The name Cherokee, in reference to a North American tribe, appears on the Jeep in 1974 with the first generation of this icon. But it was the second generation that really left a legacy. In 1984, the Jeep Cherokee (XJ) is launched, which basically established the formula for all modern SUVs, by abandoning the stringer chassis, using a monocoque, like a light car.
Despite the success of the current generation, achieved even considering the strange front and a non-consensual style, the indications given to the head of the brand's design were to significantly reduce its bolder appearance and align it with other proposals from the American brand. Now, at the Detroit Motor Show, the results of this intervention are emerging.
The front, with the characteristic seven panels, meets the Compass and Grand Cherokee brothers, and LED lighting is standard on all versions.
At the back, the tailgate has been redesigned and has the added benefit of losing 8.1 kg of weight. In addition, the more robust Trailhawk version has a higher suspension with better angles of attack and departure, different plastic shields that replace the chrome and tow hooks in red.
The interior has also undergone changes with the vents being redesigned and the console area now offering more space. The new 7- and 8.4-inch screens are part of the infotainment system that offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The trunk was another evolution of the new Jeep Cherokee, which also grew generously, using some structural changes. We still have to know the final values, in liters, for the European market. For the North American market, the new Cherokee announces a generous 792 liters, an increase of almost 100 liters compared to the 697 of the Cherokee on sale.
But in Europe, the trunk capacity of the current Cherokee is “only” 500 liters — the considerable differences reflect the different standards used in the US and Europe to measure the capacity of a trunk.
strict diet
In total, the weight loss to which the new Jeep Cherokee was subjected was 90 kg, which was made possible by a new engine support, new suspension components, and the aforementioned tailgate.
The changes were extended to the engine compartment, which immediately received new covers with better insulation to reduce noise. The front suspension has been adjusted for comfort on the road.
For now we only know the range of engines destined for the North American market — the 2.4 liters of 180 hp and the V6 3.2 liters and 275 hp carry over without changes from the predecessor. Also, the nine-speed automatic transmission remains, despite having been revised in terms of programming.
New is a new 2.0 liter gasoline block with turbo. The new engine is the same as the new Wrangler, with 272 hp, with the difference that it does not integrate the hybrid component (mild-hybrid, with 48 V electrical system). It should be available in all versions except the most basic level.
It is also not known whether this new engine will reach us — will we be able to discover the entire new Cherokee range destined for the European market at the next Geneva Motor Show, in March?
With these changes, namely weight loss, it will also be possible to count on greater savings and lower pollutant emissions.
