Rick Selander

My mom drives a 2016 Cherokee Latitude. She's about 5'1 and has to move the seat up and forward to drive. The headrest is literally at a 45 degree angle and touches the back of her head while she's driving. Does anyone have an easy way to fix it? She even went to the dealer and they didn't know what to do!!!

jordan96xj

This is the wrong forum for new Cherokees. This particular forum is for Jeep Cherokee XJs (1984-2001).

I believe most new vehicles have this absurd head rest angle for safety reasons. Something to do with positioning the body and spine during impact collisions to minimize damage. Most of the new vehicles I have been in have it. I think it started becoming really common after about 2012. I believe it is also part of an "active" system in that it actually moves during impact for better protection. So adjusting its position is typically not an option. I'm sure someone on here will know more about it than me.

In the quest to achieve the highest safety scores in their class, the manufactures are willing to sacrifice ergonomics. I suppose that is a good thing, but I believe someday we will probably be surrounded 24/7 by a danger-proof foam and polystyrene carton of safety from cradle to grave.