The comeback of an iconic Jeep.
The firm debuted the Cherokee as a full-size SUV in 1974 and used the newly
coined term "sport utility vehicle" for the two-door Wagoneer wagon
in their brochure. Later on, it evolved into the first four-door contemporary
SUV. The upcoming vehicle will be the sixth iteration of the Cherokee, a brand
that has played a crucial role in the transformation of Jeep from a massive
body-on-frame SUV to a small SUV over its rich history.
Why it’s relevant for you the users
Although Jeep used to be a money
maker, sales have decreased, and the division needs some new releases to get
consumers excited again. In February 2023, Jeep terminated the tiny Cherokee
and closed the Belvidere, Illinois, plant that produced it, as sales of the
vehicle continued to fall, partly due to a lack of affection and updates. But
the company, along with the whole sector, needs to provide more reasonably
priced cars. Because of this, the Cherokee is a wise option for a return. It is
also competitive in the main U.S. market segment and the ideal size for nearly all
international markets. Jeep simply cannot afford to remain without a small SUV.
Platform and Powertrain
Stellantis, the parent firm, has
developed a number of platforms that can support hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and
pure electric vehicles. The new Cherokee would be unibody and built on the STLA
Large platform, making it larger than the previous model. The last Cherokee had
a wheelbase of 106.5-107.1 inches, while Stellantis has stated that STLA Large
vehicles will have a wheelbase beginning at 113 inches. We expect the Cherokee
to return as a 4xe with a hybrid and/or plug-in hybrid powertrain. That would
improve the previous model's poor fuel economy, despite the choice to delete
the V-6 the year before the SUV's discontinuation.
More efficient turbo-fours, with
electronic boost and a nine-speed automated transmission, will increase its
competitiveness. We don't expect an all-electric Cherokee to debut right away;
other vehicles, including as the forthcoming Wagoneer S, will fill the gap.
However, the Cherokee may use STLA Brain to provide cloud connectivity, STLA
Cockpit for its hardware, screens, and computers, and STLA AutoDrive for future
Level 3 autonomous driving.
The Cherokee needs to
be capable of Rubicon crawling, which requires four-wheel drive and the
Trailhawk off-road trim level, in order to live up to its heritage. Now that a
new Ram midsize pickup truck is expected to be built at the Belvidere facility
in 2027, it appears that Cherokee production, along with that of the Wagoneer S
and Jeep Recon, will move to Toluca, Mexico.
Price estimate: up to $40,000.
Anticipated date of sale: late in 2025
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