New Jeep Cherokee comes shedding its split headlamps and pointy front grille; draws inspiration from Compass and Grand Cherokee
FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) is banking heavily on the success of its famed Jeep brand for global growth. The Italian-American corporation has delivered on its expectations at the ongoing NAIAS (North American International Auto Show) in Detroit and revealed the updated version of its robust Cherokee SUV which may not impress a whole lot by its looks.
A seven-seat Commander is also in the works but it is restricted to China. Amidst a sea of rumours floating around a possible sale to a well-versed Chinese firm and subsequent denials from Sergio Marchionne, Jeep is serious about the refreshed Cherokee and it will have a significant impact on the brand’s home sales.
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The outgoing Cherokee has steered away some of the potential owners because of its rather old styling. However, the refreshed model has an upmarket stance and is confirmed to be offered with more efficient engine options.
In the US, Jeep introduced the KL-generation Cherokee four years ago and it has a crossover-ish appearance deviating from the outright rugged versions that followed under its own badge – the Grand Cherokee for instance.
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It might not have impressed the hardcore off-roading fraternity but in terms of sales figures it did the job perfectly by doubling the number of the model it replaced. 2014 was the year the current Cherokee’s production fully came into existence while 2016 market the final full year of sales as it started to age and people wanted something new in the market.
Between 2014 and 2016, Jeep delivered an average of 2,00,000 units of Cherokee in the US each year. Throughout its lifespan from 2001 to 2013, the annual average was only 100,000 for the Liberty model it replaced. Recently, Jeep unveiled the new-gen Wrangler with substantial exterior and interior upgrades and along with it the new Cherokee will likely aid in further boosting the FCA sales worldwide.
Jeep opted for a more traditional front fascia with a pair of sleek new headlamps similar to the Jeep Compass while the taillights get LED accents along with a redesigned tailgate and a black-coloured bumper. Underneath, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee comes equipped with three powertrain options.
It features a base 2.4-litre Tigershark four-cylinder engine making 180 hp while the new 2.0-litre turbo four unit from the Wrangler kicks out 270 hp and 400 Nm torque. The familiar 3.2-litre Pentastar V6 mill continues to generate 271 hp. The new 2.0-litre engine has technologies like start-stop function and direct injection while the use of lightweight materials for camshafts and pistons meant it could have a highly respectable fuel economy.
The entry-level Latitude variant will likely be priced at around $25,000 while the Overland and Trailhawk are expected to be priced close to $40,000. The three grades do get visual differentiation amongst each other like the presence of chrome tow hooks on the Overland as well as bright red hooks on the Trailhawk. The latter gets newly designed front bumper, increased ground clearance, skid plates, flared wheel arches, big 17-inch wheels with off-road tyres, etc.
2019 Jeep Cherokee Images
