HI all!
I'm from Vancouver, Canada, looking to get into light offroading, mostly to enjoy getting to and camping at places not accessible without a 4x4. Having a somewhat limited budget and requiring a relatively new vehicle, I'm narrowing down on a couple of Jeep models, with 2016-2017 KL Cherokee being my number one choice right now. However, I do want to ask a few questions, answers to which I did not find online.

1. I was surprised to learn that KL's drivetrain wasn't a true 4x4, as far as I understand. I'm still under an impression that Active Drive KL (being a Jeep) must somehow be more capable offroad than your typical RAV4, CX-5 or a Forester. To what extent am I right and/or wrong?
2. What are the ways to tell whether the car I'm looking at has an Active Drive I or II system, especially when looking at it online? I think a 4WD Low selector would only present on Active Drive II. Are there more indicators?
3. Is it true that you get more ground clearance on KLs with Active Drive II?
4. My budget would be blown by a Trailhawk, so it's very likely out of the question. How much would I gain in terms of off road capability from a non-TH KL, with a modest lift and better tires? Would Trailhawk still be in a whole other league, or would it only show it's edge in extreme cases, where either of the cars would already be struggling?

I know that's quite a lot and I appreciate everyone's feedback! Feel free to chime in with any other opinions, not necessarily those that answer my questions.

Hello!

As an owner of a 2014 V-6 KL with Active Drive 2, I will try to answer your questions:

1. It may not be the older style 4wd like the XJ cherokee's, but I have found that it will do pretty well for mild off roading (think fields or dirt roads that are somewhat maintained). I would not try going too heavy on the KL, as it can break and be expensive to repair.

2. It should have an Active Drive 2 badge on the rear lift gate, in the bottom corner. You are correct about the low range as well.

3. You do get more ground clearance with the Active Drive 2 vs. a regular KL, however you will get the same ground clearance AND better approach angles with the Trailhawk. You would not want to tear off part or all of the front bumper on a tree stump.

4. Take your time and shop around, you may be able to find a Trailhawk for a somewhat comparable price as a regular Cherokee with Active Drive 2. Don't forget, the Trailhawk has the rear lock feature.

Ask yourself a question, how often do you think you will go camping or other places that will require the 4x4? Might it be better to invest in an older cherokee that can get you where you want to go on the occasions you want to camp, and not be too expensive of an investment? Then you could have another vehicle (car perhaps) for daily driving? I don't know if that would be feasible, but I know when I go camping (when I have time) I take my pickup, not my daily driver.

I'm not trying to talk you out of anything, just offer advice.

Thank you Red1992XJ, much appreciated!You mentioned expensive repairs – is that due to the fact that KLs are expensive to repair in general, or just because improper off roading can cause damage that is expensive to repair, regardless?

From what I can tell, at least in my 2 days of searching, Active Drive 2 KLs are rare or non-existent here in Vancouver BC. It’s either AD 1, or the Trailhawks that I was able to find. There are a couple Trailhawks that I may entertain looking at, with acceptable kms, but once again – a huge stretch for my budget. I still don’t know whether a non-TH will be more than enough for what I would throw at it for the next 10 years, or whether after a year or two I will be regretting not splurging for “the real thing”.

With regards to your advice about investing in an older Cherokee, I looked at that as well. I already have a daily driver sedan that I’m happy with, but with my situation the 2nd vehicle must double up as an occasional “appointment/grocery/baby” vehicle for my wife, so it can’t be an old hardcore truck... Plus I'm a newbie when it comes to DIY maintenance and I don't have a dedicated garage for that, so another difficulty there.

I know there have been some people who have experienced failures of the "power transfer unit" (i think that is the term) which can be several thousand to replace. I also the KL's are just not as durable or forgiving as some of the older jeeps for off roading and potential abuse. I definitely would not try off roading in an AD1, they are just a little too low as far as ground clearance.

I look at it this way, if you buy a Trailhawk, the only thing you will possibly regret is spending too much money. If you buy an active drive 1, you may have purchased something that will not be able to do what you want it to do at all.

If you are looking at a newer cherokee, see if the Mopar factory extended service plan is still availible. You can potentially get lifetime powertrain protection that would cover many expensive repairs, if you plan to keep the cherokee long term.

Just remember Fiat stands for Fix It Again Tony.

As an owner of a 2019 KL base model w/v6. If I had to do it all over again, I would seriously look at a Grand Cherokee or a Wrangler JKU/JLU, both have more interior room (passenger and cargo) and with dealer incentives are not much more than a KL (Wrangler still has the worst gas mileage). Don't get me wrong, for what I use it for, its a great vehicle but the 2.4L motors are under powered and the 9-speed transmission can be "hit or miss" and is the only option for the KL. Don't forget about leasing, you can get into a "new" Jeep, run it for 36-48 months and then either keep it or give it back. I don't know about up north but the dealerships are just about giving stuff away, if you like to deal and leasing would be perfect for a "second vehicle". https://www.jeep.com/lineup.incentiv...app=incentives

Avoid the 2.4. It's best described as "adequate, and downshifts a lot" and the price difference is far less in the used market than new. The v6 has plenty of power and gets nearly the same mileage. The transmissions in the KL can be flaky and I've never been really happy with the shifting. In automatic mode, it tends to aggessively upshift to improve mileage. Sport mode is really fun and lets the V6 shine. I just wish the normal mode was somewhere between the two settings. Unless you're roading and need the 2-lo, ActiveDrive I is going to be just fine. It's a complex system but it's also significantly better than old school 4wd it terms of traction control and minimizing wheel spin.

We have a 2017 Cherokee Overland edition with Active Drive 2, we required AD2 in order to flat tow behind our motorhome (AD1 is not flat towable). When we were shopping a couple of years ago, I found AD2 is available on all trim levels, we even found one used Latitude for sale which had AD2, though they are rare. The key traits to look for in ad photos is the AD2 badge on the left side of tailgate and the N> logo for Neutral disconnect on the panel below and right of the ****. Often the photos are too low of resolution to tell details on the **** if it is and AD1 or AD2 ****, but the N> is usually visible if it is there.

As to Trailhawk differences, The TH gets AD2 with Active Lock (locking rear axle, only on the TH), TH gets the red tow hooks, and a different front bumper with better approach angle clearance, TH gets better skid plates (optional on other trim levels). I also think the TH may get a slightly higher fuel capacity.

Looking at our Overland edition vs the TH we have less ground clearance due to wheel/tire diameter, but do have the slightly raised stance from AD2. We also lack the added full under body skid plants, but those can be added for a couple of hundred $$, which leaves front end approach angle difference and non locking rear axle, which for us is not a show stopper.

Is it just me or are there some non-trailhawks getting the red tow hooks now? Someone at work has a base model Compass with red hooks.

Thanks to all of you guys who took the time to reply and help me make a choice, I truly appreciate it! After a few days of research and careful thinking about what I really need out of my next vehicle, I realized that a completely different car suits my needs the best. I understand this might possibly get me expelled from the forum, and shots will be fired, but I'm going with a 2019 Crosstrek.
In all truth and honesty, I did chase a few TH Cherokees and even TH Compasses/Renegades for a few days, plus my best buddy has an off-road modded Liberty he stands by...
But like they say, to each one his own.

Okay traitor, now GTFO!



j/k. Enjoy your new ride, I’m sure it will work out great for you.

Enjoy the Subaru... if you can (kidding)