A 200-pound diet is included, as well as a 2.0-liter turbo-engine.
When it was unveiled at the 2013 New York Auto Show, the Jeep Cherokee created quite a stir. It was criticized by many.
Mike Manley, Head, Jeep Brand, says, “It was very modern, progressive.” We had to do it to break into the segment.
The Cherokee stood out with its unique tiered lighting system and pointy grille, which were unlike any other contemporary Jeeps. The Cherokee was there to make an impression in a segment dominated by the CR-V or RAV4. It worked. The Cherokee sold well, and no one ever mentioned the “weird” styling again.
Mark Allen, Head Jeep design, says, “It did its job, it called attention towards the vehicle.” Then it was time for the development of the vehicle. Refreshed 2019 Cherokee He was asked to reduce the boldness of the crossover’s design – within reason.
He says that the bosses told me, “Don’t take any of the weirdness out it.”
This is the 2019 Jeep Cherokee, which has a very close resemblance with the Compass as well as the Grand Cherokee. Aerodynamic performance is improved by the “less beaky” nose. Jeep’s seven-slot grille has been replaced with a vertical design that sits between two traditional-shaped headlights. All trim levels have LED lighting, which reduces manufacturing complexity and allows for one unit per model.
The new taillights emphasize the liftgate’s redesigned design. It now has its license plate and opening handle located mid-way up. This not only gives the liftgate a more modern look, but also makes it easier to open. (Also the panel that is no longer concave will not produce upside-down reflections from the car behind it in traffic.
The new liftgate is a composite design that shaves 18 lbs compared to the previous one. The pop-open fuel cap on the fender now conceals a capless fuel refiller.
The Trailhawk’s rugged suspension will allow it to ride an inch higher, and has unique fascias that provide better departure and approach angles. The Trailhawk also has blacked-out trim and unique wheels. It also has functional red recovery hooks.
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Winnie Cheung, chief Jeep interior designer, explains that the 2019 Cherokee has new air vents, a reconfigured shifter and console, and both 7- and 8-inch touchscreens will have Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. A USB charging port has been added to the rear console for passengers in the back.
The Cherokee is now much more competitive than its rivals in terms of cargo space, with the seats up, increasing from 24.6 to 28.0 cubic yards. Jeep removed the unusual (and seldom used by customers) storage area on the driver’s side, and moved trim pieces further toward the metal bodywork. This gave the trunk an additional 85 millimeters (3.33 inches) of width. Cheung claims that you can now fit two sets of golf clubs into it, something that was impossible before.
This update is not just about new bumpers or interior parts. The total weight of the 2019 Cherokee has dropped by around 200 pounds. The 2019 Cherokee has lost around 200 pounds thanks to a new engine cradle, lighter suspension components, and the composite liftgate. The rear differential was also removed for all-wheel-drive models.
The three engines have been updated with new insulation to reduce noise. The front suspension has been redesigned for better handling and on-road performance. Revisions to the crash structure also mean that the Cherokee will pass the IIHS small-overlap test. (The outgoing model rates “Marginal”)
The new Cherokee’s 2.4-liter Inline-four engine (180 horsepower/170 pounds of torque) and 3.2 liter V6 (271 HP/239 lbft) engines are still under the hood. They are mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged 2.0-liter Inline-four engine is new this year. It produces 270 horsepower and 295 lb.ft. The turbo engine will be available on every Cherokee except the base trim.
The 2.0-liter engine will most likely score the highest EPA numbers. The 3.2-liter engine will still be the most towable (currently listed at 4,500 lbs), and is therefore kept on the list alongside the turbo engine.
According to new software, the nine-speed automatic transmission has a “improved drivability”; the Cherokee’s automatic was slow to start and clunky when it launched.
All powertrains will see fuel economy improve due to weight loss and better aero. However, exact numbers won’t be known for some time.
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee addresses the two main areas that are important to crossover buyers, roominess and fuel economy. The outgoing model’s “weird” styling didn’t hurt sales. However, the refreshed Cherokee will have a more appealing look once it goes on sale later in the year.