Detroit show: Jeep details facelifted Cherokee

FOLLOWING its reveal last month, Jeep has announced specification for its updated Cherokee mid-size SUV at the Detroit motor show, ahead of its arrival in Australian showrooms in the second quarter of this year.

Globally, the Jeep has added a new powertrain to the refreshed Cherokee range in the form of a 201kW/400Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, however Australian fans will miss out on the new donk.

While local pricing has yet to be confirmed, the local line-up will mirror the existing one, with four variants powered by either a 2.4-litre four-cylinder or 3.2-litre Pentastar V6 engine.

The not-for-Australia 2.0-litre unit develops just 1kW less than the V6, while producing 74Nm more torque.

It features a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection and a cooled exhaust gas recirculation system, while fuel economy is helped with the addition of engine stop-start technology.

The existing engines consist of a 2.4-litre Tigershark aspirated four-cylinder engine that produces 130kW/232Nm, while the Pentastar V6 produces 200kW/316Nm, with both teamed to a nine-speed automatic transmission.

As before, only the entry-level Sport variant will be offered with the Tigershark engine with power being sent to the front wheels, while the remaining variants (Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk) use the Pentastar V6 which powers all four wheels.

Inside, Jeep has tweaked the cabin with a re-sculpted centre console, piano black and satin chrome trim elements, and the latest Uconnect multimedia interface systems.

Eschewing the 5.0-inch system in the old Cherokee, the new model will be offered with the choice of a 7.0-inch or 8.4-inch system, capable of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, handsfree call or text, sat-nav and real-time information.

Buyers will also have the choice of a 3.5-inch greyscale or 7.0-inch full colour digital instrument cluster display, depending on the variant.

A multitude of advanced driver assistance systems will be available in the Cherokee, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, electronic stability control, electronic roll mitigation, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert and parallel/perpendicular park assistant.

All-wheel-drive variants will come with the recalibrated Active Drive system which includes a low-range transfer case and reduced crawl ratios, while Trailhawk variants come equipped with a rear differential lock.

As previously reported, the exterior styling of the Cherokee has been revised significantly, replacing the divisive look of previous variants, which head of Jeep brand Mike Manley said offered a point of difference to its competitors.

“It enabled us to break into a segment that we had been a really niche player in,” he said.

“It is exactly what we wanted to do. Here it is instantly recognisable as a Cherokee but the front is softened so I think that will enable it to be more mainstream in the segment which is what we are looking to achieve.”Pricing for the updated Cherokee range is expected to be announced closer to its release date in the second quarter.