One thing about Jeep models that you can be sure of is their mass variety of trim levels. While most models come with 3 to 6 trims on average, Jeep steps up the game by providing many more trim options than usual. For example, today’s vehicle, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee, comes in up to 9 different model variants. This can be confusing, which is why we created this Jeep Cherokee buyers guide that will help you understand the main differences between these various 2021 Cherokee trims.
The Jeep Cherokee Latitude
Let’s go in order and start with the base-level 2021 Cherokee trim. This model comes with a 2.4-liter start/stop engine paired with a 9-speed transmission which is standard across the first several trims. It comes in 8 different exterior colors, including Slate Blue, Spitfire Orange, Velvet Red, Olive Green, and more. This model also comes with chrome grille surrounds. Further, the Latitude offers standard bright side roof rails, black or black and light frost beige interior, a 7-inch Uconnect 4 display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, rear-seat vents, and power locks.
The Latitude comes with several driver assist features despite being the lowest trim, too. These include Lane Departure Warning Plus, LED daytime running headlamps, Hill Start Assist, Full Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus, Enhanced Accident Response System, and a Rear View Camera. The good thing about the 2021 Cherokee Latitude is that it is the base-level, yet it still includes tons of color options and good standard tech features. You can purchase a 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude starting at $27,005.
2021 Jeep Cherokee Freedom
The 2021 Cherokee Freedom trim is essentially exactly what it sounds like it is. It’s a patriot-themed Jeep Cherokee. It only comes in 4 different colors, which include white, black, navy blue, and Olive Green. One of the other few main differences between this trim and the Latitude is that it comes with a matte-black grille surround rather than chrome.
In addition to this, it comes with American flag decals and an Oscar Mike hood decal. “Oscar Mike” is simply military lingo for “on the move,” which is fitting for a patriotic Jeep model. Finally, the 2021 Cherokee Freedom trim comes with 18-inch black wheels rather than 17-inch aluminum wheels like the Latitude, along with gloss-black roof rails. Overall, the main differences are purely aesthetic. Otherwise, the Freedom trim comes with everything that the Latitude offers. You can purchase a 2021 Jeep Cherokee Freedom for a starting price of $27,955.
2021 Cherokee Latitude Plus
The Latitude Plus comes with some additional color options and convenience features. You’ll get 11 exterior color choices on this model, with new Sangria Metallic, Granite Crystal, and Sting-Gray options. You will also get standard ambient LED and front LED fog lamps, chrome grille surround like the regular Latitude, a Latitude Plus badge, 17-inch satin wheels, and options for black and Ski Gray interior colors.
Because the Latitude Plus includes leather seating, it also comes with heated seats. Another perk lies in its SiriusXM Radio compatibility and dual USB charging feature. You’ll also get options for premium Alpine speakers, a dual-pane sunroof, a remote start, and a heated steering wheel. You can purchase a 2021 Cherokee Latitude Plus for around $29,075.
2021 Cherokee Altitude
Now let’s check out the 2021 Cherokee Altitude trim. This one comes in 7 different colors, including neutral options, Hydro Blue, Spitfire Orange, and Velvet Red. Its main differences are cosmetic. This model comes with a black grille surround, black daylight opening moldings, gloss-black exterior badging and accents, and 18-inch gloss-black wheels with larger all-season tires. Further, it includes piano-black interior accents, cloth bucket seats, and black accent-stitching. Otherwise, this model has all the same tech and safety features, along with the same engine specs. You can purchase a 2021 Cherokee Altitude trim for $30,515.
2021 Cherokee Latitude LUX
Just when you thought the Cherokee couldn’t possibly have any more latitude, the Latitude LUX trim shows up. This model comes in 12 different colors, chrome grille surround, 17-inch aluminum wheels, a power liftgate, bright side roof rails, leather-trimmed bucket seats, heated front seats, and an available larger 8.4-inch infotainment screen. This trim is designed more for city driving, as it doesn’t offer as many off-roading features as other Cherokee models. However, you do get a standard V6 engine from this trim, but you’re still able to opt for the I-4 if preferred. You can purchase the 2021 Cherokee Latitude LUX for a starting price of $30,595.
The 2021 Cherokee 80th Anniversary Edition
This model sounds pretty special, so it’s safe to assume that it offers some unique features compared to what we’ve viewed so far. Thanks to its 80th Anniversary edition badging, this model offers 19-inch granite crystal wheels, roof rails, and exterior accents, along with leather heated seating, 80th Anniversary floor mats, and an 80th Anniversary oak keyfob medallion. All these special 80th Anniversary features bring this model’s starting point to $32,775.
The 2021 Cherokee Limited
Our 6th 2021 Cherokee trim on the list is the Limited trim. It comes in 9 different color options, external memory mirrors, front map pocket LED maps, and interior door handle LED lamps. A chrome grille surround, 18-inch painted aluminum wheels, all-season tires, a hands-free power liftgate, bright side roof rails, premium leather seating, and front and second-row heated seats complete the model. Plus, you can opt for the 8.4-inch Uconnect display with navigation.
You’ll also get a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, 5-year SiriusXM traffic services, SiriusXM Guardian and Travel Link, and HD radio. Jeep’s Alpine speaker system comes standard on this trim, along with Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, ParkSense Rear Park Assist, and Blind Spot and Cross Path Detection. It’s safe to say that the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Limited trim is not so limited after all. This is where all the tech features really start to kick into gear. If you want this model, you can plan to spend at least $34,745.
2021 Cherokee Trailhawk
This is the trim you’ll want if off-roading is your forte. It comes in 10 different colors, along with accent color exterior mirrors and grille surround, giving it that two-toned look. It also has the Trailhawk badge and the 4×4 badge, a black hood decal, accent color exterior badging, red interior stitching, Trailhawk logo tag and console netting, and rock rails. The Trailhawk includes tons of off-roading necessities like off-road wheel flares, sill cladding, all-terrain tires, off-road suspension, accent colored roof rails, off-road information pages, along with the off-road group and trailer-tow group packages.
That’s not everything, though. The Trailhawk really comes prepared for off-pavement driving. It also includes a standard Selec-Terrain system and Jeep Active Drive II. The Selec-Terrain system includes different drive modes for varying road conditions, while the Jeep Active Drive II adds on low range and neutral 4×4 modes. Overall, the Trailhawk is a great model if you like the Wrangler’s capabilities but the Cherokee’s looks in a bundle that starts at $36,045.
2021 Cherokee High Altitude
Now for the highest 2021 Cherokee trim of all, the High Altitude. This one comes in 10 different colors, and it includes 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels. The High Altitude includes all the fancier stuff we’ve already mentioned on the other trims, such as a hands-free power liftgate, leather heated seating, Uconnect with Navigation, SiriusXM services, a premium Alpine speaker system, and a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel. It also includes gunmetal interior accents, Tungsten interior accent stitching, and push-button start. However, unlike other later models, this one comes with a standard I-4 engine, and you can’t get it in a V6. You can purchase the High Altitude trim today for $37,185.
Jeep’s Overwhelming Options: How to Choose?
As you can see, there are several configurations across the 2021 Jeep Cherokee trims. This makes the choice both fun and difficult. So, how do you know which one’s right for you? The good news is that most of this has to do with aesthetic appeal and tech options. If you want safety features, but additional tech features aren’t important, then going with a base-level trim is worth it. You don’t really need to pay extra because Jeep makes the Cherokee’s security features widely accessible. However, if you’re interested in those fancier assets, you’ll need to pick a higher trim. And there’s no doubt about it that off-roading specific drivers must go with the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk.
In summary, there’s an option for every type of driver. Jeep doesn’t skimp on its lower-level Cherokee models, but it can also provide a luxurious experience for those who want to reach higher. Overall, you can’t go wrong with a new 2021 Jeep Cherokee no matter what trim you choose.
