Hi All,

Prospective Cherokee Trailhawk buyers here. I'm downsizing from my full size (and very old) truck as I live in the City now and parking is a nightmare. Plus we've gone down to one car and my wife hates the truck haha.

Anyways, my truck is old but I've had an apply carplay stereo fitted in the double din for the past 3-4 years and am very used to have all of my phone's functions within easy reach, particularly Maps, Podcasts, and the ability to talk to siri to write a whatsapp or text.

My concern with the Cherokee I'm looking at, a 2016 Trailhawk model, is that fitting an aftermarket stereo looks like it might be a tricky proposition. I can live with losing the functionality of the dash buttons but is there anything within the infotainment system that is only accessible through the system that I'll lose if I changed the unit?

With the shape of the dash is it even possible to fit an aftermarket? Or is there an apple car play stereo from a later model available to buy that would fit??

Anyone have any advice on the topic? We do a lot of cross-country drives and long road trips so the stereo is up there for us in terms of importance.

 

There are a lot of settings controlled via the radio. One important service menu option is releasing the rear brakes so you can replace them.

 

I would strongly recommend upgrading to the U Connect 4 8.4 inch touchscreen display that's available in the 2019+ models, and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You'll be able to install it yourself, but the Jeep dealer will have to perform a PROXY alignment on the Jeep since it has a Fiat-based computer in it. Here is the link to where you can order the system for a 2014-18 Jeep like the one you're looking at:

​​​​​​https://www.infotainment.com/collect...=9896841543716

The factory upgrade would also allow you to retain all of your factory settings. You won't gain any 4G LTE connectivity, because the 2014-18 Cherokees use 3G connectivity, and that's being discontinued. You only need that if you want to subscribe to U Connect Access and control the Jeep (unlock, lock, remote start, etc.) from your smartphone (it's an expensive subscription). Everything else (SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth, steering wheel radio controls, backup camera, driver assistance features, etc.) will all continue to work with the new system, and you won't have to cut any wires, as it's completely "Plug-'N'-Play". Hope this helps.

-Vince

 

Ouch $2400! I think I'd rather put that money towards buying a newer KL, or a different vehicle that had what you wanted already.