New Jeep Cherokee Offering Off-Road Capability to Replace Liberty

JeepJeepUnited States of America, 1941 > present33 models
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is relaunching one of its most important names at the New York Auto Show. It has introduced the new CherokeeJeep Cherokee 2.4 Sport 4x4United States of America, 2014 > present4 photos
crossover that will replace the Liberty. While technically a crossover based on ChryslerChryslerUnited States of America, 1925 > present70 models
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/Fiat'sFiatItaly, 1899 > present159 models
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Compact US Wide platform that is also used on the DartDodge Dart (modern)United States of America, 2012 > present26 versions
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, buyers will be able to specify the Cherokee with a choice of three all-wheel drive systems. Chrysler is also debuting its new 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 as the top engine for the new Cherokee. 

The design of the new Cherokee is a modern reinterpretation of the originalJeep CherokeeUnited States of America, 1981 > present1 photo
. While the shape is certainly still there, the front end has been modernized with squinting lights where you would expect the headlights, and the actual light coming from where you would expect the fog lights. The Nissan Juke pioneered this design trick. The higher lights are actually the LED running lights. The rear also gets full LED lights.

Inside, the Cherokee cribs from its big brother – the Grand CherokeeJeep Grand Cherokee Gen.4United States of America, 2010 > present57 versions
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. Base cars come with cloth seats and a 3.5in monotone info screen, but higher trim models get Nappa leather, a sliding rear seat, 7in info screen and advanced features like adaptive cruise control. Uconnect is standard with a 5in screen on base cars or an 8.4 in touch screen on higher trim models.

Power for the Cherokee comes from a choice of two engines. Base cars will come with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that has 45% better fuel economy than the Liberty. It produces 184hp and 171lb-ft of torque and will get an estimates 31mpg US highway.  The other option is the brand new 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 with 271hp and 239lb-ft of torque. Jeep estimates the V6 is 30% more efficient than the V6 Liberty.

Both engines come standard with a nine-speed automatic transmission, which Chrysler is introducing with this car.

When it goes on sale in the third quarter of the year, the Cherokee will be able to offer a versatile set of three all-wheel drive systems. The basic option is all-wheel drive with a single-speed transfer case and is similar to what is found on most vehicles. Active Drive II adds a two-speed transfer case with low-range gearing. Finally, Active Drive Lock uses the same two-speed transfer case and adds a locking rear differential.

The Cherokee will also be available with Jeep’s Selec-Terrain traction control system with five modes - Auto, Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud and Rock.

The Cherokee will be available in Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk trim levels. Trailhawk models come standard with Active Drive Lock, traction control, skid plates and tow hooks.