The 2019 Jeep Cherokee, with front-wheel drive and the 2.4L four-cylinder engine, gets a combined fuel economy of 25 MPG. It’s not the most efficient in the compact SUV class, and it’s designed for buyers who want Jeep styling and features over maximum fuel savings. These buyers likely appreciate the comfortable ride, user-friendly infotainment, and the option to add four-wheel drive later.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates this Cherokee gets 22 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. The city number is sufficient for commuting, reflecting how the engine performs in stop-and-go traffic. The 31 MPG highway rating allows for reasonable long-distance trips, although some competitors do slightly better. The nine-speed automatic transmission helps, letting the engine run at lower RPMs at highway speeds to save fuel, even if the transmission’s operation isn’t always the smoothest.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Jeep Cherokee FWD 2.4L is $1,750. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Actual fuel costs will change depending on driving habits, traffic, and local fuel prices. Expect to spend more if you drive mostly in the city or drive aggressively. You may spend less if you do more highway driving and drive efficiently.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides an estimate, but real-world fuel economy can vary quite a bit. Factors like driving style, road conditions, tire pressure, and air conditioning can affect your MPG. If you live in hilly areas or areas with extreme temperatures, you may see lower fuel efficiency. Owners say getting the EPA’s 31 MPG highway rating takes effort, while the 22 MPG city number is closer to actual driving conditions. What you get may be different than what they get.

How it compares

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee’s fuel economy is average for the compact SUV class. The Toyota RAV4 LE FWD gets 26 MPG combined, with 28 MPG highway, a choice for those who want better fuel economy. The Honda CR-V LX FWD also gets a slightly better combined rating of 28 MPG. However, the RAV4 and CR-V don’t have the Jeep’s rugged look. The Mazda CX-5 with its base 2.5L FWD gets 28 MPG combined, and its driving offers a sportier, more premium feel that reaches a different customer. To compare all Jeep fuel economy data, take a look at all Jeep fuel economy data. For specific details about the CHEROKEE MPG across all years, explore CHEROKEE MPG across all years.

The Jeep Compass, with its similar 2.4L engine and front-wheel drive, often gets similar or slightly lower city MPG because of different tuning and weight. This shows that the Cherokee buyer is also considering resale, technology, and brand image.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration and braking are important for getting good fuel economy in the Cherokee. Avoid fast starts and hard braking, which use more fuel. Watch traffic and drive at a steady speed when you can, letting the nine-speed transmission shift smoothly and keep the engine running at its best.

Make sure your tires have the right amount of air. The correct pressure is on a sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb. Tires with too little air create more resistance, which lowers fuel economy. Check tire pressure often, especially when the temperature changes, to keep it right and make your tires last longer.

Take out extra weight from the vehicle. Carrying extra stuff puts more strain on the engine and lowers fuel economy. Remove things you don’t need, like sports equipment or tools. A lighter vehicle needs less energy to accelerate and stay at speed.

Don’t idle for too long. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Idling uses fuel without moving the vehicle. Restarting the engine uses less fuel than idling for a long time, especially with modern engines.

Think about using cruise control on the highway, especially on flat roads. Cruise control helps keep a constant speed, which can improve fuel efficiency. Don’t use cruise control in hilly areas, since the system may downshift often, and you won’t save fuel.