Jeep has steadily rolled out cool, innovative, and different vehicles to the market. For many years there have been two Jeep models that could not be reached by the competition- the Wrangler and the Cherokee.
While the Wrangler has continued its unprecedented run in the auto world, the Cherokee production stopped after 2001. Perhaps Jeep’s biggest news for the 2014 model year is the revival of this once loved model. The new Jeep Cherokee debuted in March at the showroom in New York.
So says our go-to guys for auto advice, the staff at the Deery Jeep dealership of Iowa, standard powertrain will be a 16-valve 2.4-liter four-cylinder good for 184 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. One exciting factor about the new Cherokee is its EPA-estimated 31 mpg Highway, which is 45-percent improvement in fuel efficiency over the outgoing Liberty.
The 2014 Cherokee offers a choice of front-wheel drive or one of three available four-wheel drive systems. And to improve mileage even more all 4×4 models include an automatic rear-axle disconnect when 4×4 capability isn’t needed.
Four 2014 Cherokee trim levels are available: Cherokee Sport, mid-range Latitude, uplevel Limited, and Trail Rated Trailhawk. The new Cherokee rides on MacPherson-strut front suspension with 6.7 inches of travel and an independent multi-link rear set-up with up to 7.8 inches of travel. As most modern cars are, the Cherokee is packed with standard and optional safety-related features. These include ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist System, Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus, Forward Collision Warning-Plus, Lane Departure Warning-Plus; Electronic Stability Control with Roll Mitigation; Blind-spot Monitoring; and Rear Cross Path detection.
Inside, a brand new cabin offers occupants premium materials and loads of easy-to-use technology, with soft-touch door uppers, armrests and upper instrument panel, ergonomically-designed seats in premium cloth or available Nappa leather and 60/40 split second-row seats that adjust fore/aft for passenger and cargo flexibility.