Jeep Cherokee 2005 review

Gone are the days when more mud meant more status among four-wheel drivers and it was a requirement not to wash it off for as long as possible for a better effect.

The purpose of these vehicles is now often overlooked, together with the ability to get out and see parts of the country you can't otherwise see in a car or soft-roader.

With a 4WD in the garage, the urge to do some off-roading was too great.

It was also a chance to test Jeep's new top-of-the-line $49,090 2.8-litre turbo-charged diesel Cherokee Limited.

The new engine produces 9 per cent more power (120kW at 3800rpm) and 11 per cent more torque (400Nm at 1800rpm) than the previous 2.8-litre diesel engine.

It was an early start on Sunday morning as the nose of the Jeep Cherokee Limited was pointed towards Oberon. In retrospect, probably a good trip to do with an overnight stop.

A stop at the local tourism office in Oberon and $5.50 got us a detailed map and directions to some of the local camping grounds only accessible by 4WD. And the words "only accessible by 4WD" meant some real four-wheel driving, not just dirt roads.

The route decided on was down through Shooters Hill, the Gurnang State forest and into the Blue Mountains National Park to the Dingo Dell camping ground.

The road is tar until the turn-off into the state forest and, while the dirt roads are well graded, beware of a few car-sized pot holes along Banshea Rd.

Once you hit the fire trail, the track takes you along the Boucher Ridge and the 4WD access sign is pretty accurate.

When travelling across the ridge, there are some pretty steep descents and a heap of huge wash-out areas that require slow speeds.

The Cherokee chugged on down the track with 4WD and low gear selected.

It took about 30 minutes to get to the bottom (with a quick stop to admire a beautiful waterfall on the way).

The track finally wound down to the river and opened to a clearing and more than half a dozen other 4WDs.

The route continues across the Kowmung River (water crossing), along the Bull Ant Ridge and up the Kowmung River Fire Trail before linking up to the Kanangra Walls Rd.

Time did not permit tackling this section, which, according to the tourist officer – whohad done the track just a few weeks prior – takes about an hour and is a slow-going and "challenging" track.

So, we headed back up the mountain and out the same way we came in.

The camping area is back to basics bush camping, with the only facilities a pit toilet.

Going back up is steep and the dry clay track was a bit slippery, so recovery gear may be required if the track is wet.

The torquey diesel pulled well up the track although, being automatic, it did require feathering of the accelerator.

Even in full-time 4WD, where most suddenly acquire a great thirst for the gold stuff, the diesel engine was not thirsty.

Our 600km round trip did not use a full tank of juice. On the highway, the tacho sat comfortably on about 1800rpm and only jumped higher when the right pedal was squeezed for overtaking.

The suspension is a little bouncy on the open road and the overall feel is more truck-like than a soft roader due to being made in the mould of traditional 4WD construction, rather than city comfort.

That said, the Cherokee Limited does not compromise on luxury inside. It's funky and modern interior has full steering wheel controls for cruise control and radio, a compass on top of the rear-view mirror and leather seats.

The seats, which fold flat in the rear, provide plenty of room inside for five adults.

Cargo space is reasonable with the seats up – easily fitting the esky, chairs, barbecue, gas cylinder and odds and ends needed for this trip.

The centre console is reasonable in size but the glove box seemed a little small. The doors have side pockets to fit a street directory and the rear doors have drink holders. The full sized spare adds reassurance.

The trip provided the opportunity to experience the car doing what it is made for – and it easily passed the test.

The Cherokee is perfect for those who want to get away and is made to go further than most would ever want to take it.