CR Condemns the Jeep Cherokee as “Half-Baked”

Consumer Reports has panned Chrysler Group's fast-selling 2014 Jeep Cherokee SUV for what it describes as a choppy ride, poor handling, unrefined 9-speed transmission and lackluster fuel economy.

The magazine says it cannot recommend the $23,000 SUV, which it condemns as "half-baked," because the vehicle "doesn't get the fundamentals right for everyday use."

CR gave the base Latitude model, which is fitted with a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 184 hp, a score of 56 out of 100. The better-equipped Limited, which comes with a 3.2-liter V-6 making 271 hp, scored 70.

The magazine's highest-scoring SUV/crossover is the Subaru Forester with 88 points.

CR does like the Cherokee's solid feel, quiet ride, comfortable back seat and advanced infotainment system. It also acknowledges the SUV's "serious" off-road and towing capabilities. But it complains that the overall package is "underdeveloped and unrefined."

Chrysler, which has sold about 35,000 Cherokees since the new model debuted three months ago, says it has been getting good feedback from owners and automotive media.