For the first time, Jeep will offer the 2023 Cherokee SUV in just two trim levels. Previously, the number of trims in the lineup was as high as nine, which was reduced significantly during recent model years. Now, there are only two choices from which a customer can choose. Does the compact SUV have enough variety in its lineup to still be worth buying? Only two trims remain in the 2023 Jeep Cherokee compact SUV lineup.

This Jeep SUV has 2 trims for 2023

According to Kelley Blue Book, Jeep offered the Cherokee compact SUV in nine different trims just two years ago. However, last year it reduced that number to four, leaving customers with fewer choices. Now for 2023, it is cutting even more trims from the lineup, leaving the Cherokee with just two options. The automaker announced this week that the Cherokee will be available in the Trailhawk off-road trim or the Altitude Lux 4×4 model. Unfortunately, pricing isn’t available yet, but we expect the price to go up for both trim levels.

Car and Driver lists the trim prices as $39,290 for the Altitude Lux and $42,890 for the Trailhawk. Fortunately, these are two of the most well-equipped models in the Cherokee lineup from the previous model year. However, they’re also some of the most costly, so the entry-level model is much more expensive than ever before. In comparison, the base model Altitude in 2022 started at just $31,590. What does this mean for the compact Jeep SUV going forward? Will it be discontinued and reduced to zero trims next year?

2023 Jeep Cherokee Altitude Lux and Trailhawk trims

First, the more basic 2023 Jeep Cherokee Altitude Lux model uses a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine making 180 horsepower. Additionally, it comes with four-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission. Next, Nappa Leather Seats, a heated steering wheel, black interior trim, and an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment touchscreen are all standard.

Upgrading to the more costly Trailhawk model gets owners even more. Moreover, it swaps out the engine for a turbocharged four-cylinder, good for a 270 horsepower boost. Next, it carries over the equipment from the lower model plus adds a few extras. For example, automatic high beam headlights, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a security alarm, and a universal garage door opener.

Jeep drops trims and an engine from Cherokee lineup

The most disappointing of all the things disappearing from the 2023 Jeep Cherokee lineup is the engine. Previously, customers could purchase a Cherokee model with a 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 engine. However, it’s no longer available for the new model year. Although many compact SUV customers could go without the power, it was nice to know it was there for those who wanted their Cherokee to feel a little more potent.

Additionally, a few more trim levels were removed from the lineup. First, the Cherokee X model, which came with a standard V6, is gone. Next, the range-topping Limited turned its crown over to the Trailhawk model. It had a standard V6, upgraded leather, a panoramic sunroof, automated parking, more speakers for audio, and 18-inch wheels, to name a few.

Last chance for a 2023 Jeep Cherokee

There’s a good reason the number of trims continues to be reduced for the 2023 Jeep Cherokee. The Jeep SUV has done its time in the lineup and just doesn’t sell as well as other models. KBB says that Jeep executives have started teasing the Cherokee’s replacement in the SUV lineup. Apparently, it could come as soon as the 2024 model year. MotorTrend reported that Jeep CEO Christian Meunier said the next-generation Cherokee will have “a lot of electrification.” We expect an entirely new design, an all-electric powertrain, and hopefully, a few other surprises.