The Cherokee name has returned to the Jeep vehicle lineup for the 2014 model year. The all-new designed Cherokee will target the mid-size SUV market sector, which is the largest SUV segment in North America, with roughly 2 million sales in 2012. The new off-roader features a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission and claimed fuel economy improvements of more than 45 percent (versus the outgoing Liberty model).

“The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee will be the benchmark for mid-size SUVs with a new level of on-road driving dynamics and fuel economy, while at the same time improving the 4×4 capability that customers expect from Jeep,” said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand, Chrysler Group. “Jeep Cherokee boasts a new design, a nine-speed automatic transmission and two advanced engines, class-leading capability from three innovative 4×4 systems, more than 70 safety features, and a host of new technology features.”

Chrysler says its designers have tried to create a more aerodynamic design that combines Jeep heritage with new advanced technology. The first noticeable feature in the front is the waterfall hood with the peaked, seven-slotted grille that includes a horizontal snap – a feature seen in many traditional Jeep vehicles.

LED lighting technology is used throughout the vehicle. Forward lighting features a daytime running lamp (DRL) shape that plays a dominant role in the front-end proportion, giving the impression of a slim headlamp. Full LED tail lamps are an integral part of the rear backlight graphic, which the designers claim makes the vehicle look stronger and more harmonious. This graphic additionally serves as the connection between the upper and lower rear.

The revised Cherokee is also underpinned by a completely new kind of architecture, namely Chrysler’s new ‘Compact U.S. Wide’ platform – a modular architecture that allows for different models to be built using the same basic underpinnings.

Initial engine options include a 2.4-litre Tigershark MultiAir I-4 and Chrysler Group’s new 3.2-litre Pentastar V-6 engine.

Source: Jeep

Tags: 2013 New York International Auto Show, Cherokee, Chrysler, Jeep, Mike Manley, SUV