Jeep’s Land Rover Discovery Sport-rivalling Cherokee has been revealed ahead of the car’s public debut at the Detroit motor show in January. The updated Cherokee trades the distinctive design of the outgoing car for a look that’s more similar to its siblings like the Grand Cherokee.
Currently, the Cherokee comes with diesel engines in 2.0-litre and 2.2-litre forms, with front- and all-wheel drive available. The range-topping Trailhawk variant comes with a 272hp 3.2-litre V6 petrol engine.
At this stage, Jeep has only said it will add more fuel-efficient engines to the Cherokee line-up with the 2018 car. It is not yet known whether they will be new or updates of the current units.
The brand recently introduced a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that uses a twin-scroll turbocharger and eTorque hybrid technology to its line-up with the new Wrangler. It’s possible this powertrain will be offered with the updated Cherokee range.
No major changes have been applied to the 2018 Cherokee's interior, which in current form comes with a 8.4in TFT touchscreen, shared with its FCA stable mate, the Maserati Ghibli, and features DAB digital radio and Bluetooth connectivity.
Jeep will launch a more powerful 706hp variant of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, called Trackhawk, in 2018 in international markets.
The American carmaker has not said whether the new Cherokee will arrive in India, where it currently sells the Compass, the Grand Cherokee and the Wrangler. Jeep is also currently looking at introducing the next-gen Wrangler and the Renegade SUV in future.
Also see:
Jeep Cherokee facelift image gallery
2017 Jeep Compass review, road test
Jeep Compass diesel auto launch expected by January 2018