Six Notes On Driving a 2015 Jeep Cherokee in the Dead of Winter
If you’ve ever spent any time in Michigan during the winter, you know that weather can quickly change the appeal of a vehicle.
Sure, things such as exterior design might be major factors when you’re purchasing a car under normal circumstances. However, when snow and frigid temperatures roll around, features such as contrast stitching take a back seat in the assessment of a vehicle.
That’s why when I learned I’d be getting a 2015 Jeep Cherokee Limited in Detroit to test drive in January, I figured I’d learn a few more things about the SUV that I hadn’t previously considered. I’ve included my top six revelations below.
1. Think Functionality First – When I first saw the Cherokee, I have to admit I wasn’t a huge fan of its exterior design. My feelings on that haven’t changed much. On the other hand, the Jeep’s functionality when it came to things that matter most in the winter, such as handling and the loading/removal of items, proved far more important than my issues with its front fascia.
2. Respect the Tech – The last thing you want when the temperature drops to two degrees is for a feature like automatic start to decide it’s going to take a winter break as well. Knowing each and every time I tried to start the Cherokee with the automatic key fob that I could count on it working quickly made it one of the most prized features of the Jeep.
3. Heated Steering is Oh So Cool – While heated seats are automatically considered a must-have option in colder climates, the additional comfort that comes with the Cherokee’s optional heated steering wheel becomes a lot more obvious when the wind chill factor drops to 15 degrees below.
4. Snow Mode Goes a Long Way – Opting for a selectable terrain mode is typically something you consider when off-roading in a compact SUV. When facing three to four inches of snow on a commute, though, having a system with a snow mode that really helps you get through the white stuff seriously comes in handy.
5. Uconnect Is Definitely Award-Worthy – When it comes to driving, any high-tech feature that makes things safer and easier, like Uconnect, is a plus. Then again, when assessing the appeal of a car’s infotainment technology while trying to stay focused on the road, the system’s consistency when it comes to things such as Bluetooth connectivity and voice command recognition is what you appreciate the most.
6. MPGs Matter More – It only takes one stop to fill up in frigid temperatures for you to get a better appreciation for anything that claims you’ll get great gas mileage. The Cherokee’s 2.4-liter I4 engine, equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission, seems to deliver on that promise of 30 mpg on the highway without sacrificing the kind of power you need when weathering a winter storm.
The Wrap-Up: All in all, the Cherokee proved that while dreaded winter conditions tend to deter some people from driving, they’re a welcomed challenge to anyone who owns one of the Jeeps equipped with all the options.
My tester’s $36,420 sticker price included roughly $6,000 in optional equipment. That might be a little too steep for some shopping in the segment, but I guess that’s the price you pay for the all-weather appeal and the extra luxury amenities that come with the compact Jeep.
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