2021 Jeep Cherokee Active Drive II — Full Specifications
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The 2021 Jeep Cherokee Active Drive II is an SUV offered with 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 3.2L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 28 mpg (UK) / 23 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 25–28 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Jeep Cherokee Active Drive II workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Related listing: see also the 2021 Jeep Cherokee page for the base Cherokee listing, which may cover additional engines and body styles.
Compared with the 2020 Jeep Cherokee Active Drive II: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 28 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 4★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl turbo · 3.2L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic 9-spd |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 28 combined / 24 urban / 32 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 23 combined / 20 city / 27 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 240 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,900 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Active Drive II across 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 3.2L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 21 to 23 mpg (US), or 25 to 28 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (20/27) | 240 | $2,900 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (18/26) | 258 | $3,200 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Active Drive II
Running Costs: 2021 Jeep Cherokee Active Drive II
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Jeep Cherokee Active Drive II at 28 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,299 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,900 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Jeep Cherokee Active Drive II Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Active Drive II (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Power train (2), Air bags (1), Suspension (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Power train — campaign 26V290000, reported 7 May 2026. Risk: A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Air bags — campaign 24V516000, reported 8 July 2024. Risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
- Power train — campaign 21V310000, reported 4 May 2021. Risk: A transmission fluid leak increases the risk of a fire.
- Suspension — campaign 20V657000, reported 27 October 2020. Risk: A front lower control arm fracture while driving may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash without prior warning.
Owners have filed 166 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Active Drive II. The most-reported areas are Power train (96), Engine (27), Unspecified (24). Complaints include 10 reported crashes, 4 reported fires, 8 reported injuries. That is well below the median of 1370 complaints across the 8 Jeep Cherokee Active Drive II model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Active Drive II
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Transmission & drivetrain (2 recall campaigns · 96 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Engine (27 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Electrical system (23 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Air bags (1 recall campaign) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Jeep Cherokee Active Drive II compare to similar SUVs? SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model sits close to that average, within 1 mpg. Its 240 g/km CO₂ figure is 13 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
At 28 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 27 mpg average for Jeep models in our database. Its 240 g/km CO₂ figure is 14 g/km lower than the 254 g/km Jeep average.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Active Drive II
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Active Drive II have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Active Drive II: 2L 4-cyl turbo, 3.2L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2L 4-cyl turbo with a automatic 9-spd.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Active Drive II?
The most efficient configuration returns around 28 mpg (UK) combined, or 23 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 25 to 28 mpg.
How much does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Active Drive II cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,900 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Active Drive II have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Active Drive II have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Active Drive II (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Power train (2), Air bags (1), Suspension (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee Active Drive II?
Among the 166 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Power train (96 complaints), Engine (27 complaints), Unspecified (24 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Jeep Cherokee Active Drive II's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 28 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track.