2019 Jeep Cherokee
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Year:2019
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A prettier face and new powertrain options
Jeep has brought a mild facelift and some powertrain improvements to the Cherokee for 2019. Jeep divulged all the details at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit alongside Fiat Chrysler’s other big reveal, the all-new 2019 Ram 1500.
This marks the first change to the current Cherokee since its introduction in 2014. Despite strong sales averaging around 200,000 per year in the U.S. alone, many complained about the Cherokee’s ugly mug. Jeep obviously listened as the front and rear mark the only external changes, along with five new wheel options. The interior also sees minor changes with Satin Chrome and Piano Black accents, a slightly larger cargo area, and the new fourth-generation Uconnect software that include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on both the 7.0- and 8.4-inch touchscreens.
Jeep didn’t forget about the powertrain, either. An all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is available, while an updated nine-speed automatic transmission is said to have better refinement thanks to new software. The 2.4-liter Tigershark I-4 and 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 return.
Continue reading for more on the 2019 Jeep Cherokee.
Latest Jeep Cherokee news and reviews:
Adapting to customer needs and trying to achieve efficiency levels proposed by the governing bodies, manufacturers had to shift whole production systems to accommodate their factories for efficient SUV and crossover production. However, the tough body-on-frame design of traditional SUVs simply did not cut it anymore. SUVs became too heavy, too ungainly, and too expensive to maintain. Then, some automakers started to experiment with unibody construction for their SUV-looking cars. Soon, what was a misfit became the norm and today with crossovers being the only way forward. Even the famous off-road specialists like Jeep and Land Rover had to make changes and some famed names from history sacrificed all that made them famous in the first place.
Jeep Heads to Geneva With Long Line of Special Edition Models
Jeep will have a big presence at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, spearheaded largely by a handful of special edition models for the Renegade, Compass, Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee. Each of the special edition Jeep models will bring something unique to the table, though a few of them will share the same “S” moniker. All special edition Jeeps feature stylish upgrades that should appeal to a wide range of customers across Europe. All special edition Jeeps will also be available for purchase at some point in the year. Most will arrive in the second quarter of 2019, with the earliest to arrive being the Cherokee Trailhawk, which hits dealerships in April. If you can’t wait that long, the Jeep Compass Night Eagle is already available at Jeep dealerships. Pricing details for all special edition Jeep models are not yet available.
Off-Road Crossover Shootout - 2019 Toyota RAV4 Adventure Vs. 2019 Jeep Cherokee Vs. 2019 Subaru Forester
The Toyota RAV4 just marked its fifth generation for the 2019 model year, and now comes with a fresh Adventure grade designed specifically for light off-roading duty. The question is - how does it fare against established competitors like the Jeep Cherokee and Subaru Forester?
Watch Hennessey’s Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk HPE1200 Destroy the Quarter Mile
You don’t want to mess with the Hennessy-tuned Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, not when it has 1,200 horsepower to throw at you. If there are some brave souls who are willing to try to take down this Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, let this video of the SUV getting tested by the folks at Hennessey serve as a warning on what you’re getting yourselves into. Despite weighing 5,300 pounds, this 1,200-horsepower Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds on its way to posting a quarter-mile time of 9.66 seconds at 145.9 mph. Still think you can this beast on? You’re more than welcome to try.
Donut Media Dives Deep on the Jeep Cherokee: Video
The Jeep Cherokee is easily one of the most recognizable names in the world of SUVs, broadly considered as the first modern SUV, one that offered practicality, off-road ability, and luxury, all in one package.
The Cherokee brand is over 40 years old now and still going strong. Born as a cheaper, more compact version of the Wagoneer, the Cherokee was actually the first vehicle which was referred to as a "sport-utility vehicle" in the manufacturer brochures. Since then, the Cherokee has grown larger, and nowadays, you can choose either the compact Cherokee or the mid-size Grand Cherokee.
It is time we faced the truth. The new Chevrolet Blazer isn’t an off-roader, but a cool-looking family CUV and the best way for all of us to accept that is to compare it with its new competition - the Ford Edge and the Jeep Cherokee. I suspect both of these are smaller compared with the new Blazer, but they have some striking similarities amongst themselves as well. All three offer seating for only five, boast a somewhat flamboyant styling, offer four-cylinder engines, and are based on top of the front-wheel-drive underpinnings. Obviously, one searching for a $30k-ish five-seater, midsize SUV with a lot of equipment and maybe an optional AWD is only expected to take all three into consideration.
Surprise: 2019 Jeep Cherokee Prices Announced
Jeep has announced the pricing for its refreshed 2019 Cherokee mid-size SUV. The reshaped Cherokee debuted earlier this month at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show and wears a more traditional front end that is more likely to appeal to a wider audience. It also has slightly more cargo space and comes with Jeep’s new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in addition to its carryover 2.4-liter I-4 and 3.2-liter V-6 engines. Its nine-speed automatic and Active Drive 4WD system have been improved for efficiency, as well.
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee’s base price actually drops $300 in the base Latitude trim to $25,190. Every other trim level, however, sees an increase in price. The Latitude Plus increases by $300 and the Limited trim increases by $680. The two range-topping trims, the off-road-ready Trailhawk and the luxurious Overland jump by $2,425 and $2,280, respectively. That puts the 2019 Cherokee Trailhawk starting at $34,515 and the Overland in FWD at $36,275.
Jeep has streamlined its 4WD costs, with Active Drive I costing $1,500 on all trims except for the Trailhawk, which has its 4WD price baked into its base MSRP. The Trailhawk gets Cherokee’s most advanced 4WD system, Active Drive Lock.
Further adding to a price increase, Jeep added an extra $100 to its destination charge, bringing it to $1,195 for all trim levels.
A Detailed Look At The 2019 Jeep Cherokee’s 4WD Systems
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee includes some admirable updates. The front has been redesigned to not be so ugly, new LED headlights should perform better, a new lightweight tailgate gets hands-free opening, five new wheel designs change up the appearance, a dual-pane sunroof is available, and the new 2.0-liter turbo-four borrowed from the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL is under the reshaped aluminum hood. But Jeep didn’t stop its drivetrain updates with the new engine. The Cherokee’s base 4WD system has been updated with less internal friction and a reduction of 17 pounds.
Updated Jeep Cherokee Gets 2.0-liter Turbo from the Wrangler
The facelifted Jeep Chekoree made its public debut at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show with a brand-new front fascia that no longer looks like it’s sucking lemons. The best Jeep-related news in a year, because let’s face it, the pre-facelift Cherooke’s design sucked really bad. The rear end was also heavily revised to the point where it no longer looks like a Fiat. Interior updates are small, but it does feature a new center console and new tech. But by far the biggest change lies under the hood, where the Tigershark and Pentastar engines were joined by a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
Updated Jeep Cherokee Goes Softer In The Styling Department
The Jeep Cherokee is living proof that even the most iconic of SUVs aren’t immune to criticism when there’s reason to criticize. The current-generation Cherokee found that out first-hand when its debut in 2013 was greeted by an avalanche of criticism from an indignant public that couldn’t believe that Jeep became a little too playful with the model’s looks. That was five years ago. This year, Jeep is flipping the script on the facelifted 2019 Cherokee. Not only does it have three different engines to choose from, it also arrived at the Detroit Auto Show with a more refined look that, quite frankly, is much better than the model it’s replacing.
2019 Jeep Cherokee
Jeep has brought a mild facelift and some powertrain improvements to the Cherokee for 2019. Jeep divulged all the details at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit alongside Fiat Chrysler’s other big reveal, the all-new 2019 Ram 1500.
This marks the first change to the current Cherokee since its introduction in 2014. Despite strong sales averaging around 200,000 per year in the U.S. alone, many complained about the Cherokee’s ugly mug. Jeep obviously listened as the front and rear mark the only external changes, along with five new wheel options. The interior also sees minor changes with Satin Chrome and Piano Black accents, a slightly larger cargo area, and the new fourth-generation Uconnect software that include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on both the 7.0- and 8.4-inch touchscreens.
Jeep didn’t forget about the powertrain, either. An all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is available, while an updated nine-speed automatic transmission is said to have better refinement thanks to new software. The 2.4-liter Tigershark I-4 and 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 return.
Continue reading for more on the 2019 Jeep Cherokee.
Hurray, the Jeep Cherokee No Longer Looks Like It’s Sucking Lemons!
When it replaced the Liberty in 2013, Jeep decided to bring back the Cherokee name, which it had discontinued in 2001 in the U.S. The first Jeep to ride on the FCA Compact Wide platform, the KL-generation Cherokee shared underpinnings with the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. But similarities with European cars didn’t stop here. Unlike its predecessors, the Cherokee dropped the traditional boxy design in favor of a more streamlined look. Some approved Jeep’s decision to step out of the box and offer a bolder design, but FCA also received a lot of heat for the scrunched up headlamps, the narrow grille, and the somewhat generic rear end. I’m not a big fan of it either, and I think it looks like it’s sucking on lemons. Well, Jeep just unveiled the mid-cycle facelift and I’m happy to see that the Cherokee’s face is no longer sour.
2019 Jeep Cherokee Coming to Detroit
Jeep will be introducing its updated 2019 Cherokee at the North American International Auto Show come January 16, 2018. The mid-size crossover receives a mild facelift with updated designs front and rear, along with more fuel-efficient powertrain options. Jeep didn’t go into detail about the powertrain changes or any other information, saying that news will become available when the 2019 Cherokee makes its appearance at the Detroit Auto Show.
Aesthetically, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee looks far more palatable, losing that ugly front end and odd headlight arrangement. The new front uses new one-piece headlights with the turn signals and daytime running lights integrated into the same housing. The fog lights now have a slightly larger scallop. The lower grille is now more streamlined. Despite the more handsome look, the hood and upper grille appear unchanged. It seems the Cherokee’s ugliness was all contained in those headlights.
Continue reading for more on the 2019 Cherokee.
Jeep Could Put the Wrangler JL’s 2.0-liter in the new Cherokee
The refreshed 2019 Jeep Cherokee is going to look different from its predecessor. That’s good because the current Cherokee is a sight for sore eyes. Mercifully, Jeep is doing away with the horrendous headlights setup of the current model, opting instead to go with a more conventional design that should be more pleasing to look at. But the headlights aren’t the only things changing with the new model as reports show that the Cherokee will also receive a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that we saw in the next-generation Jeep Wrangler when it debuted at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Amazon Alexa Will Talk Directly To Your 2018 Jeep Cherokee
The world is getting more techie every day. Jeep and Amazon have partnered together to make home-to-car voice communications possible, basically allowing customers to remotely control their 2018 Cherokee from inside their home or business via their Amazon Alexa enabled devices. The Jeep can be remotely started, the doors locked or unlocked, and directions sent to the GPS navigation system. Conversely, the Jeep will also report vitals like tire pressure and fuel level when asked through Alexa.
“The introduction of Amazon Alexa to the Jeep Cherokee allows us to meet consumers’ increasing desire for innovation of information,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global. “Jeep Cherokee’s new Tech Connect Package allows customers to minimize the everyday stresses of busy lifestyles by providing them with a variety of ways to stay conveniently connected to their vehicles while making every drive exceptionally informative, entertaining and unique.”
But, not just any Jeep Cherokee will communicate with Alexa. It has to be a 2018 Cherokee with the mid-grade Latitude trim level and the new Tech Connect Package. Such Cherokees will actually include an Amazon Echo Dot, which normally costs around $50 by itself. Owners will also get a three-month subscription to the Amazon Music Unlimited Family Plan and Audible. Of course, the Cherokee Latitude comes standard with the 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system with navigation. Interestingly, Jeep is dropping the price slightly for the 2018 Cherokee. The 2017 Cherokee Latitude in FWD starts at $26,740. Even with the Tech Connect Package, the 2018 Cherokee Latitude FWD has an MSRP of $26,190. The 4WD model starts at $27,690 – a drop of $1,050 from the 2017 model. Of course, you won’t hear any complaints from us or prospective Cherokee customers.
Continue reading for more information.
Driver Gets Ticket For Allegedly Being 1 KMH Over The Speed Limit
I’ve seen my fair share of traffic violations over the many years of driving. Some of these violations are warranted, some are even necessary. But like everything else, there are violations that border on the ridiculous. One such incident recently occurred north of the border in Alberta, Canada.
Let’s set the scene, thanks to the story reported by CTV News in Canada. A man named Mathieu Gagne tells CTV that he made a legal pass on a slow-moving police officer north of Edmonton. The officer, apparently ticked off that he got overtaken even if the move was legal, decided to exercise his authority on the driver, citing him for going 1 kph over the posted speed limit. One kilometer per hour! Fortunately, the Gagne’s girlfriend was with him during the incident and promptly posted the ticket online where, somewhat predictably, it turned viral. You can likely guess what happened next. The Sturgeon County called Gagne a few days later to tell him that the fine rescinded, although it did say that it wasn’t because the officer was being petty, but because he listed the speed on the ticket as being radar/laser verified when in fact it wasn’t. And if the story couldn’t get any stranger, CTV also reported that the erring officer has yet to be disciplined for his actions. Seems like one of those stories where it’s unclear what kind of ending should have happened here. It’s definitely strange times we’re living in right now when Canada, home to some of the nicest people we know, has its own share of rogue police officers.
Continue after the jump to read the full story.
Are You A Hacker? FCA Will Pay You To Expose Security Risks
Hackers often get a pretty bad rap, as they are often advertised as bad people who take advantage of security vulnerabilities for their own gain, often stealing personal information or other valuable data. But, not all of them are bad. In fact, there are a number of Fortune 500 companies like AT&T and United Airlines pay "ethical hackers" to expose vulnerabilities within their systems. In the automotive world, the most prominent company that takes this approach is Tesla, who pays anywhere between $100 and $10,000 to anyone who finds and reports any vulnerabilities. Now, FCA is offering up a similar program, albeit with some limitations.
It’s been a year since professional hackers publicly exploited ta cellular vulnerability that allowed them to remotely manipulate a 2015 Jeep Cherokee – something that opened everyone’s eyes to the potential danger of having cars that are increasingly becoming smarter and more connected. To help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future, FCA is now offering up between $150 and $1,500 to anyone who notifies them of security flaws through a program on bugcrowd.com. There is a stipulation, though, as the company will only pay for vulnerabilities found in its Uconnect system and owner websites.
Titus Melnyk, FCA’s Senior Manage for Security Architecture, said, “There have been a number of things where people have reached out to us through customer care and other contact methods where they highlighted things that were of interest.” He continued, saying that the bugcrowd program is “just a nice, official way to make it easier for people to contact us and know what we’re really interested in.”
So, there you have it. If you’re technologically inclined or a “hacker” help keep FCA cars safe from security risks and make a little money while you’re doing it.
Continue reading for the full story.
Steering Wheel Shortage Disrupts Jeep Cherokee & Grand Cherokee Production
Production of the 2016 Jeep Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee were halted this week due to a shortage of steering wheels. The short-lived ordeal is over, FCA reports, and dealerships should not feel any negative consequences thanks to a 90-day supply average.
Specifically, Cherokee production was halted when afternoon shifts were shortened Tuesday. Thursday morning shifts were canceled altogether at Jeep’s Toledo North Assembly Plant. Similarly, the Grand Cherokee’s production stopped at Jeep’s Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit on Wednesday morning, with production resuming 24 hours later. Production of the Wrangler was unaffected.
The steering wheels are produced in Mexico by Key Safety Systems, which is headquartered in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Despite the delays, Key Safety System is ranked 91 in Automotive News’ top 100 suppliers to North America, giving it some credit for past work.
Thankfully Jeep has 59,951 unsold Cherokees and 58,277 unsold Grand Cherokees in its national inventory, giving the automaker a 92-day and 87-day supply, respectively of the popular SUVs. It’s worth noting a 60-day supply is considered optimal, allowing for a good-sized dealer inventory without an overcrowding issue.
Continue reading for more information
Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Qualifies For Japan’s Eco-Car Tax Incentive.
Jeep Cherokee Trailhawks might become a more popular sight in Japan. That’s thanks to the SUV’s qualifying for Japan’s Eco-Car tax incentive. The 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6-powered Cherokee Trailhawk meets the fuel-efficiency and emissions-level requirements needed to secure a ¥58,000 consumer tax break.
What’s more, the 2016 Cherokee Trailhawk is the first gasoline-powered, American-made, American-brand passenger vehicle to quality for the tax incentive.
“At Jeep, we don’t sacrifice operating efficiency for capability,” says Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand and Global Lead Executive for International Operations – FCA. “This achievement vindicates our efforts to deliver products that resonate in a highly complex industry climate.”
The 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 makes 272 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque in the Cherokee, while achieving 10.3-km/L, or 24.2 mpg, despite its off-road chops. Helping it achieve better efficiency is its standard start/stop system, nine-speed automatic transmission, and automatically adaptive performance settings that match driving conditions.
Atop the tax incentive, the Jeep Cherokee was awarded among the 10-best cars in the 2014-2015 Japan Car of the Year Award – also becoming the first American vehicle to be selected. With this one-two punch, the Cherokee Trailhawk will likely be a popular choice for crossover shoppers in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Continue reading for the full story.
Luxury-like vehicle amenities are becoming evermore popular these days, with automakers putting more opulent cabins inside vehicles that, a decade ago, would have otherwise done well to have leather seats as an option. Small crossovers top that list.
Furthering the trend, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles just announced the addition of the Overland trim level on the 2016 Jeep Cherokee. Topping the range of trims that include Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk, the Overland features a trim-exclusive exterior appearance and interior refinements. Of course being a Jeep, the Overland-equipped Cherokee can be optioned with 4WD, giving it respectable all-weather and moderate off-roading capabilities.
Beyond the cosmetic upgrades, the 2016 Cherokee Overland will feature the same drivetrain and suspension parts as the standard (non-TrailHawk) Cherokee. The MultiAir I-4, Pentastar V-6, and nine-speed transmission work well in this five-passenger crossover, so there’s no reason to change.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2016 Jeep Cherokee Overland.
The current 2014 Jeep Cherokee is a funky-looking, off-road-capable compact crossover , but it hasn’t exactly resonated well with Jeep loyalists. Looking to prove that the new Cherokee is worthy of wearing the iconic seven-slot grille, Jeep and Mopar have teamed up to develop the Jeep Cherokee KrawLer concept vehicle. While this vehicle could have just as easily been a Moab Easter Jeep Concept, Jeep wanted to put the tuned Cherokee on global display, so the concept was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show .
The current 2014 Jeep Cherokee is a funky-looking, off-road-capable compact crossover, but it hasn’t exactly resonated well with Jeep loyalists. Looking to prove that the new Cherokee is worthy of wearing the iconic seven-slot grille, Jeep and Mopar have teamed up to develop the Jeep Cherokee KrawLer concept vehicle. While this vehicle could have just as easily been a Moab Easter Jeep Concept, Jeep wanted to put the tuned Cherokee on global display, so the concept was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
A play on the Cherokee’s codename, KL, the KrawLer concept shows a more rugged side of the polarizing crossover. Based on the already rugged Cherokee Trailhawk, the Cherokee KrawLer gets more extreme with lots of Mopar add-ons, which are probably one-off for now but hopefully will make it into production. It would be nice if said parts would eventually be available as an over-the-counter and/or dealer-installed kit, but I’m not holding my breath. Just like the other Jeep concepts on display at Frankfurt, the Jeep Cherokee KrawLer is just a way for Jeep to flaunt its off-roading abilities to a broader audience.
Continue reading to learn more about the Jeep Cherokee KrawLer.
In the rush to offer consumers the latest connected features, it looks like the auto industry forgot to lock the back door. Hackers recently brought to light exactly how vulnerable a modern car could be by using nothing more than a bit of code and a laptop connected to the Internet. The hackers created code that allowed them to remotely operate functions like the climate control, entertainment system, windshield wipers, transmission, engine and brakes, raising (or answering) questions about vehicle cybersecurity.
In a recent article from Wired, Charlie Miller, security engineer at Twitter, and Chris Valasek, director of vehicle safety research at IOActive, successfully hacked into a 2014 Jeep Cherokee and assumed control of the vehicle’s various functions, dramatically demonstrating the extreme vulnerabilities of the modern connected vehicle.
What exactly did they do, and how did they do it? And more importantly, what does this mean for the future of the auto industry? Read on to find out.
Continue reading for the full story.
Though we don’t suspect major updates anytime soon, Jeep brand president Mike Manley says the current 2015 Jeep Cherokee will keep its oddball styling as it moves into the future. The news comes as Manley spoke with Automotive News at FCA’s proving grounds in Chelsea, Michigan.
"I think the overall styling, the overall shape, the overall accommodation of that vehicle is spot on," he said. "I don’t think that there’s anything that dramatically needs to change with that vehicle going forward."
The Cherokee made its reintroduction back into the SUV market in 2013 after a long hiatus. The new crossover shook up the market with its “different” looks – different not only to other vehicles in the segment, but also to anything Jeep had ever made before.
The unique looks are certainly playing in Jeeps favor, however, as the Cherokee is selling quite well. In fact, the Cherokee has outsold the popular Grand Cherokee and Wrangler in some months.
According to FCA’s own five-year forecast, the Cherokee should be getting its mid-cycle refresh in 2016 – though Manley’s words make us suspect the Cherokee will change very little; at least on the outside.
Jeep has had a hard time keeping owners happy with the Cherokee’s troublesome nine-speed automatic transmission. The unit, which is a FCA-modified version of the ZF eight-speed auto, has had multiple issues with its electronic programming. "We’ve made significant progress on Cherokee in terms of the transmission," Manley told AN, "and we are going to continue to look to make quality improvements wherever we can."
It will be interesting to see how much Jeep messes with success on its Cherokee. Expect the automaker to announce the updated 2016 version of the crossover in the fall, possibly at the LA Auto Show or even at the Frankfurt International Auto Show.
Continue reading for the full story.
The ironic thing about the new Jeep Cherokee is that it replaces the Liberty, which was continuously dogged for being too crude and trucklike, and now its detractors insist that it’s too carlike. But that’s not exactly the case. The Cherokee is much more refined than its predecessor, it’s true. It’s just that this isn’t a departure from Jeep "tradition," because its big brother the Grand Cherokee has been playing the refined-SUV card for decades now.
Jeep has been very assertive about the Cherokee’s off-road ability. It may be the most slick and futuristic-looking Jeep ever, but the Cherokee remains faithful to the brand’s long history of capable performance. Jeep has taken steps to put this compact sport-ute at the head of the technological class as well.
I drove the new Cherokee for a week.
Continue reading for my review.
Jeep owners from across the country gathered in Daytona, Florida this past weekend for the annual Jeep Beach, and in doing so, set the Guinness World Record for the longest Jeep vehicle parade at 1,846 Jeeps.
The record easily surpasses the last Jeep-held record of its kind, set in 2011 at the Bantam Jeep Festival with 1,106 Jeeps. This also marks the second recent record-breaking parade for FCA, with the Ram Truck brand taking home a trophy after having a 3.2-mile-long parade filled with 438 Ram trucks.
The Jeep Beach parade record took place April 26 at the hallowed Daytona International Speedway’s 2.5 mile-long oval track, with Jeeps packed nearly bumper to bumper. Though the Wrangler dominated the numbers, other Jeep vehicles participated in the event, including the new 2015 Renegade; the Cherokee, both old and new; the Grand Cherokee; and even several of the 2015 Easter Jeep Safari Concepts, including the Staff Car, Chief, Wrangler Africa, Cherokee Canyon Trail, and the Renegade Desert Hawk.
Thought he parade steals the headlines, the Jeep Beach event lasted all week long, and involved thousands of participants, more than 2,400 vehicles, and countless venders selling Jeep gear. An obstacle course was erected within the Speedway’s infield, consisting of challenges from mild dirt tracks to fierce concrete rubble rocks.
Continue reading for more info
The 2015 Easter Jeep Safari is still going strong through this weekend, coming to a close on April 5th. Already several days into the annual off-roading event, Jeep is showing off its crop of EJS concept vehicles in this B-roll video.
The video contains a full 12 minutes of awesome scenes showing all seven concepts having fun on the desert rocks of Moab, Utah. Never mind the fact there’s no talking head giving you a play-by-play or dubstep music making things more dramatic – this video captures the Jeeps in their natural habitats making all their natural noises. They speak for themselves.
Towards the end, Jeep brass including Mark Allen, Mark Trostle, and Pietro Gorlier talk about what the EJS concepts mean to the brand and how Moab is a proving ground for developing prototype parts.
Be sure to check out our full coverage of the seven Easter Jeep Safari concepts on TopSpeed Trucks. It’s there that we have full reviews of the Jeep Chief, Jeep Staff Car, Wrangler Africa, Wrangler Red Rock Responder, Grand Cherokee Overlander, Renegade Desert Hawk, and Cherokee Canyon Trail.
Jeep’s lineup of concept vehicles for the 2015 Easter Jeep Safari wouldn’t be complete without one of its newest products. Meet the 2015 Jeep Cherokee Canyon Trail concept. This Jeep gets a host of upgrades and off-road performance parts for tackling the tough trails of Moab, Utah.
Jeep’s lineup of concept vehicles for the 2015 Easter Jeep Safari wouldn’t be complete without one of its newest products. Meet the 2015 Jeep Cherokee Canyon Trail concept. This Jeep gets a host of upgrades and off-road performance parts for tackling the tough trails of Moab, Utah.
Like this Cherokee’s six other concept stable mates, the majority of the parts come from Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts catalogs – shopping material that’s open for regular consumers. Not available (yet) to consumers are the prototype 17-inch wheels. Jeep might move them into production given the proper positive feedback.
Jeep designers didn’t leave out this Cherokee’s interior from the upgrade list, nor did they forget the exterior. Both see heavy changes, so keep reading for the full run-down.
Continue reading to learn more about the Jeep Cherokee Canyon Trail.
Every year Jeep pulls the covers off several concept vehicles just ahead of the Easter Jeep Safari held in Moab, Utah, and 2015 is no different. This year’s crop includes seven, fully custom Jeep vehicles from the new Renegade to the trusty Cherokee and Grand Cherokee siblings and of course the rough and tumble Wrangler.
Jeep has had continuing trouble with its new-for-2014, nine-speed automatic transmission found in the Cherokee and other Fiat Chrysler vehicles including the 2015 Chrysler 200 sedan. Now the automaker is offering a solution by way of software updates. The reprogramming of vehicle computers is said to cure issues of “hard shifts, lunging, unexpected disengagement of the transmission, and repeated illumination of malfunction lights.” Those complaints come directly from customers filing reports on the safecar.gov website.
FCA U.S. will begin to notify owners of 2014 and 2015 Jeep Cherokees along with owners of some 2015 Chrysler 200s powered by the 2.4-liter four-cylinder that the reprogrammed software is available at dealerships. In an interview with Automotive News, an FCA U.S. spokeswoman said the updated transmission software is “intended to keep the vehicle performing as intended, and to prevent durability issues from occurring in the future.”
This is hardly the first issue Chrysler has had with the nine-speed unit. The Cherokee’s original launch was delayed three months due to poor programming of the transmission shift module.
For Cherokee and 200 owners, the software update is already at dealerships. Of course, the issue will be fixed free of charge.
Click past the jump to read more about Cherokee’s software problems.
Jeep is back in the hot seat with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration after a fire broke out inside a 2015 Jeep Cherokee just 36 hours after the customer drove it off the lot. The fiery San Diego-based incident has now sparked a formal investigation with the NHTSA into 50,000 Cherokees.
Reports sent to the agency say the “vehicle was engulfed in flames approximately 20 feet high within seconds of parking the vehicle. The complaint alleged white smoke coming from under the hood immediately after parking the vehicle and while the ignition is off.”
Purchased on Jan. 2 from Perry Chrysler Jeep in National City, California, the Jeep had been driven less than 100 miles when, on Jan. 4, the owner noticed an oil-like smell as she exited the vehicle. As reported by CBS News 8 in San Diego, the owner’s family spotted the brewing fire seconds after the Jeep was parked. Family members tried putting out the flames while fire trucks were en route. The vehicle was a total loss.
Chrysler spokesman Eric Mayne told The Detroit News, "We are aware of this incident and our investigators are cooperating fully with NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation."
This marks the second time a Cherokee owner has had similar issues. A second complaint was submitted Jan 5 after the owner of another 2015 Jeep Cherokee noticed smoke coming from under the hood while driving at 60 mph. That Cherokee only had 45 miles on it.
Click past the jump for more information
The Chinese market got an early look at the new-generation Jeep Cherokee earlier this year. If our Chinese friends are paying attention to the Beijing Auto Show, they might find the Cherokee even more appealing with the debut of the Cherokee Sageland Concept. Featuring a bevy of cosmetic changes on the exterior and the interior, the Cherokee Sageland Concept really does bring out the best in the SUV.
For this specific concept, Jeep drew inspiration from a region in China that’s considered more of a legend than an actual location: Shangri-La.
It’s an ambitious task considering that the historical landmarks and natural sceneries in Shangri-La is more a myth than anything else. But give props to Jeep for embracing the challenge of turning the Cherokee with an aesthetic upgrade that will draw the curious side of the Chinese people.
Considering that we’re not really big fans of the Cherokee’s new look, we have to admit that the Sageland Concept does a good job of drawing attention away from its overwhelming appearance, making the SUV look, admittedly, quite attractive.
The upgrades shown on the concept actually makes us wonder if the Cherokee really is an acquired taste for some people. At the very least, the Sageland Concept has made us believe that it’s actually possible.
Click past the jump to read more about the Jeep Cherokee Sageland Concept
The Jeep Cherokee’s presence at the Beijing Auto Show just goes to show that Jeep is hitching a lot of its hopes on the SUV to be a sales hit in China. In an attempt to drum up even more interest in the Cherokee, Jeep decided that unveiling a pair of Cherokee concepts in Beijing, including the Urbane Concept, would be a smart idea. On that end, Jeep got it right.
Together with the Cherokee Sageland Concept, the Urbane Concept represents a stylish and upmarket Cherokee that gives the iconic American SUV more character than what you can get from its standard guise.
The Cherokee Urbane Concept certainly lives up its name, thanks to a treasure trove of new features on both its exterior and interior. Look closer and you might even notice that Jeep’s design details on the Urbane Concept carries a lot of Chinese elements that include old-school calligraphy and traditional Chinese windows.
It’s a real treat for the senses, especially if you’re one who appreciates unique, production-looking concepts like this particular Cherokee. It might still be a concept by the definition of the word, but we think there’s a production future for the Cherokee Urbane Concept.
And we’re not just talking about the Chinese market.
Click past the jump to read more about the Jeep Cherokee Urbane Concept
The new-generation Jeep Cherokee is making its first appearance at the Easter Jeep Safari. For its first taste of the event, the Cherokee is getting upgrades befitting of the company’s off-road reputation.
First of all, we’re already on record as not being big fans of how the new Jeep Cherokee’s looks. Those slit-like headlights look good on a coupe, but not so much on an off-road SUV. But that’s neither here nor there, because all the modifications given to the Cherokee Adventure makes those lights seem like an afterthought.
Boasting of Trailhawk 4x4 capability, the Cherokee Adventure lives up to its name, nicely balancing the tan exterior with plenty of new adventure paraphernalia best suited for the SUV’s purpose. A prototype matte-black Mopar roof basket rides on top, providing space for owners to stow all their gear for all their outdoor adventures.
Speaking of the outdoors, the Cherokee Adventure has also been prepped to tackle even the roughest of terrains. Jeep Performance Parts rock rails have been installed to provide off-road defense. Added protection also comes in the form of a two-piece underbody skid plate, a front suspension skid plate, an oil tank skid plate and a two-piece fuel tank skid plate.
Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Adventurer.
As spring kicks in each year, Jeep and Mopar are gearing up for the annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, by creating some of the greatest off-roaders which, unfortunately, we can’t buy.
Last year, for instance, the Chrysler-owned brands have come up with the extreme Wrangler Sand Trooper II perched on 40-inch bead-lock wheels, the lightweight Wrangler Stitch, and the production-friendly Grand Cherokee Trailhawk II Concept.
For 2014, Jeep and Mopar are storming Utah highly-anticipated event with another half-dozen of unique climbing-capable machines. Among them, visitors will be able to get up close and personal with a more extreme take on the redesigned 2014 Jeep Cherokee.
Dubbed Cherokee Dakar, the crossover concept pays tribute to the grueling African (err, South American) safari rally with its off-road-spec suspension, massive sand-digging tires and flared wheel arches. From the teaser, it appears that the dark-grey body is complemented by a red window trim, while the two-tone rims benefit from the same contrasting hues. Additionally, the concept will get to keep the Cherokee’s standard red tow hooks.
There are no clues as to what might be hiding under the hood, but we’re not hoping for more than a 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6. Not that we wouldn’t love to see a Hemi V-8 in there, but the Cherokee’s bay is not roomy enough for a 6.4-liter mill
Updated 04/10/2014: Jeep unveiled the official details on the new Cherokee Dakar concept set to be unveiled on April 12 at the Jeep Easter Safari.
Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Dakar.
Every year, hundreds of motoring journalists from all over the world descend upon New York City for the New York International Auto Show. Among the new car reveals, fancy parties and exciting concepts, the New York Auto Show also plays host to the World Car of the Year Awards.
This prestigious award is handed out by a collection of experienced automotive journalists from around the world. Some of this year’s jurors include writers from countries like Japan, Russia, South Africa, China, Australia and more. Overall there are nearly 70 jurors in total.
Some of the previous year’s winners include the Mk VII Volkswagen Golf and the Nissan Leaf.
Of all the cars that were eligible for this year’s award, twelve have been selected as finalists. We have brought together all twelve of the final candidates for you here, and we also included a little bit information about each one.
Which one do you think deserves to win and why? Sound off in the comments below.
Click past the jump to read about the World Car of the Year candidates
After being officially unveiled in 2012, the special-edition Altitude models return to Jeep’s lineup for 2014. For the first time, this special treatment will be applied to the Cherokee, and it will also return to the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler. All three models will be put on sale this spring.
The Cherokee Altitude is distinguished by a "blacked-out" exterior with special added elements and a series of upgrades inside the cabin. The Cherokee Altitude is available a choice of two engines: a base 2.4-liter, in-line four-cylinder engine or a more powerful 3.2-liter, Pentastar V-6 engine that delivers a total of 271 horsepower and afford the model a 4,500-pound towing capacity.
The Cherokee Altitude is available in both two-wheel and four-wheel-drive configurations and prices starting from $24,995 and $26,995, respectively. Sales will begin later this spring.
Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Altitude.
To no one’s surprise, one of the 20 vehicles that Mopar is displaying at the 2013 SEMA Show is based on the all-new, 2014 Jeep Cherokee. Dubbed the Trail Carver, this SEMA concept displays the off-road abilities of the light-footed Jeep, and endear itself to Jeep faithful.
The concept is based on a Trailhawk 4x4 model that uses a 3.2-liter, V-6 engine that delivers a total of 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque. Mopar added in a cat-back exhaust system that is sure to release 5 to 10 horsepower. With this as a starting point, Mopar added some pretty nice flavors that completely transform the look of the Cherokee.
The concept is painted in Auburn Pearl paint combined with low-gloss black, Granite Crystal and orange highlights. Mopar then rounded out the interior with bright door-sill guards with the Jeep Cherokee logo, a wireless smartphone charger, and WiFi. The Jeep Cargo Management Receiver System.
For the interior, Mopar focused on adding in high-quality, Katzkin Amaretto leather upholstery.
Because we are talking about a concept designed for off-road, the Trail Carver received large wheels wrapped in off-road tires and rock rails that will offer improved protection.
Click past the jump to read more about the Jeep Cherokee Trail Carver.
Ah, the boundless joys of childhood. Freedom and possibilities that stretched as far as the neighborhood streets, as fast as your bicycle would ride them, and as a wide as your orange-peel smile in the school cafeteria. Jeep’s new Built Free ad campaign aims to unearth those youthful feelings from under the mundane grind of adulthood with the slogan, "You’re still here. And you’re still you. The horizons haven’t gone anywhere."
The commercial for the all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee ditches the numbers-filled, technical approach to selling in favor of a strictly lifestyle angle, with Chrysler saying the technical stuff will come later.
"The return of Jeep Cherokee and the Built Free campaign serves as a reminder that we can fulfill our daily responsibilities and still follow our innate desire to explore new and different experiences," says Olivier Francois, Chrysler’s Chief Marketing Officer. "The Jeep brand has a rich history steeped in the unrelenting pursuit of freedom."
The ad started airing Oct. 28th on all the major television networks and is the first in a long line of advertisements for the new crossover. Print, online, and even movie theater spots will follow, including Ben Stiller’s latest, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
Jeep began marketing the Cherokee this summer with a unique digital campaign “Tales from the Trailhawk,” an online video series showcasing the crossover’s 4x4 capabilities. The video series follows the Cherokee through the many off-road obstacles it faced while earning its “Trail Rated” badge, including traction, articulation, maneuverability, ground clearance, and water fording.
The Cherokee may be trail-rated, but now can finally be considered dealer-rated, as it officially makes it way into dealer showrooms. The Cherokee’s launch was delayed by two months due to last-minute updates to the engine management software. The Cherokee has a base starting price of $22,995, excluding tax, title, and destination.
Click past the jump for more about the all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee
The new-generation Jeep Cherokee was just unveiled at the 2013 New York Auto Show to rather mixed reviews, thanks to relatively over-the-top styling. Even with its odd styling, it is starting to grow on us a little. An now, rumors of an SRT version have us thinking even more fondly of this new model.
First details from the Jeep experts over at AllPar suggest that this hopped-up Cherokee will come equipped with an all-wheel-drive system in place of the standard front-wheel drive, a nine-speed automatic transmission and an engine that oozes power.
Anyone that knows anything about Chrysler’s SRT group knows that the Cherokee SRT will feature an engine with tons more power. However, the origins of the engine and the exact output is still up for speculation. One suggestion is a 3.0-liter V-6 sourced from fellow Fiat subsidiary, Maserati. This may be a little too much for the petit Cherokee, as that would put it over the 400-horsepower mark. There is also the idea of it using a 2.4-liter boosted engine with an output of about 300 horsepower, but that’s likely not enough power to drum up interest in this model.
The most likely of scenarios is to use one of the existing Pentastar V-6 engines — 3.2- or 3.6-liter — which can be tuned to well over 400 horsepower, using a pair of turbochargers. If Chrysler chooses to only use one turbo, it would still put it in the 350- to 375-horsepower range. Either way, the Pentastar would have to undergo some big changes, including strengthening the internals and dropping the compression to around 9-to-1.
No matter what engine the Cherokee SRT uses, we can’t wait to see what it can do.
Click past the jump to read more about the Jeep Cherokee SRT.
We know that Jeep has been working on a new smaller SUV for quite some time now, but everyone expected this new model to be the new-generation Liberty built on an Alfa Romeo platform. Instead, rumors point toward Jeep deciding to bring back the ”Cherokee” name, and as you can see from this leaked image, it looks like no other Jeep.
The first thing you will notice is the odd headlight design that combines narrow lights on the top with larger bulbs next to the grille. When viewed from the side, it looks a little bit like the Isuzu Axiom - a car that enjoyed relative success, despite its odd looks. In general, the new Cherokee features a more futuristic look and no doubt is more daring than any other Jeep we have ever seen.
The new Cherokee will be based on the Alfa Giulietta, but with all the modifications needed to transform it into a real off-road model. The model is expected to receive a 3.2-liter V-6 engine, while a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine will be offered for exported models.
The new Cherokee will be unveiled next month at the New York Auto Show.
When we saw the first leaked images of the new Cherokee, we found them rather hard to believe; after all, they were revealing something never seen before on a Jeep model. Those images however were very accurate and the model finally made its world debut today at the 2013 New York Auto Show.
When initially announced, Jeep claimed the new Cherokee will deliver "even more best-in-class capability, exemplary on-road driving dynamics, and fuel economy improvements of more than 45 percent versus the outgoing mid-size SUV model," - aka Jeep Liberty.
The new Cherokee will be built at the company’s assembly plant in Toledo, Ohio and will be put on sale in the third quarter of this year. Customers can choose from the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Sport, Cherokee Latitude, Cherokee Limited and the Trail Rated Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk.
Updated 06/10/2013: Jeep announced today prices for the 2014 Cherokee set to go on sale in the third quarter of this year. Click past the jump to see how much you have to pay for the new SUV.
Updated 08/09/2013: Jeep launched an online configurator for the 2014 Cherokee that will allow you to customize the look of your upcoming SUV. This configurator also allowed us to find out the prices on some options offered for the Cherokee, so check them after the jump.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2014 Jeep Cherokee.