It has many new features, some improving resource use, such as a disposable oil filter. It’s derived from the 3.6-litre that’s been one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines for the last three years. It makes 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque and it’s EPA-rated at 19/27 mpg City/Highway. We got 18.1 mpg in a 4×4 model.

The advantage to the V6 is towing, rated to 4500 pounds (best in class says Jeep) versus 2000 pounds for the I4. For daily driving, we like the four-cylinder, it’s smooth and powerful enough. However, it’s a tough call because the V6 is only a couple mpg thirstier. A new 9-speed automatic transmission, standard in all Cherokees aid both engines.

It’s a compact marvel, raising the regular-car bar for tranny construction and packaging, not to mention the electronic and mechanical complexities of high-speed meshing of spinning steel gears. Our test drives revealed the shifts are smooth, while the programming is dominant even in manual mode. First gear is an aggressive 4.71:1 for low-end performance, while 6, 7, 8 and 9 are all overdrives for the highway, to increase fuel mileage and lower noise and vibration. Ninth gear is a super overdrive, at 0.48:1.