New Jeep Cherokee Detailed

Jeep has fully detailed its new Cherokee at the Detroit motor show this week that shows a move away from its old face and brings a new engine into the line-up.

Previously revealed in images before the show, the big news is the introduction of an Alfa Romeo-sourced 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that produces 201kW of power and 400Nm of torque. The engine joins the carry-over line-up which consists of a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated front-wheel drive Sport model and V6-powered Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk variants.

But Australia will miss out on the new engine, with the local arm confirming that for the foreseeable future it will remain a left-hand drive-only motor. Instead, we'll continue with the same model and engine line-up as before which will receive most, if not all, of the new updates.

The facelift opens the previous thin-split headlights with a less polarising design while a restyled bumper and wider creased bonnet brings the model more in-line with its larger Grand Cherokee and the new Compass SUV. Other changes include daylight running lights, fog lamps and a bigger seven-slot grille.

Around back, new LED taillights flank a massaged and lighter tailgate with hands-free kick-to-open function and five new alloy wheel options to spruce up the fresh look.

Inside sees a lightly revised centre console stack housing a larger 7.0-inch and updated 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity while gloss black and chrome panels join new Nappa and fabric trim options.

Additional safety features have been added and the Cherokee is now fitted with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

The carry-over engines remain unchanged in output, with the 2.4-litre producing 134kW and 230Nm while the bigger 3.2-litre V6 powers the all-wheel drive models with 202kW of power and 324Nm of torque. The off-road-oriented Trailhawk also gains an upgraded four-wheel drive system featuring the next-generation of Jeep Active Drive. 

All models will use the same nine-speed automatic transmission which has had a minor revision while both engines are said to be quieter and more efficient.

Jeep Australia has confirmed the new Cherokee will arrive around the middle of this year with exact pricing and specifications to be confirmed closer to launch.

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