2021 Jeep Cherokee Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

Since the 1970s, suburban adventure seekers have enjoyed the space and flexibility found in the Jeep Cherokee. Through its evolution, this model largely initiated America's sport utility vehicle marketplace. In the 21st century, the Cherokee has helped further shape the SUV space.

Today's Cherokee looks somewhat similar to the second-generation model that made the nameplate popular. Still, this version is curved and modern. The current SUV shopper is engaged by the 2021 Cherokee's looks, comfort and functionality.

Additionally, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee lineup gives drivers a broad selection of styles, features and options. At each end the lineup, buyers can opt for front-wheel-drive and on-demand four-wheel-drive setups. Importantly, Cherokee's four-wheel-drive system lets the driver electronically select high and low gear ranges.

Auto buyers interested in joining the ranks of Cherokee drivers can use this guide for help deciding which configuration makes sense in their lives.

Compare the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude vs Latitude Plus Trim Levels. What is the Difference?

While it is the 2021 Cherokee range's entry point, the Latitude is far from basic. The Latitude buyer enjoys an exterior-paint spectrum of eight colors from which to choose. They also acquire an SUV that looks attractive from every angle.

A 2021 Cherokee Latitude's standard specs include Jeep's 2.4-liter Zero Evap MultiAir engine that produces up to 180 horsepower. This powerplant includes technology that stops the engine at spots where other vehicles are forced to idle. Typically, this feature engages while the driver waits for a green light. As a result, today's Cherokee saves a few sips of gasoline whenever it is stopped at a light-controlled intersection.

The Cherokee Latitude is rated to average 29 miles per highway gallon. In addition to its design and its 21st-century engine, the vehicle achieves that gas-mileage target with the assistance of its nine-speed, automatic transmission. For full engagement with the internal-combustion experience, drivers can select the transmission's shift points. This capability enables optimal use of the SUV's 2,000-pound towing capacity, too.

Every Cherokee Latitude leaves the factory on 17-inch, painted, aluminum wheels. It also comes with chrome grille highlights and a pair of roof rails. Premium LED headlamps are also standard.

Each Latitude also includes a seven-inch touchscreen that runs Jeep's proprietary Uconnect 4 operating System. This system offers AM and FM audio, six months of satellite radio through SiriusXM, Bluetooth streaming, voice command, hands-free calling and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. These infotainment features give the Cherokee Latitude most aspects found in a modern, connected SUV.

Also, Jeep's available advanced-safety packages assist the Cherokee Latitude driver. These packages bundle features that monitor blind spots, watch rear cross paths, sense lane departures, assist with lane-keeping and mitigate full-speed collisions. Assistance with city-street parking is also available.

For standard driver-assisting features, the Jeep shopper can select the Latitude Plus. It includes Jeep's Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path Detection. Of course, packages help the Latitude Plus drivers add other assistive features.

The Latitude Plus also enjoys an elevated interior. Drivers will find integrated audio controls on a leather-wrapped steering wheel. In addition, this configuration's seats combine cloth and premium vinyl with blue stitching.

Opting for a Latitude Plus also gives the Cherokee buyer access to an available 2.0-liter, turbocharged engine. This option boosts the Cherokee's highway-MPG rating to 31. It also doubles the SUV's towing capacity to 4,000 pounds.

The Jeep Cherokee Latitude is certainly a good value. Drivers seeking more performance and comfort will be happy if they opt for the Latitude Plus.

Compare the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus vs Altitude Trims. What is the difference?

Think of the Altitude as a restyling of the Latitude Plus. It blacks out the vehicle's trim accents. For example, the Cherokee Altitude's grille accents are black instead of chrome. Additionally, the Altitude replaces the blue stitching on the Latitude Plus's bucket seats with black thread.

The Altitude sports gloss-black wheels, too. Notably, while the Latitude Plus has 17-inch wheels, the Altitude's measure 18 inches. This size boost gives the vehicle more stability.

Jeep designed the Cherokee Altitude to appear stylish on any street.

Compare the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Altitude vs Latitude Lux Trim. What is the difference?

The Latitude Lux is a significant upgrade from its three lower-priced counterparts. Its standard engine, the 3.2-liter Pentastar V6, produces up to 271 horsepower. This powerplant also boosts the SUV's torque and towing capacity.

Externally, the Latitude Lux looks similar to the Latitude Plus. Its luxury elements are found within its cabin. Nappa-leather trim adorns the Lux's seats. Additionally, the Lux driver enjoys technology that warns of potential high-speed collisions and engages the vehicle's brakes. Other driver-assisting tech on the Latitude Lux helps reduce lane departures.

For heightened luxury, the Latitude Lux buyer can add Jeep's Sun and Sound Group. This package provides a dual-pane, panoramic sunroof and a premium speaker system from Alpine. Clearly, drivers who jump from the Altitude to the Latitude Lux will acquire a fuller-featured Cherokee.

Compare the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Lux vs 80th Anniversary Trim. What is the Difference?

Whereas the Cherokee Latitude Lux provides a comfortable driving experience, the 80th Anniversary offers a celebration. This limited edition includes badges that commemorate Jeep's 80-year history of delivering 4x4 freedom. The model's spectrum of available paint covers also includes a special hue, Granite Crystal Metallic. No matter which color one chooses for their Cherokee 80th Anniversary, Granite Crystal also highlights the vehicle's grille, roof rails, rear fascia and 19-inch wheels.

Unique design touches continue into the 80th Anniversary's cabin with an exclusive logo on its front seats. These seats also feature alluring bezel finishes. For reduced wind noise, buyers can add an acoustic windshield.

The Jeep Cherokee 80th Anniversary is a worthy purchase for a true Jeep fan.

Compare the 2021 Jeep Cherokee 80th Anniversary vs Limited Trim Level. What is the Difference?

While the 80th Anniversary Cherokee makes the driver feel like they are joining a club, the Cherokee Limited offers enhanced exclusivity. That enhancement begins via the trim's dual-pane, panoramic sunroof. The Limited configuration also includes two-tone, aluminum, diamond-cut, 18-inch wheels. Drivers seeking heightened stability can choose the Limited's available 19-inch wheels. Those aluminum wheels feature 10 spokes highlighted in Jeep's Tech Gray hue.

Importantly, the Cherokee Limited's standard specs also include a full suite of driver-assisting features. Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist with Full Stop offers confidence while parking on city streets. ParkSense Rear Park Assist with Stop optimizes parking in lots and driveways. Automatic High-Beam Control senses oncoming vehicles and adjusts the Limited's headlamps accordingly. Finally, Adaptive Cruise Control adds precision to highway convenience.

Limited buyers can also acquire Jeep's Elite Package. This bundle of features provides nearly 20 options. Highlights include a 4G LTE hot spot, HD radio, GPS navigation, a hands-free liftgate, heated front and second-row seats and five years of SiriusXM Travel Link.

Anyone who drives in mud or snow will appreciate the available Interior Package by Mopar. It adds slush mats and a cargo-area liner.

Obviously, the 2021 Cherokee Limited is a substantial upgrade.

Compare the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Limited vs Trailhawk 4x4 Trims. What is the difference?

A Cherokee buyer might choose the Limited for suburban excursions or urban shopping trips. Meanwhile, the Trailhawk 4x4 is built for the Cherokee driver who appreciates bumpy terrain.

As its moniker indicates, the Trailhawk 4x4 is the only trim in the 2021 Cherokee lineup that is not available in a front-wheel-drive version. Every 2021 Trailhawk 4x4 comes equipped to prove it deserves its name. That proof begins at the trim's front fascia, which adds rugged styling and more ground clearance than this year's other Cherokee variants. Red tow hooks accent the Trailhawk's front and rear. The front has two, and the rear has one.

While the Trailhawk does not have a trim-exclusive color, its buyer can select from 10 paint tones. Each shade pairs nicely with this configuration's iconic hood decal. As in other model year's, the 2021 Cherokee Trailhawk 4x4's hood decal is matte black.

Vitally, the Trailhawk's hardware includes Jeep's Selec-Terrain Traction Management System. This features lets the driver adjust the vehicle's power distribution based upon the conditions beneath its tires. Available settings include Snow, Sport, Rock, Sand and Mud. To let the system automatically adjust the traction in variable conditions, drivers can simply turn the dial to Auto.

Additionally, the Trailhawk possesses a locking rear axle. This component improves low-traction situations. When engaged, it forces the rear wheels to turn in unison, which can help the Trailhawk advance in sand deep enough to trap other vehicles.

For steadiness when navigating down steep inclines, the Trailhawk includes Jeep's Hill Descent Control. This technology gently applies the vehicle's brakes. As a result, the driver can maintain downhill control more easily.

To boost the Trailhawk's ruggedness, buyers can add rock rails from Mopar. These black, metal rails rest beneath the SUV's doors. With the rails installed, the Trailhawk's body can glide across rocks.

Like most other 2021 Cherokee setups, the Trailhawk includes an 8.4-inch touchscreen. While a Trailhawk buyer can access maps via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, they can also add Jeep's available navigation ware to the touchscreen. Backcountry enthusiasts will also want to choose Jeep's Off-Road Information Pages.

Compare the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4x4 vs High Altitude. What is the difference?

As the Trailhawk 4x4 trim optimizes the Cherokee's off-road capabilities, the High Altitude trim maximizes its stylish qualities. Granite Crystal adorns this Cherokee's badges and grille highlights. That alluring paint shade also sleekly covers the High Altitude's 10-spoke, 19-inch, aluminum wheels. Also, body-color fascias raise this trim's visual appeal.

Inside, the High Altitude shopper finds an elegant cabin trimmed in Nappa leather with tungsten stitching and anodized-gunmetal accents. The steering wheel and front seats are heated. Meanwhile, the 8.4-inch touchscreen comes with GPS navigation and Jeep's Off-Road Information Pages. The High Altitude also includes a 4G LTE hot spot, HD radio, a five-year subscription to SiriusXM Traffic Plus and Travel Link and a one-year subscription to SiriusXM Guardian.

Notably, the High Altitude configuration switches back to the 2.0-liter, turbo engine available on the Latitude Plus. Direct injection enhances this turbo's launch performance and creates a smoother ride. Drivers will enjoy the Cherokee High Altitude's looks, feel and hustle.

Which Trim to Choose?

With eight available varieties, the right 2021 Cherokee trim depends upon on the driver. Anyone seeking a nicely bundled value will find a worthwhile set of features in the Latitude Plus. Of course, long-time Jeep devotees may lean toward the 80th Edition. Off-road fanatics cannot deny the Cherokee Trailhawk 4x4's popularity and tailored features. Finally, the High Altitude provides the most standard features.

Cherokee buyers should select from those four 2021 trims. Drivers who are more interested in a friendly price than a broad range of standard features will be happy with the Cherokee Latitude Plus. It amply meets the needs of the average SUV owner who never ventures far from paved roads.