Used 2021 Jeep Cherokee for Sale near Illinois

How much does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee cost?

Prices have softened 10.38% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 3,421 listings available, which suggests you have room to compare options before buying.

If you find a listing below $19,072.42, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Jeep Cherokee a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Jeep Cherokee earns a 4.8/5 user rating and a 7/10 expert rating, which points to broad owner satisfaction backed by solid expert approval. The standout strength is Technology at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise its great value, smooth ride, and numerous safety features, and they also like the advanced technology and off-road capability, especially in the Trailhawk trim. The main trade-offs are a polarizing design, an underwhelming base engine, and limited cargo space.

That makes the Cherokee a good fit if you want a practical, tech-friendly SUV with some Jeep character and a broader appeal than its styling might suggest. With 32.4% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market still gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Jeep Cherokee reliable?

Owners rate it 4.8/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a vehicle that many drivers find dependable, with praise for its smooth ride, value, and safety features. The expert notes also describe the Cherokee as capable and well suited to everyday use, while the transmission is described as a capable, fuel-saving unit that has proved itself over time.

You can also benefit from the available remote start and the model’s generally easy-to-use controls, which support low-stress ownership. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is making sure you avoid a poorly maintained example, since condition and prior care matter more than the badge alone.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Jeep Cherokee?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.5% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because accident-free status is only a starting point. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on maintenance records, tire wear, brake condition, and any signs of uneven panel fit or repair work. It also helps to confirm the exact equipment on the vehicle, since trim and drivetrain choices can change both features and ownership costs.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The entry-level Latitude with 17-inch wheels and front-wheel drive looks and feels more basic, while the 80th Anniversary Edition adds 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding for a nicer appearance. The panoramic sunroof is also an available upgrade if you want a more open cabin feel.
• Powertrain: You can find a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower, a 3.2-liter V-6 with 271 hp, or a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque. The turbo engine is optional on the Latitude Lux and Limited, and all models use a nine-speed automatic.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes lane departure warning with lane keep assist, full-speed forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control with stop and go is limited to the Limited and Trailhawk, and it is also part of an option package on the Trailhawk.
• Infotainment: The Cherokee uses Uconnect with a 7-inch touchscreen on the Latitude, Latitude Plus, and Latitude LUX, while the Limited and Trailhawk get an 8.4-inch screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wired, not wireless, and the SUV also offers a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration.
• Fuel efficiency: EPA-rated fuel economy reaches up to 31 mpg highway on FWD models with the optional 2.0-liter turbo engine. The AWD base 2.4-liter model returns 29 mpg highway, 21 mpg city, and 24 mpg combined, while AWD V-6 models can drop to 21 mpg combined.

Which 2021 Jeep Cherokee trim should I buy?

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee is offered in 5 trim levels: Latitude, Latitude Plus, Latitude Lux, Limited, Trailhawk.

Here's the short version:

• Latitude: This is the most affordable way into the Cherokee lineup, and it gives you the core Cherokee experience with the 7-inch Uconnect screen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the standard safety suite. It makes sense if you want the lowest entry price and are comfortable keeping things simple.
• Latitude Plus: This trim builds on the Latitude with the same basic tech and layout, so it is best for shoppers who want a step up without moving too far up the price ladder. It is a sensible middle-ground choice if you want more equipment without chasing the highest trims.
• Latitude Lux: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it unlocks the optional 2.0-liter turbo engine and keeps the Cherokee’s easy-to-use tech. If you want stronger performance without jumping all the way to the upper trims, this is the one to target.
• Limited: This trim is the better pick if you want the larger 8.4-inch touchscreen and access to the more advanced convenience and safety equipment, including adaptive cruise control with stop and go. It suits you if comfort and feature content matter more than keeping the purchase price down.
• Trailhawk: This is the trim to choose if you want the Cherokee’s most capable off-road setup, including Jeep Active Drive Lock, a 56:1 crawling ratio, and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. It also gets the 8.4-inch screen and available adaptive cruise control, but it is best for buyers who will actually use the extra trail hardware.

The safety package is standard across the lineup, but adaptive cruise control is reserved for the Limited and Trailhawk, with the Trailhawk also offering it in an option package.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Jeep Cherokee?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 32.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 3,421 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.38% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 78.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $19,072.42, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Jeep Cherokee's resale value?

The current average of $19,063 sits slightly below last year's $21,271.

That price movement suggests the Cherokee has already absorbed a meaningful amount of depreciation, which can help future sellers if the market stabilizes. If you buy at the right price and keep the vehicle in strong condition, you may have a better chance of limiting your loss when it is time to sell. The model’s broad appeal and strong owner satisfaction can also help support demand on the used market.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.8/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Jeep Cherokee safe?

The Cherokee did not earn a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, and the NHTSA gave it a four-star overall safety rating.

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

The Cherokee’s standard driver-assistance suite includes lane departure warning with lane keep assist, full-speed forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control with stop and go is not standard across the lineup; it is limited to the Limited and Trailhawk, and it is also part of an option package on the Trailhawk.

The IIHS also noted a weakness in headlight performance, with upper trims rated Acceptable and the rest rated Marginal. That makes it worth paying close attention to trim choice and lighting equipment if safety is a top priority.

Should I buy a 2021 Jeep Cherokee or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 32.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.5% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.38% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.8/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 model stands out for its impressive, easy-to-use technology and broad appeal, even though the base engine is underwhelming and cargo space is limited.

The bottom line: If you want the Cherokee’s strong tech, solid owner satisfaction, and a market that has already softened, the 2021 is the right year to target. If you are especially price-sensitive, you can still shop aggressively for a lower-mileage or better-equipped example, but the 2021 already offers a compelling balance of value and features.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.