2021 Jeep Cherokee Ground Clearance
Curious about your 2021 Jeep Cherokee's ground clearance? Here's all you need to know to take your Cherokee off-roading safely.
Written by Brenna Swanston
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Ground clearance for the 2021
Jeep
Cherokee depends on each trim's drivetrain. For the 2021 model year, all Jeep Cherokee trim levels feature a 5.7-inch running ground clearance for front-wheel-drive options or an 8.7-inch ground clearance for four-wheel drive. Running ground clearance, often just referred to as "ground clearance" or "ride height," describes the distance between a vehicle's underside and the ground. Jeeps are known to be hardy, rugged, and off-road capable—and when it comes to trail-bound adventures, ground clearance plays a huge role.
Itching to take your 2021 Cherokee off-roading?
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2021 Jeep Cherokee ground clearance
Ground clearance is consistent among 2021 Cherokee trim levels. Drivetrain, on the other hand, makes a big difference. Here's a breakdown of ground clearance by trim and drivetrain:
- LatitudeFWD: 5.7 inches4WD:8.7 inches
- FreedomFWD: 5.7 inches4WD:8.7 inches
- AltitudeFWD: 5.7 inches4WD: 8.7 inches
- 80th AnniversaryFWD: 5.7 inches4WD: 8.7 inches
- Trailhawk4WD
- High AltitudeFWD: 5.7 inches4WD: 8.7 inches
If ground clearance is important to you, shoot for a four-wheel-drive version of your favorite Cherokee trim.
Jeep Cherokee ground clearance over the years
When it comes to four-wheel-drive Cherokees, ground clearance has improved in recent model years. Drivers gained a half-inch of clearance from the 2018 model to the 2019 model. Here's how the 4x4 Cherokee's ground clearance has changed since 2017:
- 2017: 8.2 inches
- 2018: 8.2 inches
- 2019: 8.7 inches
- 2020: 8.7 inches
Keep in mind that front-wheel-drive Cherokees tend to have lower ground clearance. The above numbers apply to 4x4 versions.
MORE: Jeep Cherokee Limited V6
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Start earning nowWhat is ground clearance, and why does it matter?
We've discussed running ground clearance on this page, but there are other types of ground clearance as well. Reminder: Running ground clearance refers to the distance between the underside of a vehicle and the ground. Other measurements of ground clearance are approach angle, breakover angle, and departure angle.
The approach angle refers to the distance between where the tire hits the ground (wheelbase) and the front bumper. The breakover angle measures the distance between the wheelbase and the underside of the center of the vehicle. Finally, the departure angle looks at the distance between the wheelbase and the rear bumper.
Ground clearance at the approach, breakover, and departure angles tend to be larger than the running ground clearance. For example, on a 4x4 Jeep Cherokee Latitude, these measurements are:
- Approach Angle: 18.9 inches
- Breakover Angle: 19.5 inches
- Departure Angle: 25 inches
- Running Ground Clearance: 8.7 inches
A high ground clearance allows you to drive over rocks and other types of rough terrain without damaging the underside of your car. So if you plan to use your Cherokee for off-roading, ground clearance is a critical factor.
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Is the 2021 Jeep Cherokee a good off-road vehicle?
As a three-row SUV, the 2021 Cherokee toes the line between family-friendly and off-road-ready. True to Jeep's reputation, the Cherokee is a leader in terms of off-road capability. It also boasts better towing capacity than many of its competitors.
All 4x4 2021 Cherokees feature an 8.7-inch ground clearance, which is plenty enough clearance to safely hit the trails. The
Trailhawk
trim is particularly suited to off-roading, coming standard with off-road suspension to increase ride height and all-terrain tires. With the Trailhawk, you'll also get a V6 engine and an all-wheel-drive system with locking rear differential.Add Jeep's Trailer Tow package to increase your vehicle's towing capacity to 4,500 pounds for even cooler adventures.
Starting prices for the 2021 Cherokee range from $28,135 for the base Limited trim to $40,625 for the top High Altitude trim. The Trailhawk starts at $36,785.
Guard against accidents with the best Cherokee insurance
No matter how adventure-ready your Cherokee is, your auto insurance policy should have your back. Should things go awry on either the highway or the trails, your 2021 Cherokee should be covered. And thanks to
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