Used 2016 Jeep Cherokee for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2016 Jeep Cherokee cost?

Prices have softened 9.53% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,396 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options to compare.

Is the 2016 Jeep Cherokee a good car?

Generally — the 2016 Jeep Cherokee earns a 4.12/5 user rating and a 7.83/10 expert rating, which points to a well-liked SUV with broad appeal. The model scores 9/10 across Look and feel and Technology.

Drivers repeatedly praise its sporty feel, comfortable interior, and adequate power, along with convenient features like heated seats and a heated steering wheel. The overview also frames it as a compact SUV that balances comfort and utility while delivering real capability at a reasonable price. That combination makes sense if you want something that works as a daily driver but still feels ready for rougher roads and weekend use.

The market also shows 32.0% good or great deals, which suggests there are still attractive listings if you shop carefully.

Is the 2016 Jeep Cherokee reliable?

Owners rate it 4.12/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback points to reliability concerns around the engine and transmission, while also describing the vehicle as sporty, comfortable, and practical enough for everyday use. The expert evaluation also notes unfavorable reliability predictions tied mainly to the 9-speed automatic transmission’s troublesome shifts, though it adds that the latest iteration behaved better than expected in testing. The cost-effectiveness commentary also suggests that an extended warranty may be worth considering.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is the transmission and related repair exposure, so a careful test drive and service-history review matter a lot.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Jeep Cherokee?

At 62.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle-history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the listing has any accident history or incomplete service records. Pay close attention to how the transmission behaves on a test drive, since that is one of the model’s most discussed weak points. It also makes sense to inspect the cabin and feature set closely, because some shoppers wanted more equipment such as navigation or a sunroof.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Trailhawk is the rugged, “Trail Rated” version of the Cherokee, with a more aggressive look, revised bumpers, raised height, and white-lettered tires. It also stands apart from the other variants by emphasizing off-road hardware and a more specialized setup.
• Powertrain: Standard equipment includes a 184-horsepower, 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, but the optional 271-horsepower, 3.2-liter V6 is the stronger choice. The V6 is described as the more efficient highway engine in the Trailhawk and matches the 4-cylinder’s 22-mpg combined rating.
• Safety package: The Cherokee includes a standard Park View reversing camera, while available driver-assistance features include blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
• Infotainment: The Trailhawk uses a Uconnect 8.4 system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, USB and SD card ports, Bluetooth calling and music streaming, Siri Eyes Free, Do Not Disturb, and Reply with Text Message. Navigation is optional.
• Fuel efficiency: The V6 is rated at 22 mpg combined, and the expert evaluation notes that real-world results may fall short of the EPA estimate.

Which 2016 Jeep Cherokee trim should I buy?

The 2016 Jeep Cherokee is offered in 4 trim levels: Sport, Latitude, Limited, Trailhawk.

Here's the short version:

• Sport: This is the entry point, and it gives you the Cherokee basics without the extra equipment that makes the higher trims feel more polished. It makes sense if you want the lowest-cost way into the model, but it is the least compelling choice if you care about comfort or capability.
• Latitude: This is the trim that broadens the Cherokee’s everyday appeal with a more balanced mix of features. It is the best-value choice for many shoppers because it sits in the middle of the lineup without pushing you into the most expensive off-road-focused setup.
• Limited: This is the more upscale choice if you want a nicer-feeling Cherokee without going all the way to the Trailhawk’s specialized hardware. It suits you if comfort and a more premium presentation matter more than trail capability.
• Trailhawk: This is the one to buy if you want the Cherokee’s strongest off-road character. It adds the most capable 4WD system, Selec-Terrain, Selec-Speed control, a 56:1 4-Lo crawl ratio, an off-road suspension with a 1-inch lift, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The safety content also notes that the Cherokee’s crash-test results leave room for improvement, so whichever trim you choose, it is worth paying close attention to condition and available safety equipment.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Jeep Cherokee?

The market looks selective rather than overheated, which gives you room to shop carefully and compare listings.

• Deal availability: 32.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,396 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.53% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 62.2% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $10,290, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Jeep Cherokee's resale value?

The current average of $10,290 sits slightly below last year's $11,373.

That decline suggests the model has already absorbed some of its depreciation, which can help future sellers if prices stabilize. If you buy well and keep the vehicle in strong condition, you may be better positioned than someone who paid closer to the prior-year average. The current market also shows enough demand to support resale, especially for cleaner examples with desirable equipment.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.12/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Jeep Cherokee safe?

The Cherokee earns a four-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Marginal rating from IIHS in the small overlap frontal impact test.

It earns a 6/10 safety score from our experts.

The Cherokee comes with a standard Park View reversing camera, and available safety tech includes blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The safety testing also shows a clear caveat: the IIHS small overlap result is a weak point, even though the vehicle earns Good ratings in the other IIHS assessments and a Superior rating for front crash prevention.

Should I buy a 2016 Jeep Cherokee or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 32.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 62.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.53% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.12/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 Trailhawk stands out as a compact SUV that is good to drive both on and off pavement, with impressive capability at a reasonable price.

The bottom line: If you want the strongest mix of price, capability, and everyday usability, the 2016 is the one to focus on. If you are especially price-sensitive, you can still find appealing listings, but you should be selective about condition and history because accident involvement and transmission concerns deserve extra attention.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.