2020 JEEP CHEROKEE | 1C4PJMLB0LD564356

Body Styles

The 2014–2023 Jeep Cherokee KL is a five-door midsize crossover SUV with a distinctive, angular design that blends traditional Jeep toughness with modern aerodynamics. At launch, the front fascia featured slim upper LED daytime running lights with main beams recessed lower in the bumper — a bold departure from conventional SUV cues. Later facelifts introduced a more unified headlight layout and a refined grille treatment, yet retained the signature seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches. The roofline gently slopes toward the rear, with a liftgate that incorporates an integrated spoiler and high-mounted taillights. Ground clearance varies by trim, reaching up to 8.7 inches in Trailhawk models, emphasizing its off-road intent. At just under 4.7 meters in length, the Cherokee remains compact enough for city use while offering a high stance, short overhangs, and muscular surfacing that reflect its all-terrain capability.

Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)

The name "Cherokee" has been a part of Jeep’s lineup since 1974 and is intended to convey ruggedness, independence, and American adventure. Originally used for two-door versions of the Wagoneer, the name evolved into a model line of its own, representing the brand’s mid-size SUV segment. Jeep’s use of the name reflects its heritage of off-road capability and its connection to the North American landscape — although it has also sparked conversations about cultural sensitivity and branding in recent years.

Model Name Meaning (Languages)

"Cherokee" is a proper noun derived from the Native American Cherokee Nation, making it both culturally and linguistically significant. The term evokes notions of heritage, resilience, and identity, particularly in the American context. While not invented for the vehicle, its continued use taps into deep-rooted associations with freedom and exploration — values Jeep aligns with. In international markets, the name is recognizable and exotic-sounding, which enhances its adventurous brand image, even if the historical ties are more localized.

Body & Interior Colors and Rims

The Jeep Cherokee KL offered a wide palette of body colors over its production span, including subtle tones like Bright White, Granite Crystal Metallic, and Billet Silver, as well as more expressive hues such as Velvet Red Pearl, Hydro Blue, and Olive Green. Limited editions introduced special finishes like Sting Gray and Spitfire Orange, many paired with black-painted roofs or Trailhawk-exclusive matte hood decals for enhanced contrast. The paint finishes ranged from standard gloss to premium metallic and pearl-coat options, often depending on trim level.

Interior configurations varied by trim, with cloth seats in base models and leather-trimmed upholstery in Latitude Plus, Limited, and Overland variants. Color schemes included Black, Light Frost Beige, Ski Gray, and a rich Indigo/Saddle Brown option on upper trims. Trailhawk models added red accent stitching, embroidered logos, and all-weather rubberized materials to highlight their rugged focus. Woodgrain or brushed aluminum trim was applied to the dash and doors, with available ambient lighting and leather-wrapped steering wheels reinforcing the SUV’s premium aspirations.

Wheel designs ranged from 17-inch painted aluminum wheels in base trims to 18- or 19-inch polished multi-spoke alloys in Limited and Overland models. The Trailhawk received unique 17-inch black-painted off-road wheels with all-terrain tires and bead-lock-inspired styling. Wheel finishes included satin, gloss black, and machined surfaces, with tire profiles matched to on-road or trail use. Across all trims, the wheels contributed significantly to the Cherokee’s stance, performance, and character alignment.

Top Expensive Options

• Technology Group (adaptive cruise, lane keep, auto high-beams): $1,195
• Premium Alpine Audio System: $945
• Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof: $1,595
• Ventilated Front Seats with Nappa Leather: $1,495
• Advanced Safety Group (forward collision, parking sensors, rear cross path): $895
• Uconnect 8.4 NAV with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: $795
• Trailhawk Off-Road Group (skid plates, tow hooks, suspension): $1,095
• Power Liftgate with Proximity Entry: $495
• Active Drive II 4x4 System with Low Range: $995
• Trailer Tow Package (Class III with wiring harness): $795

vs Competitors

The Jeep Cherokee KL stood in a unique position between soft-road crossovers and traditional off-roaders. Against rivals like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape, the Cherokee offered more robust 4WD capability and a higher level of trail hardware — particularly in Trailhawk form. However, it lacked the fuel efficiency and interior packaging of CR-V and RAV4, and its infotainment interface lagged behind some newer systems in the segment. Compared to the Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-5, the Cherokee was heavier and more rugged, but less nimble and space-efficient. Where most competitors emphasized efficiency and family friendliness, the Cherokee maintained Jeep’s adventurous DNA — prioritizing torque, ground clearance, and approach angles over cargo volume or rear-seat space. It was the only crossover in its class with a locking rear differential and a true low-range 4x4 option, making it the go-to choice for buyers wanting genuine off-road versatility in a daily-use SUV.

Fun Fact

The Cherokee Trailhawk was one of the first compact crossovers to earn Jeep’s coveted "Trail Rated" badge — a designation previously reserved for Wrangler and Grand Cherokee. It underwent the same rigorous testing for traction, water fording, articulation, maneuverability, and ground clearance, proving that even unibody crossovers can wear the Jeep badge with authenticity when engineered with intent.