More traditional look and a new engine highlight updated Cherokee’s changes
The refreshed 2019 Jeep Cherokee Still in its fifth-generation, the Jeep Cherokee mid-size SUV goes gets a tasteful facelift and some worthwhile upgrades for its 2019 model year. ▲
Jeep has always been identified by rugged styling With most SUVs, it can be difficult to differentiate one from another, but Jeep has always stood out from the crowd with an aggressive front fascia featuring boxy, military-type styling. ▲
In need of a refresh The mid-size Jeep Cherokee ended 2016 in the top-five of Canadian SUV sales, but dipped to eighth position by the end of 2017, signalling a need for a refresh. ▲
Going back to its Jeep heritage The Cherokee never drifted far from Jeep’s traditional styling until its fifth-generation version was introduced back in 2014. It had a polarizing design that separated the headlights from its daytime running lamps and wasn’t universally well received. For 2019, those two components are brought back together in a sleek form, unlike its squinting predecessor. ▲
Signature seven-slot grille As with most Jeep’s, the brand’s signature seven-slot grille is the most recognizable feature on this Cherokee. It’s been tweaked for a more premium look through the use of chrome integrated in its hood. Those aforementioned LED headlamps and daytime running lamps are standard and complement the grille well. In addition, the new lighting has improved visibility by 57% over the previous headlamps. ▲
Five new wheel designs The Cherokee provides choice of five new wheel designs that include a premium 19-inch wheel on the top-of-the-line Overland trim. An upgraded 17-inch aluminum wheel comes into play on the North trim. ▲
Its rear gets a lift The Cherokee’s rear end came off looking rather pedestrian, especially compared to its unique front, so a re-do was in order. Jeep created a more chiseled tailgate featuring new LED taillights with a red trace at the bottom. The license plate was also moved into the liftgate to aid in creating additional cargo space. ▲
Cherokee goes hands-free Many automakers have been offering a hands-free liftgate and that becomes a feature for the 2019 Cherokee as well, at least at the Limited trim level. It can be activated through an upward kicking motion to open and close. ▲
Making it lighter It’s the goal of most automakers to reduce weight for better fuel savings. Jeep has managed to save 68 kg in the Cherokee through various adjustments. Key light-weighting features include: aluminum hood; shortened front end by one-inch; a lighter seat system, rear-drive module, and electric power steering; and its lightweight hands-free liftgate. ▲
New turbo engine One of the bigger changes is a new optional powertrain that’s been added to the Cherokee lineup: a turbocharged, 2.0-litre direct-injected inline-four that produces 270 hp and 294 lb-ft of torque. This is the same engine that powers the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio. It’s matched to a nine-speed automatic transmission and comes with engine start/stop technology. The only drawback is that it’s optional on all trim levels with a cost ranging from $1,595-$2,590, depending on what engine that trim starts with. ▲
Other engines also slightly tweaked Carryover engines typically stay the same, but Jeep has made slight revisions to both the base 180-hp, 2.4-litre four-cylinder and the 271-hp, 3.2-litre Pentastar V-6. The 2.4-litre adds start/stop technology for better fuel economy and a revised intake system for better noise cancelation; while the V-6 went through different engine and transmission calibrations for a more seamless drive with fuel economy in mind. ▲
A little more about the 2.0-litre The turbo-four is said to provide a perfect balancing act of power and fuel economy. It equals the V-6 in power, but has a big advantage in torque. This attribute was apparent throughout our drive with impressive initial acceleration, as well as more seamless gear shift transitions. ▲
Handling made easier The Cherokee has never been known for its handling prowess, but this new version seemed to hold its own on some extreme switchbacks. The only tricky part was going uphill where the transmission seemed uncertain which gear it should be in. Luckily, its handling remained composed with minimum body roll, as would be expected. ▲
Fuel economy numbers to come Jeep has not released fuel economy numbers yet. The American brand has stated only that the Cherokee’s numbers have improved. On one stretch during the drive with the 2.0-litre, I was able to manage a decent 9.6 L/100 km on highway-type roads. This number later jumped to 10.7 L/100 km, suggesting that real-world numbers should fall somewhere in that range. ▲
Quiet on regular roads Quiet is not a word typically synonymous with Jeep, so a point needs to be made regarding its quiet ride on regular roads. When cruising down the highway or on long stretches, the Cherokee feels like your typical SUV where you can just sit back and relax. ▲
Off-roading capability There are two major components that separate the Cherokee from other mid-size SUVs: its looks and its off-roading capabilities. There’s no other vehicle in its segment that can go through rock crawls or water crossings (water fording up to 20 inches) to the level of the Cherokee, making it best-in-class for trail rated capability. ▲
Trailhawk trim for serious off-roading We drove the second-from-the-top Trailhawk trim model for the off-roading portion of the new Cherokee’s first drive program in Westlake Village, California. It comes with a locking rear differential, hill-ascent and descent controls and an increase in ground clearance by 25 mm (1 inch). In addition, a two-tone paint job on the hood, signature red tow hooks and skid plates provide both rugged style and substance. ▲
Four-wheel drive system gets better 4×4 Cherokees come standard with Selec-Terrain control (Auto, Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud and Rock) and also a next-generation Jeep Active Drive I system that has been reduced in weight for enhanced performance and fuel efficiency. ▲
Other optional 4×4 systems Jeep Active Drive II has a two-speed power transfer unit, as well as a low-range gear. The low-range gear has a set Selec-Speed Control that allowed me to go on a rock crawl without any throttle or brake input, only steering, and it managed each and every obstacle brilliantly. Jeep Active Drive Lock also comes with two-speed power transfer, low-range, and a mechanically-locking rear differential (standard in Trailhawk trim). ▲
The Cherokee conquers all Regardless of whether I was switching to a low gear or using the Selec-Speed, the Cherokee’s technology was easy-to-use. Once set, it was able to successfully attack a rock crawl, steep climbs and descents, as well as odd-angled trails filled with divots that allowed its tires to hang in the air. It may look like too pretty to do much off-road, but the Cherokee will surprise. ▲
Inside improvements Jeep already has one of the best infotainment systems on the market and it gets bigger with a standard seven-inch UConnect system replacing the former five-inch screen. Going up the trim ladder, the Limited is features an all-new 8.4-inch unit with pinch, tap and swipe capabilities, as well as higher resolution and sharper graphics. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard in both units starting at the second-tier North trim. ▲
Cargo room expanded Cargo room has expanded, especially in the trunk area where it previously lacked the width to fit golf bags without putting them on an angle. Now, the 2019 Cherokee gains 79 litres of space, largely due to an 8.3-cm ( 3.3-inch) increase in width. In total, 1,634 litres of space are available with the rear seats folded down. ▲
Price points Pricing for the 2019 Jeep Cherokee starts at $29,995 for the 4×2 version, but almost 90 % of Canadian sales are 4×4 models, which start at $32,495. The off-road focused Trailhawk model begins at $38,995. ▲
Expectations for the 2.0-litre With Jeep Canada making the new 2.0-litre an optional selection, it expects 15% of its sales to come from the V-6, an engine that typically got 80% of total sales. ▲
When can you buy one? The 2019 Jeep Cherokee will be available in showrooms in late March/early April. ▲
Keyword: 24 key things to know about the 2019 Jeep Cherokee