Jeep Cherokee (KL)

See also Jeep Cherokee for other models using this name

The Jeep Cherokee (KL) is a mid-size crossover SUV produced by Jeep. It was introduced for the 2014 model year at the 2013 New York International Auto Show and the sales started in November 2013. The Cherokee is the first Jeep vehicle to be built on the Fiat Compact/Compact U.S. Wide platform, co-developed by Chrysler and Fiat. The Jeep Cherokee is built at Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Illinois.

The Cherokee was first previewed by Jeep in February 2013, shortly after the brand released three newly designed versions of its popular vehicles, the Jeep Compass, Jeep Patriot, and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Jeep announced that the all-new vehicle would be dubbed the Cherokee, and also that the new vehicle would make its official debut at the New York International Auto Show in March 2013. The Cherokee's official debut was made on Wednesday, March 27, 2013.

Jeep has also adopted the Cherokee name worldwide. The North American market saw the Cherokee nameplate for the first time since the 2001 departure of the Jeep Cherokee (XJ). Other markets retained the Cherokee name with the introduction of the Jeep Liberty in the North American markets.

The all-new Cherokee's wheelbase is 106 inches (2,692 mm), 1.1 inches (28 mm) longer than the 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 5.1 inches (130 mm) longer than its predecessor, the Jeep Cherokee XJ, and 2.7 inches (69 mm) shorter than the original Jeep Cherokee (SJ).

Video Jeep Cherokee (KL)

Four-wheel drive systems

The Jeep Cherokee can be equipped with three different four-wheel drive systems: Active Drive I, Active Drive II, and Active Drive Lock. All of these systems come with Jeep's Selec-Terrain traction control system and rear-axle disconnect feature. The rear axle disconnect feature, a first for Compact SUV, disconnects the rear-axle when four-wheel drive is not needed. This lowers parasitic drivetrain load; which improves fuel efficiency.

Maps Jeep Cherokee (KL)

Trim levels

Upon introduction the Cherokee is available in four trim levels:

Sport

The Sport serves as the base model. It includes seventeen-inch steel wheels, the Uconnect 5.0 touch screen radio, six speakers, cloth seating surfaces, a 2.4L Tigershark I4 engine, nine-speed ZF automatic transmission, and more. It comes in both 4x2 and 4x4. In 2015, the 3.2L Pentastar V6 also became available on this model. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels are available as part of the Sport Appearance Package.

Latitude

The Latitude adds alloy wheels and body-colored door handles and side view mirrors. It comes in both 4x2 and 4x4. In Canada, the model is dubbed North 4x2 or North 4x4. There is an Altitude model that was introduced in spring 2014 that is based on the Latitude model and adds black alloy wheels and blacked-out accents. The Latitude model will be Jeep's volume seller of the Cherokee line.

Trailhawk

The Trailhawk adds dark-colored alloy wheels, the Uconnect 8.4A touch screen radio with 9-1-1 emergency assistance, roadside assistance, and support for apps. It comes in 4x4 model only, is Trail Rated®, and is a far more off-road capable model. Trailhawk is the only trim to include recovery hooks for towing a stuck vehicle and a mechanical rear locker.

Limited

The Limited serves as the top-of-the-line model, and adds bright-finished alloy wheels, and leather seating surfaces. It comes in both 4x2 and 4x4. It also adds the U Connect ACCESS 8.4A touch-screen infotainment system, heated dual front seats, and Keyless Go with push-button and remote starter systems.

The Altitude Edition is based on the midlevel Latitude model, and adds features to the model such as gloss black eighteen-inch alloy wheels, a black lower front fascia accent, gloss black grille surrounds, gloss black roof rails, gloss black exterior badges, black window surround moldings, and an all-black leather interior. Also included is Chrysler's award-winning U Connect ACCESS 8.4A radio, with an A/M-F/M stereo, SIRIUS-XM Satellite Radio, an optional single-disc player (mounted in the center console), iPod and USB input jacks, a 3.5-millimeter auxiliary audio input jack, U Connect ACCESS W/ hands-free calling, 9-1-1 Assist, Wi-Fi connectivity for wireless internet access in the vehicle, wireless audio streaming, voice command, a full color touch-screen display, optional Garmin GPS navigation, and more. The model became available in 2015, and has a base price of $25,495.00 MSRP, up only $600.00 MSRP from the Latitude model it is based on, and is only available in Granite Crystal Metallic, Billet Silver Metallic, Bright White Clear Coat, or Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat Metallic, all of which compliment the gloss black exterior accents.

All trim levels include the 2.4L Tigershark I4 engine, and all also offer the optional 3.2L Pentastar V6 engine, with either 4X2 or 4X4 available on Sport, Latitude, and Limited models, and the Trailhawk model having standard 4X4. The Active Drive II 4X4 system with off-road suspension is optional on all models other than the base Sport model, though the Trailhawk model has the Active Drive II 4X4 system with off-road suspension as standard equipment. All models have a ZF-developed nine-speed automatic transmission, the first of its kind to be installed into a production vehicle.

Models equipped with factory towing feature 3.517:1 final drive ratio (V6) or 4.048:1 (I4) and can tow up to 4500lb (US market). Models not equipped with factory towing have 3.251:1 (V6) or 3.734:1 (I4) and are limited to a 2000lb tow capacity (US market).

In January 2016, Jeep announced the Cherokee Overland, which will now serve as the top-of-the-line, and most luxurious, Cherokee trim level in the United States. It will add these features in addition to the previously top-of-the-line Limited trim level:

-Exterior Color-Keyed Front and Rear Fascias with Chrome Accents -Exterior Color-Keyed Front and Rear Wheel Wells -Eighteen-Inch (18") Fully-Polished Alloy Wheels -U Connect ACCESS 8.4AN Infotainment System (A/M-F/M HD Radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, U Connect ACCESS Services and 9-1-1 Emergency Calling, Mobile App Support, ParkView Rear-View Backup Camera, Full Color Touch-Screen Display (8.4"), Garmin-Based GPS Navigation, iPod/USB Ports, 3.5-Millimeter Auxiliary Audio Input Jack, MicroSD Card Slot, and Bluetooth for Hands-Free Calling and A2DP Wireless Stereo Audio Streaming) -Nine-Speaker 506-Watt Alpine Premium Sound System with External Amplifier, Rear-Mounted Subwoofer, Surround-Sound, and Graphical Equalizer -Heated and Ventilated "Nappa"/"Axis II" Leather-Trimmed Perforated Seating Surfaces -Leather-and-Wood-Trimmed Heated Steering Wheel

The Overland will offer either the 184-horsepower 2.4L Tigershark Inline Four-Cylinder (I4) engine, or the 271-horsepower 3.2L Pentastar V6 engine with Stop-and-Go Technology, as well as Two-Wheel-Drive or Four-Wheel-Drive (Four-Wheel-Drive with Jeep's "Active-Drive II" transfer case). Exterior colors are Billet Silver Metallic, Light Brownstone Metallic, Bright White Clear Coat, Deep Cherry Red Metallic, and Brilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat Metallic. Interior colors are either Black or Pearl. Two-Wheel-Drive models start at $34,695.00 MSRP, while Four-Wheel-Drive models start at $38,395.00 MSRP. The models will become available in Spring, 2016.

In addition, a 75th Anniversary Edition model made its debut in January, 2016 to celebrate Jeep's 75th Anniversary. Based on the Latitude trim level of the Cherokee, exclusive features include a Recon Green Metallic exterior paint color option, unique 75th Anniversary Edition exterior emblems, bronze-painted exterior accents, bronze-painted eighteen-inch (18") alloy wheels, premium cloth seating surfaces with "Ombre" mesh inserts and 75th Anniversary Edition embroidery, and bronze-accented interior trim. The U Connect ACCESS 8.4A infotainment system, as well as a full panoramic power moonroof are both standard on this model, as is deep-tinted glass and automatic front head and fog lamps. The trim level starts at $27,875.00 MSRP, and will be available in Spring, 2016

Pricing and availability

In June 2013, Jeep announced the pricing on the all-new Cherokee. The base Sport FWD model will start at $22,995 MSRP. The Latitude FWD model will start at $24,495 MSRP. The Trailhawk 4x4 model will start at $29,495, and the top-of-the-line Limited FWD model will start at $27,995 MSRP.

The all-new Cherokee began production in the spring of 2013, but Jeep has pushed back the release date of the Cherokee to allow time for the development of the nine-speed automatic transmission by ZF. The all-new Cherokee arrived at dealerships in mid-fall 2013.

In late summer 2013, Jeep announced that it would temporarily cease production of its all-new Cherokee due to a transmission software issue. A few thousand Cherokees had already been produced, and would remain at the factory until a fix could be issued. In October 2013, a software fix was issued to the Cherokee, resuming production of the vehicle, and shipped it to dealerships in the U.S. By November the sales have started well in both the US and Canada, with at least four weeks of stock depletion due to pre-order. Chrysler has stated on 11 December 2013 the Cherokee advertisement campaign with the tagline Built Free to be the most successful one since the introduction of the 2011 Dodge Charger.

The Cherokee was introduced in Europe in the spring of 2014. To meet the demands of European buyers the model was fitted with one or more diesel powertrains, most likely one or more versions of the FIAT Multijet engine with a displacement of 2.0L and 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp).

The Cherokee is set to undergo a refresh for Model Year 2018 and, according to sources, may lose its split headlights.

Powertrain

The Cherokee features Chrysler's 2.4L Tigershark I4 engine that produces a maximum output of 187 PS (138 kW; 184 hp) and 232 N·m (171 lbf·ft) of torque. It has a fuel economy of 31 miles per gallon, which is 45% better than the Liberty/Cherokee it replaces, and a driving range of 495 miles (797 km).

Optional for the Cherokee is Chrysler's new 3.2L Pentastar V6 engine, It achieves 29 MPG and produces 275 PS (202 kW; 271 hp) and 324 N·m (239 lbf·ft) of torque. The Cherokee is Chrysler's first product to feature the all-new engine.

In select markets, FCA offers an all-new 2.2L Multijet II common rail direct injection turbodiesel with 185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp) or 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) and 440 N·m (320 lbf·ft) of torque, achieving fuel economy of 49.6 MPG_imp combined.

Cherokees for sale in the United States feature Chrysler's new nine-speed automatic transmission, designed by ZF and manufactured by Chrysler. Cherokees for sale in Europe may feature a 6 speed manual transmission. Not only is the Cherokee the first Chrysler vehicle to feature a nine-speed transmission, it is the first sport utility vehicle to feature a nine-speed transmission. The transmission yields approximately two additional miles per gallon with the V6 engine option compared to a six speed automatic.

Front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models are available, with Jeep's Selec-Terrain system being available on the latter. These are named differently depending on the markets, with the FWD being slightly less expensive.

Transmission issues

The Cherokee was the first vehicle to market to use ZF's new 9 speed automatic transaxle. It features an unconventional design that reduces its size and increases fuel economy over more conventional transmissions, but increases its complexity. The initial release of the Cherokee was delayed several weeks citing quality concerns with the transmission, and multiple reports of issues with shift quality and reliability surfaced shortly after launch. Both 2014 and 2015 Cherokees have a high number of consumer complaints on safecar.gov and carcomplaints.com compared to similar models of its class, with the vast majority of complaints being related to the transmission. FCA's chief quality officer was forced to leave shortly after a poor Consumer Reports review on the dependability of models including the Cherokee, and so far Chrysler has released 3 software updates for the 2014-2015 Cherokee transmission. The company continues to assert that the problem is software related. However, Chrysler is repairing some Cherokee models' transmission "snap ring" to address durability concerns. Multiple vehicles that use the same ZF model transmission, such as the Range Rover Evoque, Honda Pilot, Acura TLX, Chrysler 200, and even the similarly built Jeep Renegade have had issues of varying severity as well. ZF, the transmission's designer, also insists that the issue is with software, and would not comment on any improvements being made. As of August 2016, ZF has issued a recall regarding the 9 speed automatic transmission affecting 505,000 vehicles. ZF is quoted for suggesting the issues are related to a faulty control sensor could cause the transmission to randomly drop into neutral while driving.

Software hack

in July 2015, FCA issued a recall of 1.4 million vehicles after a software glitch was discovered which would allow hackers to wirelessly hijack vehicles and electronically control vital functions. IT security researchers Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek hacked a 2014 Jeep Cherokee and gained access to the car over the Internet, which allowed them to control the vehicle's radio, A/C, and windshield wipers, as well as the Cherokee's steering, brakes and transmission. Chrysler published a patch that car owners can download and install via a USB stick, or have a car dealer install for them.

Production relocation

In late 2015, FCA US LLC announced that it would move production of the Jeep Cherokee to their Belvidere Assembly facility, where the Jeep Compass and Jeep Patriot, as well as the Dodge Dart (PF) were produced until 2016. The Belvidere Assembly facility would not have to be retooled in order to produce the Cherokee, and the production change would most likely take place after the Dart is discontinued following the 2017 model year. FCA announced on July 14, 2016 to invest $700M into the plant and add 700 jobs to the Toledo North. An announcement regarding the future of the South plant will be made at a later date. Production in Toledo ended in spring 2017. 949,151 units were built between 2013 and 2017.

Sales

Safety

Awards

As of February 2014, the 2014 Cherokee was the top-ranked Affordable Compact SUV in U.S. News & World Report's rankings.

Notes

External links

• Cherokee Official Website