Jeep Cherokee Sport Mode: What It’s for and When to Use It

The Jeep Cherokee is an SUV line that has been running for over 5 decades and has made its way from a full-sized SUV to a compact SUV over the years. Modern SUVs come with a Sport Mode, which many people don’t understand very well. Here’s what Sport Mode is, what it’s for, and when you should use it.

The Sport Mode of a Jeep Cherokee changes shifting patterns, increasing the power of the vehicle. It also dynamically adjusts the height of the ride and changes the suspension settings to stabilize the vehicle when traveling at high speeds.

There’s a lot to unpack about the Jeep Cherokee’s Sport Mode, and we’re here to help unravel the mystery of this powerhouse SUV. The rest of this article will discuss the Jeep Cherokee’s Sport Mode, how it’s used, and when you should use it.

What Is the Sport Mode on a Jeep Cherokee?
What Features Does Sport Mode Have?
When Should You Use Sport Mode on Your Jeep Cherokee?
When Should You Not Use Sport Mode on Your Jeep Cherokee?
Can You Toggle Sport Mode while Driving?
How Do You Toggle Sport Mode on a Jeep Cherokee?
Final Thoughts

What Is the Sport Mode on a Jeep Cherokee?

The Jeep Cherokee is built for the outdoors, and if you want to feel the freedom of the open road, then this is definitely the vehicle for you. Sport Mode is an addition to this SUV that enhances the experience by dynamically allowing for faster acceleration and a better throttle response.

There are no traction controls in Sport Mode, so you have a lot more control over the vehicle. Sport Mode also allocates more power to the rear wheels to power the vehicle even more. Before discussing the features of Sport Mode, it’s important to go over the three driving modes available in modern-day Jeep Cherokees so you can see how they differ.

Normal Mode

Of course, normal mode is the default setting for your Jeep Cherokee and allows it to function optimally on most roads and highways, optimizing the controls for drivers to stay safe and drive efficiently.

Sport Mode

Sport Mode is built for off-roading and modifies the ride height, suspension settings, and traction controls to put you in the driver’s seat for your off-road adventure. It allows for faster acceleration by allocating more power to the rear wheels and boasts higher top speeds.

With so many great offroad features, it’s no wonder that the Sport Mode on a Jeep Cherokee is so popular among outdoor enthusiasts.

Snow Mode

Lastly, most modern Jeep Cherokees have a Snow Mode, which prevents wheel spin on slippery surfaces and automatically engages the ABS and Traction Control System.

These safety features give you much more control in snowy terrain and are ideal to use whenever the Jeep Cherokee is in deep snow or on icy roads.

What Features Does Sport Mode Have?

Sport Mode in a Jeep Cherokee allows for a wilder experience in your car. It runs faster, can handle sharp turns, is super responsive, and has a better throttle response than in Normal Mode.

This is exceptional for offroad conditions or roads that have a lot of twists and turns. The dynamically shifting suspension system allows the vehicle to handle inclines and bumpy roads more effectively. Increased grip controls also enhance the driving experience whenever you need to make tight turns.

When Should You Use Sport Mode on Your Jeep Cherokee?

If you need extra acceleration or you’re dealing with bumpy terrain, then Sport Mode is your go-to to get the most out of your vehicle. The faster response time and acceleration power provide an extra boost when going up inclines, and if you’re offroading, then the increased grip is a must.

When Should You Not Use Sport Mode on Your Jeep Cherokee?

Sport Mode is a great addition to the Jeep Cherokee, but there are definitely some situations that you should not use it. First, be aware that Sport Mode will make the handling a lot more twitchy, making it unideal for cruising or on wet terrain.

Due to the lowered ride height during Sport Mode, you may also notice that your ride is a little bumpier, which is perfectly fine for an offroad adventure, but not ideal on the highway.

The faster response time and increased power come with another cost, too—extra fuel consumption. As such, it’s best to only use Sport Mode when the situation calls for it. Otherwise, you risk your personal safety and money out of pocket for gas.

Can You Toggle Sport Mode while Driving?

Due to the changes in the suspension system and gearbox, it’s not ideal to change your settings while driving at high speed on the highway.

When you switch, you’ll immediately notice a drop in ride height, tighter gears, and more responsive steering. You’ll also notice a kick from the power in the back if you’re not handling the vehicle well.

These changes are hazardous at high speeds, so it’s better to go at a low speed while switching modes. Of course, you can always pull over and switch modes to stay safe.

How Do You Toggle Sport Mode on a Jeep Cherokee?

Turning on and off Sport Mode on your Jeep Cherokee is incredibly simply. All you need to do is turn the knob to the mode you want or push the appropriate Sport Mode button.

The location of the knob or button will vary depending on what Jeep Cherokee you’re driving. If in doubt, consult your owner’s manual, and it will tell you the location of the Sport Mode knob or button.

Final Thoughts

The Jeep Cherokee is packed full of dynamic features to accommodate any driver, but one of the best features of this vehicle is the Sport Mode, which dynamically adjusts the power, steering, and control you have over your vehicle to enhance the driving experience in certain settings.

Sport Mode is ideal for offroad conditions, inclines, or places where you need to make sharp turns.

Just make sure that you don’t ever use Sport Mode in wet conditions or change the settings while driving at high speeds. With the mystery of Sport Mode uncovered, it’s time to get out there and enjoy the open road.