► 2019 Jeep Cherokee unveiled at Detroit motor show
► Facelifted SUV confirmed with new engines, improved 4×4 system
► On sale in the UK later in 2018
Jeep has announced that an updated Cherokee SUV is inbound for the UK – new engines and improved styling are the main highlights of the latest version of an SUV franchise that’s been around since 1984. The 2019 model year Jeep Cherokee has made its official debut on the second press day of the 2018 Detroit motor show, and it will be on sale here later in 2018.
On the design front, those gifted with functioning eyes won’t recoil in horror quite as much when looking at the new version. The challenging styling of the old car has been swapped out for a much cleaner front end with sharp LED DRLs.
Jeep’s classic seven-slat grille has also been modified, giving the car a look that’s largely inline with the Compass. The rear end also has some neat LED running lights but could almost be mistaken for a Vauxhall Crossland X.
2019 Jeep Cherokee engine, transmission line-up
The Jeep Cherokee will be available with 2.4-litre and 3.2-litre V6 petrols, and a new 2.0-litre turbocharged four with start-stop technology joins the range. This new power unit develops 267bhp and 295lb ft – a similar set of figures to the range-topping Pentastar V6 version.
You also get a suite of safety tech that includes blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, park assist, adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning. The Jeep’s four-wheel drive system also gets an update, with what is called Active Drive I now standard. This automatically engages the rear wheels when traction is limited.
There’s also an optional Active Drive II system, which incorporates a two-speed power transfer unit for torque management and low range running. All Cherokees with the Active Drive II get a one-inch lift in ride height.
The ultimate Trailhawk version gets all of the toys, and is enhanced by a locking rear differential and skid plates. Approach, departure angles and ground are all improved over the previous model.
Changes to the trim levels shouldn’t really change much, either; Limited, Longitude and Overland specs used elsewhere in the Jeep range should stay the same. Plus, Jeep’s US arm also features a picture of a Cherokee Trailhawk, which may or may not come to the UK armed with a chunkier body kit and a V6 petrol.
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