Jeep previews new Cherokee ahead of Detroit debut

JEEP has given us an early glimpse of the facelifted Cherokee SUV; its headline act at January’s Detroit Motor Show.

This new model will make use of the same FCA C-evo platform as the present model, although Jeep promises it’ll be available with new, more fuel-efficient powertrain options. However, that’s likely to only include tweaks to the existing 138bhp 2.0-litre diesel, plus 183bhp and 197bhp versions of the 2.2 diesels.

Jeep has provided little information alongside these official images, which means we’ll have to wait until the car is revealed in Detroit to hear about any subtle changes and technology upgrades.

The pictures reveal a tweaked front end, which moves away from the sharp, pointed nose of the outgoing Cherokee in favour of a rounder, conventional look more in line with that of the latest Compass. Changes around the back are evident, too. The number plate housing has been moved to the tailgate, and a fresh, chunkier-looking rear bumper with a larger scuff plate now sits in its place. Refreshed tail-lamps appear as well. This preview indicates that things remain unchanged inside, though.

The new Cherokee follows in the footsteps of the latest Wrangler, which was revealed at last month’s LA Motor Show. It’s likely to arrive in UK showrooms in the second half of 2018, priced from around £33,000.

“Jeep promises new, more fuel-efficient powertrain options for Cherokee”