Five Ways the Cherokee Reminds You It's a Jeep
If there’s any automaker that doesn’t have an identity crisis, it’s Jeep. The rugged necessity from which the iconic wartime Willys was birthed in 1941 is still prevalent in Jeep’s modern design, most notably in the Wrangler and sprinkled throughout Jeep’s lineup. Even Cars.com’s front-wheel-drive-based 2014 Jeep Cherokee long-term test car has its share of shoutouts to Jeep’s past; some are easier to find than others.
Related: More Long Term Fleet Coverage
The cues and “Easter eggs” hidden throughout our long-term tester make you feel as if you’re part of an elite club. You know, like the the bumper sticker, “It’s a Jeep Thing, You Wouldn’t Understand.” Even if the Cherokee isn’t the most Jeep-like of Jeeps given we own a four-cylinder all-wheel-drive model and it’s based on a Fiat chassis, there’s still a sense of Jeep pride when you see the following cues scattered throughout the Cherokee’s interior.
Willys Windshield Silhouette
A silhouette of the famous Willys sits atop a mound at the base of the Cherokee’s windshield.
Navigation Marker
In the depths of the Jeep’s navigation system is an option to change the directional indicator to a Chrysler vehicle, including a Jeep Wrangler.
Gauge Cluster Graphics
The available digital display in the gauge cluster houses more throwback nods when equipped with the ParkSense automatic parking system. The system’s directions include showing two Willys in the cluster when locating a parking space. Changing vehicle driving modes shows a snow- or mud-covered Cherokee when Snow or Mud driving modes are chosen.
Seat Cushion Coordinates
Flip up the passenger-side front-seat cushion to find a map and coordinates of Jeep’s off-road stomping grounds in Moab, Utah, hiding in the seat’s storage space.
Since 1941
Marking the year of the iconic Willys introduction is a “Since 1941” placard on the bottom of the steering wheel.
Cars.com photos by Evan Sears
