After a two-year break from the market, the Jeep Cherokee has lastly returned to the off-road model’s line-up. It comes at an vital time for Jeep, because it has had a big gap between its entry-level, and pretty previous, Compass compact, and the bigger, extra premium, and costlier Grand Cherokee line. Moreover, the brand new Cherokee exhibits that Jeep and Stellantis aren’t simply going to stay V8s into all the pieces now that emissions laws and penalties are easing. That is as a result of the Cherokee is launching with only one powertrain to begin: a hybrid four-cylinder.
It is Larger Than Earlier than
Earlier than digging too deep into a few of the mechanical particulars, we must always speak concerning the form and measurement of the Cherokee. It is clearly a lot boxier and extra conventionally formed than its wedge-nosed predecessor. That theme carries by way of to the larger headlights, upright grille, and rectangular taillights with their signature Jerrycan aesthetic. This new boxy physique can also be larger. The entire thing is 4.7 inches longer than earlier than with a wheelbase that stretches an additional 6.4 inches in comparison with the previous mannequin.
It is also 2 inches taller total and an inch wider. With 8 inches of floor clearance, the usual Cherokee is lower than an inch away from matching that of the previous Trailhawk. That, mixed with an effort to shorten the overhangs, signifies that the brand new Cherokee has higher method and departure angles than the previous base model at 19.6 levels and 29.4 levels respectively. The breakover is a bit worse, although, at 18.8 levels, undoubtedly due to the stretched wheelbase.
The Cherokee’s larger exterior additionally interprets to a bigger inside. Cargo area particularly advantages from the additional measurement, as the quantity behind the rear seats grows from 27.6 cubic ft to 33.6. Fold the rear seats down, and you will find 68.3 cubic ft of area, up from 54.7 for the earlier mannequin. Jeep additionally claims an additional inch of rear legroom. As for the inside design, the brand new Cherokee clearly follows the sample set by the Grand Cherokee and Compass. It is a very extensive sprint with a transparent prime half and decrease trim shelf. A ten.25-inch display serves because the instrument show, and a 12.3-inch unit does the identical for infotainment. Colour schemes are restrained with both black or white, with the latter solely accessible on larger trims.
It is Approach Extra Environment friendly
There is a stunning quantity to speak about in terms of what’s beneath the Cherokee’s pores and skin, beginning with the platform. The brand new Cherokee truly rides on the STLA Giant platform, which, sure, additionally underpins the larger Wagoneer S and even the Dodge Charger. Like these automobiles, it makes use of a MacPherson strut entrance suspension and an integral-link rear. Very a lot not like these, although, the Cherokee makes use of a hybrid powertrain.
It is a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that, whereas associated to an engine generally utilized in Peugeots, has been reworked for obligation within the Cherokee and might be constructed at a plant in Dundee, Michigan. It additionally sits in a transverse structure, relatively than the longitudinal one of many Charger Sixpack. It actually goes to point out that the brand new STLA platforms have some spectacular flexibility. As a fast aspect observe, the powertrain is robust sufficient to tow a 3,500-pound trailer.
Two motors are used as an digital variable transmission, very very similar to what Honda makes use of for its hybrids. The overall output for the engine and motors is 210 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. That is a wholesome enhance over the previous commonplace 2.4-liter four-cylinder, which solely made 180 hp and 171 lb-ft. All-wheel drive can also be commonplace on the brand new Cherokee, and it is achieved with a standard clutched energy switch unit that sends energy down a driveshaft to a rear differential and axles. It might probably ship as much as half its torque to the rear wheels.
Moreover providing extra energy than the previous commonplace powertrain, the Cherokee can also be way more environment friendly than any of its predecessors. Closing numbers have not been launched, however Jeep is estimating that the brand new mannequin will ship 42 mpg within the metropolis, 33 on the freeway, and 37 in mixed driving. That makes it extremely aggressive with different hybrid SUVs within the section, such because the CR-V, which additionally will get 37 mpg in mixed driving when outfitted with all-wheel drive, and the all-wheel-drive RAV4 hybrid, which manages 39 mpg in mixed driving.
It Launches This Fall
The Cherokee might be displaying up at sellers this fall. Thus far, the hybrid powertrain is the one choice, although being on the STLA platform, it is solely attainable for Jeep to introduce different choices sooner or later. We would not be in any respect stunned if a plug-in hybrid or full EV confirmed up in some unspecified time in the future. Moreover, Jeep made it clear that, whereas the preliminary Cherokee trims will not be “Path Rated,” that there’s a model coming that may put on the badge. So consumers on the lookout for a brand new Trailhawk simply must be slightly extra affected person.