NEW FOR 2014:
– All-new model
Jeep’s mid-sized offering is perhaps the most improved vehicle offered for 2014. Though it uses a classic nameplate, it’s light-years ahead of the Liberty it replaces.
Gone is the body-on-frame chassis, live rear axle, wayward road manners, and cramped cabin. Instead, the Cherokee is a thoroughly modern midsize SUV with an award-winning interior, plus plenty of technology and features that today’s consumers demand. At the same time, it hasn’t neglected its off-road heritage. It may use a unibody frame and have fully independent suspension, but the all-new Trailhawk model does the Jeep name justice — it’s the most capable off-road vehicle in the segment.
All Cherokees come powered by the TigerShark 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that develops 184 hp and 171 lb-ft. This can be upgraded to a 3.2-litre version of the popular Pentastar V6 which develops 271 hp and 239 lb-ft of torque. All models come with a ZF-designed nine-speed automatic, a first for the segment.
While the Cherokee can be had with front-wheel drive, three different four-wheel drive configurations are available. Jeep Active Drive I is a basic system available on Sport, North, and Limited. Jeep Active Drive II adds torque management functionality and a low-range mode, and is available on North and Limited trims. Trailhawk models also get Jeep Active Drive Lock, which adds a locking rear differential. On four-cylinder Trailhawk models, Jeep leverages the first gear of the ZF ‘box to create a 56:1 crawl ratio.
The Cherokee Sport comes equipped with 17-inch steel wheels, power mirrors, black plastic mirror covers and door handles, LED tail lights, LED daytime running lights, cloth seats, 3.5-inch TFT instrument cluster display, 5.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with dual USB ports, SD and auxiliary jack, rear-seat arm rest, Bluetooth, power windows with driver’s side one-touch down, 60/40 split folding rear seat with fore/aft adjustment, illuminated cup holders, cruise control, tilt steering column, air conditioning, exterior temperature, compass, electronic park brake, and keyless entry.
4X4 models add Selec-Terrain with auto, snow, sport, and sand/mud settings, and a compact spare tire.
North adds 17-inch aluminum wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, passenger side in-seat storage with flip-up seat squab, fold-flat front passenger seat, power windows with one-touch for front and rear windows, climate control, ambient interior lighting, satellite radio, fog lights, body-colour exterior mirrors and door handles, chrome headlight bezels, chrome side trim and roof rails, 115-volt power outlet, deep tint glass.
Trailhawk adds unique 17-inch alloy wheels, full-size spare tire, Active Drive Lock 4WD system with locking rear differential, hill descent control, cloth and leather-upholstered seats, off-road suspension, skid plates, leather and premium cloth upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 7.0-inch TFT instrument cluster display accent colour grille, roof rails, mirrors and badges, red tow hooks (two front, one rear), cargo net.
Limited adds 18-inch wheels, eight-way power driver’s seat with four-way lumbar support, leather upholstery, 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 7.0-inch TFT instrument cluster display, heated steering wheel, heated front seats, reverse camera, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, dual-zone climate control, heated exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, remote start, proximity key with push-button start, alarm, garage door opener, automatic headlights, wiper de-icer, cargo compartment cover.
Key options include 3.2-litre V6 engine, dual pane or Skyslider sunroof, navigation, ventilated seats, wireless charging pad, single-disc CD player, premium nine-speaker sound system, trailer tow package, radar cruise control, park assist, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and radar cruise control.
