Detroit Auto Show 2018: 2019 Jeep Cherokee

The RAM 1500 wasn’t the only product from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles unveiled at the 2018 North American International Auto Show, with Jeep choosing to update their medium SUV catalogue with the facelifted 2019 Jeep Cherokee.

To be launched in Australia in around midway through 2018, the facelifted Cherokee also ushers in new technology, such as the latest version of FCA’s UConnect infotainment system. As with the previous Cherokee, the new model will be positioned between the smaller Compass and larger Grand Cherokee.

“A stunning, more premium design and the addition of our new fuel-efficient 2.0-liter turbo engine make the new 2019 Jeep Cherokee even more desirable in the mid-size SUV segment,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global.

“In addition, Cherokee builds on its benchmark 4×4 capability and on-road dynamics with refinement and style, a host of new attributes, powertrains and the latest technology that is perfectly situated for consumers worldwide.”

Widely regarded as the most off-road capable medium SUV offering, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee’s revised styling is obvious. Instead of the polarising dual headlight arrangement of the previous model, the new car’s single headlight arrangement is much more conventional yet handsome as well. Newly bi-LED headlight units are available, as are LED front foglamps as well.

At the rear, the tailights haven’t escaped the surgeon’s scalpel with a newly-LED layout. The number plate and surround has been moved upward from the lower bumper, and the whole rear appears much shorter and again conventional than before. The redesigned tailgate includes a light bar when opened, and the handsfree tailgate now includes a kick-to-open function.

The interior of the 2019 Jeep Cherokee has undergone a light refresh, with a larger entry-level infotainment screen, revised graphics and newly available Nappa leather. The bootspace has been increased slightly thanks to a revised shape – it is now three inches wider.

Under the bonnet of the 2019 Jeep Cherokee is a new 2.0-litre direct injection turbo petrol engine that produces 201kW of power and 400Nm of torque. This engine is matched to a nine-speed automatic transmission and curiously, is not bound for Australia. Instead, we’ll receive the same engines as the current model – a 2.4-litre four-cylinder and 3.2-litre V6, both petrol. The previous 2.2-litre turbo diesel offered in the Cherokee range was quietly dropped in 2016.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee will go on sale in Australia half way through 2018, with pricing and specifications to be announced closer to the launch date. The car’s revised styling holds worldwide sales pressure on its shoulders – just 1,069 Cherokees were sold in Australia in 2017 whilst Mazda sold 25,831 CX-5s over the same period.