Since the pandemic, car sales haven’t been looking great. Things were looking better in the first quarter of last year. That’s all changed in 2022, and Jeep Cherokee sales aren’t holding up well. Is it all that bad, though?

Sales are down across the auto industry

It’s an undeniable truth about consumer goods: You can’t sell what you don’t have. That played a significant role in poor car sales in the first quarter of 2022, as many dealerships didn’t have the vehicles to offer potential buyers.

According to Stellantis, U.S. car sales declined 14% in Q1 2022, while retail sales dropped 13% compared to the first quarter of 2021. Despite the drop in sales, FCA’s U.S. head of sales, Jeff Kommor, remains optimistic. He says that even though supply chains are having a massive impact on the decline in sales, consumer demand remains strong.

Although the chip shortage has played a huge role, it’s not the only issue. Used car prices have also skyrocketed, and inventory has shrunk as consumers hold onto their current vehicles because they can’t find replacements.

However, the dismal sales figures are expected, even though they doubtless hurt to see.

The Jeep Cherokee had a poor 1st quarter

Fluctuations are natural, but Jeep Cherokee sales tanked in the first quarter of 2022. According to Stellantis sales figures, customers bought only 10,079 Cherokee SUVs in Q1, compared to 37,923 units in Q1 2021, a volume drop of 73%. 

However, other Jeep models had a much better first quarter. The Gladiator pickup truck saw a drop in sales of only 5%, while the Wrangler saw an 8% decrease. But the Renegade saw a loss of 38% from Q1 2021. 

The Jeep Compass showed 22% sales growth, selling 19,959 units in 2021 and 24,408 in 2022. However, the Grand Cherokee saw the most growth of all Jeep models. It sold 55,198 units in Q1 2021 but 75,117 in Q1 2022 for a 36% boost.

Comparing Jeep’s numbers to the U.S. total sales figure of 14%, the automaker’s sales were down only 8%, showing continued demand for Jeep models.

Can the 2022 Jeep Cherokee turn its sales around in Q2?

The 2022 Jeep Cherokee looks like previous models, but there are a few differences. For instance, it boasts redesigned headlights. And an optional turbocharged engine will please consumers who think the Cherokee isn’t powerful enough, Consumer Reports explains.

However, that’s all the good news about the 2022 Jeep Cherokee. CR referred to it as “a mediocre model” that “feels lethargic and sounds more like a piece of farm equipment.”

CR’s complaints about the 2022 model include a hesitant engine and a sluggish nine-speed automatic transmission that lumbers around curves. The bit of praise CR offered concerns the roomy interior and easy-to-use controls. 

The 2022 Jeep Cherokee comes standard with a 270-hp 3.2-liter V6, and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is optional. Drivetrain options are front- or all-wheel drive.  

In addition, this compact crossover SUV provides plenty of standard safety features. They include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. The interior also offers an optional 8.4-inch infotainment screen, and models have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

So, will the 2022 Jeep Cherokee perform better in the second quarter? Probably not. Most consumers seem to prefer the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Compass.