| Jeep Cherokee (KL) | |
|---|---|
 2019 Jeep Cherokee Latitude | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Jeep[a] |
| Production | 2013 – February 2023 |
| Model years | 2014–2023 |
| Assembly |
|
| Designer | Greg Howell (2010) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact crossover SUV |
| Body style | 5-door SUV |
| Layout | Front-engine, front-wheel drive orfour-wheel drive |
| Platform | FCA Compact Wide[1] |
| Related | Chrysler 200 (2015–2017) Jeep Grand Commander |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Diesel: 2.0 LMultijet III4[2] 2.2 LMultijet III4 Gasoline: 2.0 LTigersharkI4 (China) 2.0 LGME T4 HurricaneI4 2.4 LTigersharkI4[3] 3.2 LPentastarV6[3] |
| Transmission | 6-speedmanual 9-speed948TE automatic[3] |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in (2,700 mm) |
| Length | 182 in (4,623 mm) 183–183.8 in (4,648–4,669 mm) (China) |
| Width | 73.2 in (1,859 mm) (Sport, Latitude, and Limited models) or 74.9 in (1,902 mm) (Trailhawk model only) 73.2–75 in (1,859–1,905 mm) (China) |
| Height | 66.2–67.8 in (1,681–1,722 mm) 66.4–68.1 in (1,687–1,730 mm) (China) |
| Curb weight | 3,655–4,046 lb (1,658–1,835 kg) 3,670–4,354 lb (1,665–1,975 kg) (China) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Jeep Cherokee/Liberty (KK) Dodge Nitro Jeep Patriot (Russia) |
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TheJeep Cherokee(KL) is acompact crossover SUV[4][5][6] that was manufactured and marketed by theJeep marque ofStellantis North America. Introduced for model year 2014 at the2013 New York International Auto Show, sales began in November 2013.[1][7] It occupies a position between the smallerCompass and the largerGrand Cherokee in Jeep's global lineup.
Jeep previewed the fifth-generation Cherokee in February 2013, shortly after the releasing theCompass,Patriot, andGrand Cherokee. The Cherokee debuted at theNew York International Auto Show on March 27, 2013. The North American market saw the Cherokee nameplate for the first time since the 2001 departure of theCherokee (XJ). Other markets retained the Cherokee name with the introduction of theLiberty in the North American markets.
The Cherokee is the first Jeep vehicle to use theFiat Compact Wide platform, which was co-developed by Chrysler and Fiat.[3][8] It features a wheelbase of 106.3 inches (2,700 mm), 1.1 inches (28 mm) longer than the 1993Jeep Grand Cherokee, 5.1 inches (130 mm) longer than its predecessor, the Jeep Cherokee XJ, and 2.7 inches (69 mm) shorter than the originalJeep Cherokee (SJ).
The Jeep Cherokee could be equipped with three differentfour-wheel-drive systems:Active Drive I,Active Drive II, andActive Drive Lock. All of these systems came with Jeep'sSelec-Terrain traction control system and rear-axle disconnect feature. The rear axle disconnect feature, a first for a compact SUV, disconnects the rear axle when four-wheel-drive is not needed. This lowersparasitic drivetrain load, thereby improving fuel efficiency.[3]
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The Cherokee was available in several trim levels:
TheSport served as the base model between 2014 and 2018. It includes seventeen-inch steel wheels, the Uconnect 5.0touch screen radio, six speakers, cloth seating surfaces, a 2.4-literTigershark I4 engine, and nine-speedZFautomatic transmission. It comes in both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations. In 2015, the 3.2-literPentastarV6 also became available on this model. Seventeen-inch alloy wheels are available as part of the Sport Appearance Package. The Sport was replaced with the Latitude starting in 2019.
TheLatitude was Jeep's volume trim of the Cherokee line. It addedalloy wheels and body-colored door handles and side view mirrors. It comes in both 4×2 and 4×4. In Canada, the model was dubbedNorth 4×2 orNorth 4×4. TheLatitude came with the 8.4" Uconnect and premium sound option as standard, whereas on theNorth, it was an optional upgrade. An Altitude trim, derived from the Latitude, was introduced in spring 2014, which added blackalloy wheels and blacked-out accents. The Latitude became the new base model Cherokee in 2019, replacing the Sport, and a new Latitude Plus trim was introduced to take the place of the old Latitude model. For 2021, a newLatitude Lux trim added some of the features found on theLimited trim, such as Nappa luxury leather-trimmed seating surfaces, the Uconnect 4 8.4"touchscreeninfotainment system, and dual heated front seats. BaseLatitude andLatitude Plus trims were discontinued for the 2022model year, although theLatitude Lux trim remained available until 2023.
TheX trim became available in 2022. Building off of the baseAltitude trim, theX added Trailhawk-inspired exterior styling, combination vinyl-and-cloth-trimmed seating surfaces, dual heated front seats, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel.
TheTrailhawk added dark-coloredalloy wheels, the Uconnect 8.4Atouch screen radio with9-1-1 emergency assistance,roadside assistance, and support forapps. Exclusively available with four-wheel drive, it was a far more off-road capable model, and was marketed as "Trail Rated." As standard, the Trailhawk included recovery hooks for towing a stuck vehicle and the "Active Drive Lock" four-wheel-drive system with a mechanical locking rear differential. Other changes included a unique hood graphic, different bumpers for better approach and departure angles, wider fender flares, offroad skid plates and a full-size spare wheel. Both Trailhawk L and Trailhawk Elite models became available starting in 2017, adding uplevel features to the base Trailhawk model.
TheLimited served as the top-of-the-line model, and adds bright-finishedalloy wheels, andleather seating surfaces. It came in both 4×2 and 4×4. It also adds the Uconnect Access 8.4A touch-screen infotainment system, heated dual front seats, and Keyless Go with push-button and remote starter systems.
TheAltitude Edition was based on the midlevel Latitude model, and added 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 was the Uconnect Access 8.4A radio with an AM/FM stereo, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, iPod and USB input jacks, a 3.5-millimeter auxiliary audio input jack, 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, optionalGarmin GPS navigation, and an optional single-disc player (mounted in the center console). The model became available in 2015, and had a base price of $25,495 MSRP, up only $600 from the parentLatitude model, and was only available inGranite Crystal Metallic,Billet Silver Metallic,Bright White Clear Coat, orBrilliant Black Crystal Pearl Coat Metallic, all of which complement the gloss black exterior accents. The Altitude Edition trim was discontinued following the 2021model year.
Introduced in 2016, the CherokeeOverland is the top-of-the-line, and most luxurious, Cherokee trim level in the United States. In addition to the previously top-of-the-line Limited trim level, it adds color-keyed front and rear fascias with chrome accents, color-keyed wheel wells, 18-inch polished alloy wheels, Uconnect Access 8.4" infotainment system with navigation, nine-speaker 506-wattAlpine premium sound system, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a leather and wood-trimmed heated steering wheel.
The Overland offered either the 184-horsepower (187 PS; 137 kW) 2.4-literTigershark inline four-cylinder engine, or the 271-horsepower (275 PS; 202 kW) 3.2-literPentastar V6 engine with astart-stop system, in either two- or four-wheel drive (with Jeep's "Active-Drive II" transfer case).
The Overland trim was discontinued following the 2020 model year, citing slow sales, as well as being similarly equipped to theLimited trim; however, theHigh Altitude Edition takes the Overland's place at the top of the Cherokee lineup for the 2021model year.
In addition, a75th Anniversary Edition model made its debut in spring 2016 to celebrateJeep's 75th anniversary. Based on the Latitude trim level of the Cherokee, exclusive features included 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 Uconnect 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. A similar80th Anniversary Edition, celebratingJeep's 80th anniversary, was also available for 2021.
The Cherokee began production in theToledo Complex plant in the spring of 2013. Jeep pushed back the release date of the Cherokee to allow time for the development of the nine-speed automatic transmission byZF. The new Cherokee arrived at dealerships in mid-fall 2013.
In late summer 2013, Jeep temporarily ceased production of its all-new Cherokee because of a transmissionsoftware issue. A few thousand Cherokees had already been produced, and would remain at thefactory until a fix could be issued. In October 2013, a software fix was issued to the Cherokee, resuming production of the vehicle and shipment to dealers in the U.S. By November, the sales had started well in both the U.S. and Canada, with at least four weeks of stock depletion due to pre-order. Chrysler stated on December 11, 2013, that the Cherokee advertisement campaign with the taglineBuilt Free was 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 2.0-liter and 170 PS (168 hp; 125 kW).
Production in Toledo ended in spring 2017, with 949,151 units having been built there.[9] FCA moved production of the Jeep Cherokee to itsBelvidere Assembly facility, where theJeep Compass andJeep Patriot, as well as theDodge Dart (PF) were produced until 2016. The Belvidere Assembly facility did not have to be retooled in order to produce the Cherokee, and the production change took place after the Dart was discontinued following the 2017model year. FCA invested $700 million into the plant and added 700 jobs to theToledo North.[10]
The Belvidere Assembly Plant ceased production of the Cherokee on February 28, 2023.[11]
The Cherokee featuredChrysler's 2.4-liter TigersharkI4 engine that produced a maximum output of 187 PS (138 kW; 184 hp) and 232 N⋅m (171 lb⋅ft; 24 kg⋅m) of torque. The most efficient model had a highway fuel economy rating of 31 mpg‑US (7.6 L/100 km; 37 mpg‑imp),[3] which was 45% better than the Liberty/Cherokee it replaced,[7][8] and a driving range of 495 miles (797 km).
Optional for the Cherokee wasChrysler's new 3.2 LPentastarV6 engine. It achieved 29 mpg‑US (8.1 L/100 km; 35 mpg‑imp) and produced up to 275 PS (202 kW; 271 hp) and 324 N⋅m (239 lb⋅ft; 33 kg⋅m) of torque. The Cherokee wasChrysler's first product to feature the all-new engine.
In select markets,FCA offered an all-new 2.2-literMultijet IIcommon rail direct injectionturbodiesel with 185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp) or 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) and 440 N⋅m (325 lb⋅ft; 45 kg⋅m) of torque, achieving fuel economy of 49.6 mpg‑imp (5.70 L/100 km; 41.3 mpg‑US) combined.
Cherokees for sale in the United States featuredChrysler's new nine-speedautomatic transmission, designed byZF and manufactured by Chrysler. Cherokees for sale in Europe may feature a 6-speed manual transmission.[12] Not only was the Cherokee the firstChrysler vehicle to feature a nine-speed transmission, it was also the firstsport 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.[12]
New for the 2019model year was the 2.0-liter "Hurricane" turbo inline-4 (I4) gasoline engine. It delivered 270 horsepower (274 PS; 201 kW) at 5,200 rpm and 295 lb⋅ft (400 N⋅m; 41 kg⋅m) of torque between 3,000 and 4,500 rpm with the help of direct fuel injection.
Front-wheel-drive andfour-wheel-drive models are available, withJeep'sSelec-Terrain system being available on the latter. These are named differently depending on the markets, with the FWD being slightly less expensive.
For the 2022 model year, the 2.4-liter "Tigershark" four-cylinder engine was discontinued, and the 3.2-literPentastar VVT V6 engine became standard equipment on all Cherokee models. The 2.0L "Hurricane" turbo four-cylinder engine remained an option on most models. For 2023, the 2.4-liter powered the Altitude Lux, while the 2.0-liter turbo I4 powered the Trailhawk trim.
The Cherokee was the first vehicle to market to use ZF's new 9-speed automatic transaxle. It featured an unconventional design that reduced its size and increased fuel economy over more conventional transmissions, but increased its complexity.[13] The initial release of the Cherokee was delayed by several weeks citing quality concerns with the transmission,[14] 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.[15][16] FCA's chief quality officer was forced to leave shortly after a poor Consumer Reports review on the dependability of models including the Cherokee,[17] and so far, Chrysler has released three software updates for the 2014–2015 Cherokee transmission. The company has continued to assert that the problem is software-related. However, Chrysler has been repairing some Cherokee models' transmission "snap ring" to address durability concerns.[18] Multiple vehicles that use the same ZF model transmission, such as theRange Rover Evoque,Honda Pilot,Acura TLX,Chrysler 200, and even the similarly builtJeep Renegade have had issues of varying severity as well. ZF, the transmission's designer, has also insisted that the issue is with software, and would not comment on any improvements being made.[19] As of August 2016, ZF had issued a recall regarding the 9-speed automatic transmission affecting 505,000 vehicles. ZF has been quoted for suggesting that the issues were related to a faulty control sensor could cause the transmission to randomly drop into neutral while driving.
These transmission issues delayed the release of the all-new 2014Jeep Cherokee KL to consumers until late summer 2014.[20]
In July 2015,FCA issued arecall of 1.4 million vehicles after a software glitch was discovered which would allow hackers to wirelessly hijack vehicles and electronically control vital functions.[21] IT security researchersCharlie Miller andChris 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 andtransmission.[21] Chrysler published apatch that car owners could download and install via a USB stick, or have a car dealer install for them.[21]
The software glitch impacted the 2014–2015Jeep Cherokee, as well as the 2015Chrysler 200,Chrysler 300,Dodge Charger,Dodge Challenger, 2013–2014 SRT andDodge Viper, 2014–2015Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2), and 2013–2015Ram Truck 1500 through 5500. All vehicles were equipped with either the Uconnect 3C 8.4A (RA3) or the Uconnect 3C 8.4AN (RA4) infotainment systems, which featured Uconnect Access, and used aSprint3GCDMA wireless connection in the vehicle to access services and apps. Vehicles equipped with the Uconnect 2 3.0/3.0BT (RA1), Uconnect 3 5.0BT (RA2), and Uconnect 6.5A (RA4) were unaffected by the software glitch, as those radios did not feature a built-in wireless connection. Vehicles equipped with the older Uconnect 3 8.4A (RE2) and Uconnect 8.4N (RB5) infotainment systems were also unaffected for the same reason.
The restyled 2019 Jeep Cherokee KL made its debut at the2018 North American International Auto Show inDetroit, Michigan, on January 16, 2018.
The front grille on the Cherokee has been moved down slightly to allow for larger front headlamps withLED daytime running lamps (DRLs), and the turn signals are now integrated into the front headlamps. All trim levels of the new Cherokee received new wheel designs. The rear end of the 2019 Cherokee resembled the rear end of the second-generationJeep Compass, with similarLED rear tail lamps.
On the interior, the Cherokee has changed little from the pre-facelift 2014–18 version. Some trim levels of the Cherokee received new seat fabrics, and all trim levels received improved interior materials (all trim levels receive new interior color schemes). Theinfotainment systems have also been upgraded to the fourth-generation Uconnect 4 systems. The base system (Uconnect 4 7.0) replaced the previous Uconnect 3 5.0BT radio on base trim levels, and the Uconnect 4C 8.4 systems replaced the Uconnect 3C systems, adding4GLTEWi-Fi connectivity andSiriusXM Guardian service (for either six months when not equipped with GPS navigation or one year when equipped with GPS navigation). All systems receive an improveduser interface, and standardApple CarPlay andAndroid Auto. The larger Uconnect 4C 8.4 systems integrated with theSiriusXM Guardiansmartphone application foriOS andAndroid, with an application forsmartwatches such as theApple Watch andAndroid Wear devices, and withAmazon Alexa (Amazon Echo) devices. The UConnect 4C 8.4 was first introduced on the 2018 Cherokee Latitude Plus with the Tech Connect Package (the Latitude Plus with Tech Connect Package was discontinued for 2019, as its features had been integrated into the 2019Jeep Cherokee lineup).
Engine choices for the 2019 Cherokee include the previously available 180-horsepower (182 PS; 134 kW) 2.4-liter Multi-Air inline four-cylinder (I4) and the 271-horsepower (275 PS; 202 kW) 3.2-literPentastar VVTV6 gasoline-powered units, though theV6 engine now came as standard equipment on the upper trim levels of the Cherokee, where it was previously optional. However, a new engine, the 2.0-liter Hurricane turbocharged inline four-cylinder (I4) engine, was now available on higher trim levels of the Cherokee, and produced 270 horsepower (274 PS; 201 kW). All engines remained mated to aZF-manufactured948TE 9-speed automatic transmission, with a choice of either front- or four-wheel drive. All engines and transmissions received improvements for improved reliability and fuel economy.
While only the uplevel Limited and Trailhawk trims were shown at its debut, the 2019Jeep Cherokee eventually became available in Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, and Trailhawk Elite trims. The Latitude trim replaced the previous base Sport trim for 2019. The all-new 2019 Cherokee went on sale atJeep dealerships in the United States in early 2018 as an early 2019model year vehicle.
Production of theJeep Cherokee was relocated from theToledo Complex inToledo, Ohio, to theBelvidere Assembly Plant inBelvidere, Illinois that once produced the first-generationJeep Compass MK andJeep Patriot, and theDodge Dart (PF), in late 2017 in order to make way for production of the all-new 2018Jeep Wrangler (JL). Both plants received an extensive retooling in order to produce their respective vehicles. TheBelvidere Assembly Plant temporarily closed for retooling following production of the final 2017Jeep Compass MK andJeep Patriot in December 2016.
Fiat Chrysler has released atelevision commercial for the restyled 2019 Cherokee for the U.S. market, entitled "The World Comes With It,"[22] which also appeared on the manufacturer's website for the vehicle.[23]
For 2022, the Jeep Cherokee lineup was simplified to Latitude Lux, X, Trailhawk, and Limited. The 8.4-inch touchscreen became standard equipment on all models. For 2023, the final model year, the lineup was further simplified to the Altitude Lux and Trailhawk.
For the 2023 model year, the Cherokee lineup consisted of two models: Altitude Lux (replacing the previous Latitude Lux trim, adding black accents on the exterior of the vehicle), and Trailhawk. The 2.4LTigershark inline four-cylinder gasoline engine returned for the Altitude Lux trim as its sole engine option, while the Trailhawk gained the previously optional 2.0L turbocharged inline-four gasoline engine as standard equipment (both engines retained theZF 9HP-based 948TE nine-speed automatic transmission), and both models were now only available with four-wheel drive.The Altitude Lux model gained a new Lux Elite Package that added the Jeep Memory System for the driver's seat, radio, and exterior side mirrors, a dual-pane panoramic power moonroof, a "hands-free" power rear liftgate; a 506-watt, nine-speaker Alpine premium surround-sound audio system with a subwoofer; a dual-pane panoramic moonroof; and heated and ventilated front seats. The Trailhawk model gains a Premium Leather Package that adds the Jeep Memory System for the driver's seat, radio, and exterior side mirrors, am eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat with power lumbar support, a "hands-free" power rear liftgate, and heated and ventilated front seats, replacing the previous Trailhawk Elite Package. A Sun and Sound Group for the Trailhawk model adds a 506-watt, nine-speaker Alpine premium surround-sound audio system with a subwoofer and a dual-pane panoramic moonroof.
As a result of Stellantis idling the Belvidere plant, production of the Cherokee ended on February 28, 2023.[11] TheCompass became Jeep's sole compact CUV as a result. The Grand Cherokee was unaffected by the idling of Belvidere, as it was built at a different plant.
The Jeep Cherokee returned to the Chinese market in October 2015 for the 2016 model year since production ended ten years earlier with theJeep Cherokee (XJ). The new Jeep Cherokee (KL) was now assembled byGAC Fiat Chrysler inChangsha. A 2.4-liter engine was available paired to a 9-speed automatic gearbox until 2017 alongside the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine. 2019 models were available with the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine producing 148 and 155 hp (150 and 157 PS; 110 and 116 kW) and 2.0-litreTigershark turbocharged engine producing 234 and 265 hp (237 and 269 PS; 174 and 198 kW) paired to a 9-speed automatic gearbox. Eight trim levels are currently available for purchase and pricing ranges from 185,800 yuan to 319,800 yuan (US$26,830 to 46,180) with the pre-facelift and facelift models sold together as of 2019. The pre-facelift version is known asNew Cherokee Classic[24] while the latter is known as theNew Cherokee.[25]
| Year | United States | Canada | China[26] | Europe[27] | Global |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013[28] | 25,786 | 2,906 | 31,330 | ||
| 2014[29] | 178,508 | 22,529 | 236,289 | ||
| 2015[30] | 220,260 | 31,833 | 8,005 | 12,442 | 295,081 |
| 2016[31] | 199,736 | 32,465 | 106,793 | 9,740 | 355,402[32] |
| 2017 | 169,882 | 23,702[33] | 77,124 | 5,531 | 281.073[34] |
| 2018 | 239,437[35] | 22,239[36] | 30,799 | 3,812 | 300,821[37] |
| 2019 | 191,397[38] | 14,687[39] | 17,277 | 4,915 | 228,276 |
| 2020 | 135,855[40] | 8,568[39] | 10,628 | 2,237 | 157,288 |
| 2021 | 89,126[41] | 9,233[42] | 2,419 | 339 | |
| 2022 | 40,322[41] | 6,371[42] | 130 | 3 | |
| 2023 | 24,610 | 4,183 | |||
| 2024 | 2,839[43] | 822[44] |
| Test | Points | % |
|---|---|---|
| Overall: |  | |
| Adult occupant: | 33 | 93% |
| Child occupant: | 39 | 79% |
| Pedestrian: | 24 | 67% |
| Safety assist: | 7 | 74% |
The Cherokee in its standard European market configuration received 4 stars fromEuro NCAP in 2019.[46]
The 2022 Cherokee was safety tested by theIIHS:
| Small overlap front (Driver) | Good | |||
| Small overlap front (Passenger) | Good | |||
| Moderate overlap front | Good | |||
| Side (original test) | Good | |||
| Roof strength | Good | |||
| Head restraints and seats | Good | |||
| Headlights |
| varies by trim/option | ||
| Front crash prevention (Vehicle-to-Vehicle) | Superior | optional | ||
| Child seat anchors (LATCH) ease of use | Good+ |
As of February 2014, the 2014 Cherokee was the top-ranked Affordable Compact SUV in U.S. News & World Report's rankings.[48]
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