Jeep Cherokee first introduced in 1974 based on original Jeep Wagoneer. The Jeep Cherokee debuted in 1974, and was based on the Jeep Wagoneer SJ platform.
The original Cherokee was marketed as the sporty two door version of the popular Jeep Wagoneer. The Cherokee remained a two-door sport-utility (SUV) until 1977 when a four-door version was introduced. Jeep produced 197,338 SJ platform Cherokee models between 1974 and 1983.
Sales of the Jeep Cherokee soared after the 1984 redesign with more than 100,000 units sold worldwide every year from 1986 through 2001. In 2002, Cherokee was replaced by the Jeep Liberty in North America. The Cherokee had its best sales year in 1999, with more than 200,000 units sold worldwide
Jeep® raises the bar with legendary benchmark capability, world-class on-road dynamics, fuel economy up to 31 mpg, revolutionary Jeep design with world-class craftsmanship inside and out, and an array of advanced safety and technology features
The renowned Cherokee name returns to the Jeep® vehicle lineup for the 2014 model year. The result – the all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee completely redefines the mid-size SUV segment, delivering legendary Jeep 4×4 capability, a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission, fuel economy improvements of more than 45 percent (versus the outgoing Liberty model), superior on-road ride and handling, a cutting-edge, revolutionary design, world-class craftsmanship, class-exclusive technology and more than 70 advanced safety and security features. The Jeep Cherokee is set to delight consumers both on the road and on the trail.
“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 LLC. “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.”
The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee provides a choice of three innovative 4×4 systems for best-in-class 4×4 capability in all weather conditions. The Jeep Cherokee is the first mid-size SUV to feature rear-axle disconnect, resulting in reduced energy loss when 4×4 capability isn’t needed, improving fuel efficiency. The rear-axle disconnect seamlessly switches between two- and four-wheel drive for full-time torque management and does not require input from the driver.
The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk model exemplifies Jeep 4×4 capability with a distinctive, aggressive look, backed up by Jeep Trail Rated hardware, for the most capable Jeep Cherokee model and the most capable mid-size SUV in the segment. The Trailhawk includes as standard equipment aggressive approach and departure angles, complements of the unique front and rear fascias, one-inch factory lift, Jeep Active Drive Lock with locking rear differential, skid plates and signature red tow hooks. The locking rear differential is selectable in any low range terrain mode, but will lock automatically when in certain modes, such as “Rock,” to maximize tractive effort at the tire patch that can support it.
The Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk boasts an approach angle of 29.8 degrees, a departure angle of 32.1 degrees and breakover angle of 23.3 degrees. Running ground clearance is 8.7 inches.
The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk model with the standard off-road package is Trail Rated. The “Trail Rated” badge on the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk indicates that the vehicle is designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation and water fording.
The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee features Chrysler Group’s 948TE nine-speed automatic transmission, the first time a nine-speed automatic transmission has been used in the segment and is standard equipment in all models of the new Cherokee. The nine-speed transmission delivers numerous benefits customers will appreciate, including aggressive launches, smooth power delivery at highway speeds and improved fuel efficiency versus a six-speed automatic transmission.
Efficiency and refinement also are hallmarks of Chrysler Group’s 16-valve, 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir 2 I-4 engine, which comes standard in the all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The 2.4-liter Tigershark engine offers up to an estimated 31 mpg highway fuel economy rating, a more than 45-percent improvement versus the outgoing model, and a driving range on a tank of gasoline of nearly 500 miles. The 2.4-liter MultiAir 2 Tigershark I-4 engine produces 184 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque.
The acclaimed electro-hydraulic fully variable valve-lift system uses a column of oil in place of the traditional mechanical link between the camshaft and intake valves. As a result, it delivers precise control of the intake-valve events – beginning and end – delivering reductions in engine-pumping losses and increases in volumetric efficiency.
In addition to reducing carbon-dioxide emissions, MultiAir accounts for a fuel-economy boost of up to 7.5 percent, compared with engines with conventional valve trains.
The 2.4-liter is the third engine to feature MultiAir technology from Chrysler Group and features the second generation “MultiAir 2” system that further enhances combustion control, improves fuel efficiency and reduces exhaust emissions.
Performance ratings for the 2.4-liter engine are 184 horsepower (137 kW) and 171 lb.-ft. (232 Nm) of torque.
The available new 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 engine is the first derivative of the celebrated 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, named one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines three years running. The available new 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 engine benefits from the same innovations that earned its larger displacement predecessor industry–wide acclaim for efficiency, power and refinement. For the driver, that means a refined driving experience with reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and an exceptional balance of higher specific power output (84.2 horsepower per liter) while delivering fuel economy improvements of 30 percent versus the outgoing V-6 engine. The 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 engine produces 271 horsepower, 239 lb.-ft. of torque and delivers best-in-class V-6 towing of 4,500 pounds.
The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee was developed and engineered to exceed expectations for customer satisfaction, quality and reliability. Engineers used Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) to ensure the voice of the customer was captured during the vehicle development process. DFSS folds in voice of the customer data along with lessons learned to ensure every vehicle is of the highest quality possible.
The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee is the no-compromise solution for the adventurous customer who wants legendary Jeep capability without sacrificing fuel economy or a premium on-road driving experience.
Source, Chrysler Group.
