The Jeep Cherokee is a compact or mid-size sport-utility vehicle, and it’s been through several iterations since the 1970s. The latest (upcoming) 2014 Jeep Cherokee has a modern car-based crossover design and is aimed more at family use, with four-cylinder and V-6 engines—plus in Cherokee Trailhawk trim Jeep’s Trail-Rated… …read more
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![New York: 2014 Jeep Cherokee dreams of Moab, crawls on stage [w/video]](http://bd.summit.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/197908-thumb-320x200.png)
New York: 2014 Jeep Cherokee dreams of Moab, crawls on stage [w/video]
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The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee inched its way onto the stage at the New York Auto Show today, proving that at least the “Trail Rated” version of the SUV is more than just a controversial unique odd fresh face in the mid-size segment. After the short, simulated Moab run by the Trailhawk model, the gray four-door was joined on the stage by a burgundy Limited model – the luxurious highway variant.
As a recap, the all-new 2014 Cherokee rides atop a modular Alfa Romeo-derived platform (we know it from the Dodge Dart) and will be offered in both front- and all-wheel drive models with a choice between a 2.4-liter four-cylinder (rated at 184 horsepower) and a new 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 (developing 271 horsepower) engine. A nine-speed automatic is standard and no less than three different all-wheel drive systems are available.
Of the four different models (Sport, Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk), we like the rugged looks and capabilities offered by the Trailhawk the best. Overlook the red tow hooks and check out its more aggressive wheel/tire package, flared fenders, reduced breakover angle and lack of brightwork in our gallery of live images from the New York show. Skid plates and off-road capable tires round out the package. Read all the details in the official press release below.
Continue reading 2014 Jeep Cherokee dreams of Moab, crawls on stage [w/video]
2014 Jeep Cherokee dreams of Moab, crawls on stage [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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This Is The New 2014 Jeep Cherokee
By Kurt Ernst
The 2014 Jeep Cherokee – image: Chrysler Group LLC
Jeep’s mid-size Liberty model ended its eleven-year production run last August, when the Toledo North Assembly plant in Toledo, Ohio, was shut down to re-tool for a completely new model. There’s been little word on the new mid-size Jeep since then, but rumors began circulating earlier this month that Jeep would revise the iconic Cherokee name for the SUV in the United States.
That made perfect sense, since outside of North America, the Cherokee name never went away. Last week, Jeep finally revealed some early images of the new Cherokee, and we’re not the first to point out the SUV’s polarizing lines. Critics have dubbed it the “new Pontiac Aztec,” or even the spiritual revival of the quirky Isuzu Vehicross. We’d counter that with fan ravings on its good looks, but those comments are hard to find. We’re trying to be impartial, ourselves, but the best we can say for the styling is that it’s distinctive.
The 2014 Jeep Cherokee will debut at the New York Auto Show next month, and Chrysler is promising it will come to market with best-in-class capability, pleasing on-road mannerisms and a significant gain in fuel economy. It’s a given that the Cherokee will be built in a “Trail-Rated” version, too, and assembly will take place in Toledo, Ohio.
The 2014 Jeep Cherokee will hit dealer showrooms in the third quarter of 2013. Pricing and models will be announced closer to the launch, and we’ll bring you more details following the SUV’s official intro in New York.
In the mean time, we have to ask the question: what do you think of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee’s looks? Is it trend-setting, or has Jeep gone a step too far?
![Jeep Releases First Official Photos of 2014 Cherokee [2013 New York Auto Show]](http://bd.summit.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/123739-thumb-320x200.jpg)
Jeep Releases First Official Photos of 2014 Cherokee [2013 New York Auto Show]
By Erik Johnson
The Jeep Cherokee is back. The sparse release accompanying these images—spat out on the heels of clandestine photos published today by Jalopnik, as well as the rather accurate rendering we published last month—confirms that the Liberty replacement will resurrect the hallowed badge when it debuts in late March. (At least in the U.S.; the Liberty was badged as a Cherokee for other markets.) The name change is something we’ve been discussing as far back as early last summer.
While official details won’t arrive until the New York auto show next month, we have a good idea of what to expect from the 2014 Cherokee. Built at Jeep’s Toledo plant on a version of the front-drive Compact U.S. Wide bones that underpin the Dodge Dart, it’s a solid bet that the engine bay will host four-cylinder and V-6 power. The identity of the former is still a mystery—The Dart’s 1.4-liter turbo four or Alfa’s 1.8-liter turbo four remain strong possibilities—but the V-6 will be a 3.2-liter version of Chrysler’s corporate Pentastar engine. We also expect ZF’s nine-speed automatic transmission, which would more than double the number of forward ratios available in the Liberty. (Read more about the 2014 Cherokee.)
As for the new Cherokee’s styling, it’s, um, rather funky. The Jeep badge is present, as is the all-important seven-slot grille, but the overall look eschews the old XJ’s boxy style in favor of softer crossover lines. It’s an aesthetic philosophy adopted by the latest Grand Cherokee, but that model has a more conventional front end: The face of the Cherokee thus far proves difficult to love. It features a Nissan Juke–light arrangement, with LED running lamps and turn signals arrayed up top and the headlights embedded in separate pods below. At least these professional shots—as well as the dark paint and the fact that it appears to be a top-spec trim with body-color bumpers—cast it in better light than does the gray-cladded and presumably base example that appeared on Jalopnik.
- Future Cars: 2014 Jeep Cherokee Rendered, Detailed
- Photos and Info: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee: New Looks, New Diesel
- Photos and Info: Refreshed 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT
Even without taking the new look into account, it’s likely going to be tough to get the Jeep faithful to accept the Cherokee name on a front-drive-based suburban transportation pod, no matter how many versions end up wearing a Trail Rated badge. That said, the Liberty’s rough-and-tumble driving dynamics and unrefined character created few converts. Unfortunately for purists, we think we know which approach ultimately will prove most successful for Jeep.
Spy Shots: 2014 Jeep Cherokee uncovered with bold new look
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Jeep has been shuttling around Alfa Romeo-based test mules and camouflaged prototypes of its replacement for the current Liberty for some time now. Those heavily disguised vehicles may have offered a glimpse of the new Jeep, but a new set of production-line images from Jalopnik tell a much more complete story.
Jalopnik report indicates unequivocally that the Cherokee name will be re-upped in place of Liberty, though it doesn’t spell out exactly where that thinking comes from, though a name change has been rumored for some time. Chances are good that the same source that delivered these factory images delivered the name, as well.
The Cherokee absolutely has some Alfa Romeo DNA in its makeup, the final product is far from looking like its Guilietta ancestor. The athletic, high-waisted design is relatively attractive from what we can see here, though the grille and headlight treatment are sure to cause a lot of ruckus when the Cherokee makes its official debut at the New York Auto Show in April. The very narrow, pointed headlamps are pinched in a not particularly Jeep-ish fashion, and the curved, short version of the seven-slot grille is far more rakish than anything that Jeep has produced to date.
The Cherokee name, plus some fairly high wheel arches, hint that the new Jeep may still carry the vaunted “Trail Rated” stamp of approval. Good news for those purists still fearful of Jeep brand dilution. Inside we see a dial for Jeep’s Selec-Terrain drive management system, as well.
We expect to have much more information about the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, as we draw closer to its expected debut in New York. Until then, make sure to weigh in on our poll, below.
2014 Jeep Cherokee uncovered with bold new look originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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