Jeep Cherokee

Fuel economy, running costs and specs by model year

The Jeep Cherokee appears in this database in 5 model years, from 2016 to 2020, offered with gasoline power. Combined economy ranges from 21 to 26 MPG across those years, with annual fuel costs of $2,500 to $3,500 at 15,000 miles.

Fuel economy by year

YearCombinedAnnual fuelVersions
201622-25 MPG$2,600-$2,95010
201721-25 MPG$2,600-$3,50010
201821-25 MPG$2,600-$3,50010
201921-26 MPG$2,500-$3,10010
202021-26 MPG$2,500-$3,10010

How it compares

Against the average small sport utility vehicle 4wd in this dataset (about 24 MPG), the Cherokee sits roughly 0 MPG below that mark on average, making it a thirstier-than-average choice for its class.

Five-year fuel cost

Fuelling a Cherokee for five years at the EPA's 15,000-mile basis costs roughly $12,500 to $17,500, averaging about $15,000 across the versions here. That is the energy bill alone — it excludes insurance, maintenance and depreciation, which for most owners together exceed what goes into the tank.

The range within the range

Economy across the Cherokee varies by about 5 MPG between its most and least frugal versions, which run on gasoline. Engine size, turbocharging, drivetrain and even wheel size explain most of that gap, so when you shop a used Cherokee check which version you are looking at before comparing its running cost to another car.

How it changed over time

Between 2016 and 2020 the Cherokee's average combined economy improved from about 24 to 24 MPG. Redesigns, new engines and added hybrid or electric versions are usually what move the number, so the year you choose can matter as much as the model.

Best year for fuel economy

The 2016 Cherokee has the strongest average combined economy in this database at about 23 MPG, while the 2017 is the lowest at about 23 MPG. If running cost is your priority, that is the year to target on the used market; later years may add equipment or safety features instead.

2020 Cherokee at a glance

VersionEngineFuelCombined
Cherokee FWD2.0L 4-cyl turboGasoline26 MPG
Cherokee FWD2.4L 4-cylGasoline25 MPG
Cherokee 4WD2.0L 4-cyl turboGasoline24 MPG
Cherokee 4WD2.4L 4-cylGasoline24 MPG
Cherokee FWD3.2L 6-cylGasoline23 MPG
Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II2.0L 4-cyl turboGasoline23 MPG
Cherokee 4WD3.2L 6-cylGasoline22 MPG
Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD2.0L 4-cyl turboGasoline22 MPG
Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II3.2L 6-cylGasoline21 MPG
Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD3.2L 6-cylGasoline21 MPG

Use the comparison tool to set the Cherokee against a rival, or go back to all Jeep models.