Powering the SUV are a pair of new powertrains: a 184-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 271-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 and the segment’s first nine-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, but three four-wheel-drive systems are offered. Chrysler expects the Cherokee’s four-cylinder to deliver fuel economy of 31 mpg highway. Two-wheel-drive versions of the V-6-powered Liberty, the vehicle it replaces, are EPA-rated at 16/22 mpg city/highway.
Jeep says that the new Cherokee starts below the Liberty (2012 models started at $24,320, including destination) and offers much more convenience and safety features. Available technology features include a wireless charging pad for portable devices, a reconfigurable 7-inch screen in the instrument panel, an 8.4-inch touch-screen multimedia system and a self-parking system.
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Trim level pricing is below. Base models come standard with a Uconnect 5.0-inch touch-screen with Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, cloth seats with driver and front passenger manual height adjuster, 60/40-split rear seat that reclines and has an armrest, power windows with driver one-touch down, sliding sun visors with illuminated mirrors, cargo management system, 10 airbags, LED taillamps and daytime running lamps, halogen projector headlamps, hill start assist, cruise control, air conditioning with rear vents, remote keyless entry, power remote open fuel door and 17-inch steel wheels with all-season tires. Stay tuned for a trim-level breakdown.
News Editor Jennifer Geiger joined the automotive industry in 2003, much to the delight of her Corvette-obsessed dad. Jennifer is an expert reviewer, certified car-seat technician and mom of three. She wears a lot of hats — many of them while driving a minivan.