Once you’ve gone past the strange styling of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee’s front end fascia, the rest of the package is proving to be a competitive one, quite similar to what other crossovers are offering nowadays, but with the available off-road-tuned Trailhawk version getting better tires and extra ground clearance, it can handle some moderate obstacles too.

This puts it ahead of rivals from Honda, Kia, Hyundai or General Motors in terms of buyer choice, but I think most will still stick to the more basic Cherokees, ones without the Trailhawk pack, as it does bump up the price.

The two-part video review from The Fast Lane Car posted below puts Jeep’s compact SUV in a good light too, as it proves to hold up well as a car, with good handling reminiscent of the Dodge Dart it’s based on, an adequate powertrain that doesn’t shame it, and a quality interior that can be customized to suit individual tastes.

Moreover, when it’s taken off-road, it proves able to handle a lot more than its hatchback-derived platform would have you believe. It’s no Wrangler, but in its price bracket it is worth noting, especially since it likes roads too.

Check out both videos after the jump, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section, below.

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