Jeep fuel economy data. The standard 4×4 Cherokee with the 2.4L, but without the Trailhawk’s off-road gear, might offer a slight improvement of 1-2 MPG. The Trailhawk’s compromises are accepted by those who prioritize capability over pure fuel efficiency.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Keep your tires properly inflated. The aggressive tires equiped on the Trailhawk are prone to losing pressure, and even a small drop in inflation can negatively impact fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended PSI, which can be found on the sticker inside the driver’s side door.

Minimize your use of four-wheel-drive when it’s not needed. The Trailhawk’s four-wheel-drive system adds weight and increases drivetrain friction, both of which decrease fuel economy on pavement. Only engage four-wheel-drive when you need the extra traction, such as in snow, mud, or on loose gravel.

Drive smoothly and avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The 2.4L engine benefits from a gentle touch. Jackrabbit starts and hard braking waste fuel. Anticipate traffic conditions and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. Coasting up to stops and using gradual acceleration will translate to noticeable fuel savings.

Reduce excess weight in the vehicle. Carrying unnecessary cargo adds weight, forcing the engine to work harder. Remove any items from the vehicle that you don’t need on a daily basis. This is especially true if you carry heavy items like tools or sporting equipment. A lighter vehicle is a more efficient vehicle.

Service the engine and transmission according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug replacements, ensures that your engine is running at peak efficiency. The 9-speed automatic transmission also requires periodic servicing to ensure smooth and efficient shifting. Keeping up with these maintenance tasks will help optimize fuel economy over the long term.