2014 Jeep Cherokee Sport: Redefining the Compact SUV Landscape

2014 Jeep Cherokee Sport: Redefining the Compact SUV Landscape jeeps.truckstrend.com

The year 2014 marked a significant and, for many, controversial return for a beloved nameplate: the Jeep Cherokee. After a hiatus, the Cherokee re-emerged, shedding its boxy, utilitarian skin for a sleek, modern, and undeniably car-like form. At the entry point of this new generation was the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Sport, a trim designed to offer the core Cherokee experience – a blend of on-road comfort, surprising capability, and distinctive styling – at an accessible price. It was a bold move by Jeep, aimed at capturing a broader audience in the booming compact SUV segment, and the Sport trim played a crucial role in that strategy. This article will delve deep into the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Sport, exploring its features, performance, ownership experience, and what makes it a relevant choice even today.

A New Face for an Icon: Design and Styling

2014 Jeep Cherokee Sport: Redefining the Compact SUV Landscape

The most striking aspect of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, and by extension the Sport trim, was its revolutionary design. Departing dramatically from its predecessors and even its contemporary stablemates like the Grand Cherokee, the 2014 model adopted a highly aerodynamic and futuristic aesthetic.

Exterior: The front fascia was the most polarizing element, featuring a unique split-headlight design where the LED daytime running lights sat high, almost like squinting eyes, while the main headlights were tucked lower into the bumper. The iconic seven-slot grille remained, though it was bent backward into the hood line, giving it a shark-nose appearance. The Sport trim typically came with a simpler grille, black door handles, and 17-inch steel wheels with wheel covers (though alloy wheels were an option), distinguishing it from the more premium Latitude, Limited, and off-road-focused Trailhawk trims. Its rounded edges and sloping roofline significantly improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency compared to previous Cherokees.

Interior: Inside, the 2014 Cherokee Sport offered a surprisingly refined and modern cabin for an entry-level trim. The design was clean and intuitive, focusing on user-friendliness. Soft-touch materials were judiciously used on the dashboard and door panels, elevating the perceived quality. The Sport trim featured durable cloth upholstery, manual seat adjustments, and a functional center console. The layout of controls was logical, with the Uconnect infotainment system prominently placed. While not as luxurious as higher trims, the Sport’s interior felt robust and comfortable, prioritizing practicality and ergonomics.

Powertrain and Performance: The Heart of the Sport

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee Sport primarily featured one engine option, paired with a then-revolutionary transmission.

Engine: Standard on the Sport trim was the 2.4-liter "TigerShark" MultiAir 2 four-cylinder engine. This engine produced a respectable 184 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque. While not a powerhouse, it was designed for efficiency and adequate performance in daily driving scenarios. For the Sport trim, the more powerful 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 (271 hp, 239 lb-ft) was an available upgrade, though less common.

Transmission: Both engines were exclusively paired with Chrysler’s all-new ZF-designed nine-speed automatic transmission. This advanced transmission was a key talking point, promising improved fuel economy and smoother shifts across a wide range of speeds. In practice, early iterations of this transmission could be somewhat unrefined, with occasional hesitations, clunky shifts, or a tendency to search for the right gear. However, subsequent software updates often improved its behavior.

Drivetrain: The 2014 Cherokee Sport came standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), making it a competitive choice for those primarily driving on paved roads. Crucially, it also offered Jeep’s Active Drive I 4×4 system as an option. This system was fully automatic, engaging four-wheel drive only when needed, and included Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system with modes for Auto, Snow, Sport, and Sand/Mud. While not as robust as the Active Drive II or Active Drive Lock systems found in higher trims (especially the Trailhawk), Active Drive I significantly enhanced the Sport’s capability in adverse weather conditions and light off-road trails.

Fuel Economy:

• 2.4L FWD: EPA estimated 22 mpg city / 31 mpg highway / 25 mpg combined
• 2.4L 4×4: EPA estimated 21 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 24 mpg combined
  (Note: V6 figures would be slightly lower)

Ride, Handling, and Practicality

Built on Fiat-Chrysler’s Compact U.S. Wide (CUSW) platform (shared with vehicles like the Dodge Dart and Alfa Romeo Giulietta), the 2014 Cherokee Sport exhibited car-like ride and handling characteristics that were a significant departure from previous Cherokees.

On-Road Dynamics: The ride quality was generally comfortable and composed, soaking up road imperfections well. The electric power steering was light and responsive, making the Cherokee easy to maneuver in urban environments and parking lots. While not a sporty handler, it felt stable and predictable on highways. The independent suspension system (MacPherson struts upfront, multi-link in the rear) contributed to its refined road manners.

Interior Space and Cargo: The Sport trim offered comfortable seating for four adults, though five might find it a bit snug on longer journeys. The rear seats could slide forward and backward to prioritize either passenger legroom or cargo space, a thoughtful feature. With the rear seats up, the Cherokee offered a respectable 24.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 54.9 cubic feet with the 60/40 split-folding rear seats folded flat. This made it practical for daily errands, groceries, and weekend trips.

Technology and Safety: For an entry-level trim, the 2014 Cherokee Sport came with a decent array of standard features. These included a 5-inch Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, auxiliary input, and a six-speaker audio system. While it lacked the larger 8.4-inch screen and navigation found in higher trims, the Uconnect 5.0 system was intuitive and user-friendly. Standard safety features included 10 airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. More advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring or forward collision warning were optional and less common on the Sport trim.

Off-Road Capability: A True Jeep at Heart (Even the Sport)

Despite its car-like appearance, the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Sport, especially when equipped with Active Drive I, retained a commendable degree of off-road capability that set it apart from many crossover rivals. While it didn’t boast the Trailhawk’s aggressive approach angles, locking rear differential, or low-range gearing, it still benefited from:

• Higher Ground Clearance: Compared to many FWD crossovers, the Cherokee Sport offered better ground clearance (around 8.7 inches for 4×4 models), reducing the risk of scraping the undercarriage on uneven terrain.
• Active Drive I: This system automatically transferred power to the wheels with the most traction, ideal for snowy roads, muddy paths, or light trails. The Selec-Terrain system allowed drivers to optimize vehicle settings for specific conditions.
• Jeep DNA: Even without the most aggressive off-road hardware, the Cherokee Sport benefited from Jeep’s engineering expertise in managing challenging terrain, offering more confidence than typical FWD compact SUVs. It’s capable of handling gravel roads, muddy fields, and light to moderate snowy conditions with ease.

Ownership Experience: Pros, Cons, and Considerations

Owning a 2014 Jeep Cherokee Sport comes with its own set of advantages and potential challenges.

Pros:

• Comfortable Ride: Excellent on-road comfort for daily commuting and long trips.
• Stylish Interior: Modern and well-appointed cabin for its class.
• Decent Fuel Economy: Especially with the 2.4L engine, it offers competitive mileage.
• Jeep Capability (with 4×4): More capable off-road and in adverse weather than most rivals.
• Distinctive Styling: Stands out from the crowd.
• Affordable Entry: The Sport trim offered a great value proposition at launch and in the used market.

Cons:

• 9-Speed Transmission Quirks: Early models could exhibit hesitant or clunky shifts. Software updates often helped, but it’s something to test drive thoroughly.
• 2.4L Engine Performance: Can feel underpowered, especially when loaded or at highway speeds, requiring the transmission to work hard.
• Polarizing Exterior Design: Not everyone loved the initial styling.
• Early Reliability Concerns: Some early models faced recalls and initial teething issues, particularly with the transmission and infotainment system.

Practical Advice for Buyers:

• Test Drive Thoroughly: Pay close attention to the transmission’s behavior across various speeds and loads. Ensure shifts are smooth and predictable.
• Check Service Records: Look for evidence of regular maintenance and any software updates or recall work performed, especially related to the transmission.
• Inspect for Recalls: Verify that all applicable recalls (e.g., related to the transmission, power steering, or engine) have been addressed.
• Consider a Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI): An independent mechanic can identify potential issues you might miss.
• Assess Engine Performance: If you frequently carry passengers or cargo, or drive in hilly terrain, consider if the 2.4L engine is sufficient for your needs, or if finding a V6-equipped Sport is worthwhile.

2014 Jeep Cherokee Sport Price Table

The prices for a used 2014 Jeep Cherokee Sport can vary significantly based on mileage, condition, optional features (like 4×4), and geographical location. The table below provides a general estimate.

Feature / Metric	2.4L I4 FWD	2.4L I4 4×4 (Active Drive I)
Original MSRP	~$22,995 (Base, excluding destination)	~$24,995 (Base, excluding destination)
Engine	2.4L "TigerShark" MultiAir 2 I4 (184 hp)	2.4L "TigerShark" MultiAir 2 I4 (184 hp)
Transmission	9-speed Automatic	9-speed Automatic
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)	Jeep Active Drive I 4×4
Fuel Economy (Comb.)	25 MPG	24 MPG
Seating Capacity	5	5
Used Price Range (Low)	$7,000 – $9,000	$8,000 – $10,000
Used Price Range (Average)	$9,500 – $12,000	$10,500 – $13,500
Used Price Range (High)	$12,500 – $15,000	$14,000 – $17,000
Key Standard Features	5-inch Uconnect Touchscreen, Bluetooth, 17" Steel Wheels, Cloth Seats, A/C	All FWD features + Active Drive I 4×4, Selec-Terrain
Common Add-ons (affect price)	17" Alloy Wheels, Remote Start, Satellite Radio	All FWD add-ons

Note: These prices are estimates and can fluctuate significantly based on market demand, vehicle condition, mileage, and specific optional packages. Always consult multiple sources (e.g., Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, NADAguides) for the most current valuations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Sport good on gas?
A1: With the standard 2.4L four-cylinder engine, the 2014 Cherokee Sport offers competitive fuel economy for its class, especially the FWD version (up to 31 MPG highway). The 4×4 version is slightly less efficient but still respectable.

Q2: What are the common problems with the 2014 Jeep Cherokee?
A2: The most frequently reported issue with early 2014 models was related to the 9-speed automatic transmission, which could exhibit harsh or delayed shifts. Other potential issues included Uconnect system glitches and some minor electrical problems. Many transmission issues were addressed with software updates or, in some cases, hardware replacements under warranty.

Q3: Does the 2014 Cherokee Sport have 4×4?
A3: Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, but the 2014 Cherokee Sport was available with Jeep’s Active Drive I 4×4 system as an option. This system automatically engages four-wheel drive when needed and includes Selec-Terrain modes for various conditions.

Q4: What’s the difference between the Sport and other 2014 Cherokee trims?
A4: The Sport was the base trim, offering the most essential features at the lowest price. Higher trims like Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk offered more luxurious interior materials, larger Uconnect screens, more advanced safety features, larger wheels, and more sophisticated 4×4 systems (e.g., Active Drive II, Active Drive Lock on the Trailhawk).

Q5: Is the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Sport reliable?
A5: Initial reliability ratings were mixed, primarily due to the new 9-speed transmission. However, many of these issues were resolved with software updates and recalls. Properly maintained models can be reliable, but a pre-purchase inspection and thorough review of service history are highly recommended for used models.

Q6: Can the 2014 Cherokee Sport go off-road?
A6: Yes, if equipped with the optional Active Drive I 4×4 system, the 2014 Cherokee Sport is more capable off-road than many FWD-only crossovers. It can handle light to moderate trails, gravel roads, and challenging weather conditions like snow and mud with confidence, thanks to its ground clearance and Selec-Terrain system. It’s not a rock-crawler like a Wrangler, but it lives up to the "Jeep" name in practical off-road scenarios.

Conclusion

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee Sport represented a pivotal moment for the Jeep brand, marking a bold leap into the modern compact SUV landscape. It successfully blended Jeep’s heritage of capability with the demands of contemporary on-road comfort and efficiency. While its design initially divided opinions and its cutting-edge transmission had early teething issues, the Sport trim offered a compelling package: a distinctive style, a comfortable and practical interior, decent fuel economy, and genuine (though entry-level) Jeep 4×4 capability for those who opted for it.

Today, the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Sport remains an attractive option in the used car market for those seeking a versatile and characterful compact SUV. It stands as a testament to Jeep’s willingness to innovate and adapt, proving that even a "Sport" trim can carry the spirit of adventure while comfortably navigating the daily grind. For the right buyer, it offers a unique blend of practicality and personality that few competitors can match.