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2014 JEEP Cherokee KL- Reveal...pics...specs etc!!!!!!

24K views 103 replies 50 participants last post by  barnettdlb 
#1 ·
Complete PDF of the press kit is attached below. Here is a quick snippit of that release!
All-new 2014 Jeep® Cherokee:
No-compromise Mid-size SUV Sets a New Standard
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
 Best-in-class capability
o Three new four-wheel-drive systems that raise the standard for mid-size SUVs:
 Jeep® Active Drive I with one-speed power transfer unit (PTU)
 Jeep Active Drive II with two-speed PTU and low range
 Jeep Active Drive Lock with two-speed PTU, low range and locking rear
differential
o New Jeep Selec-Terrain traction control system with up to five customized
modes – Auto, Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud and Rock
o Best-in-class V-6 towing capability – 4,500 pounds
o Jeep Trail Rated capability
o Up to a 56:1 crawl ratio, a 90-percent improvement versus the outgoing model
 Vastly improved fuel economy – up to 31 mpg
o First SUV with nine-speed automatic transmission
o Industry-first rear-axle disconnect resulting in reduced energy loss when 4x4
capability isn’t needed; improving fuel efficiency
o 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir I-4 delivers a more than 45 percent fuel economy
improvement versus outgoing model and nearly 500-mile range
o First use of Chrysler Group’s new 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 engine
 Superior on-road ride and handling
o First Jeep vehicle to utilize Chrysler Group’s Compact U.S. Wide (CUS-wide)
platform
o New independent front and rear suspension
o

Increased torsional stiffness

o

Exceptionally quiet cabin

New Jeep design with world-class craftsmanship

o

New aerodynamic design cues combine Jeep heritage with advanced technology

o

Aggressive approach and departure angles contribute to leading capability

o

Advanced LED lighting technology with distinctive daytime running lights

o

Premium, well-crafted interior with extensive use of soft-touch materials

o

Class-exclusive all-new CommandView panoramic sunroof and Sky Slider roof

Array of advanced, cutting edge technology features

o

Full-color 7-inch reconfigurable LED instrument cluster

o

Uconnect 8.4-inch color touchscreen media center

o

Uconnect Access Via Mobile

More than 70 advanced safety and security features

o

First Chrysler Group use of ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist

System aids the driver in parallel/perpendicular parking

Clever functionality and versatility

o

Second-row 60/40 split folding seat moves fore and aft for passenger comfort

and cargo flexibility

o

Fold-flat front passenger seat with covered in-seat storage

o

Useful, clever storage features throughout the Cherokee cabin

o

Innovative Jeep Cargo Management System

There is a new king of the hill in the mid-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) segment: the all-new

2014 Jeep® Cherokee.

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 4x4 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 4x4 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 4x4

systems, more than 70 safety features, and a host of new technology features.”

Jeep 4x4 capability

The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee provides a choice of three innovative 4x4 systems for best-in-

class 4x4 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 4x4 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 Jeep Cherokee offers best-in-class V-6 towing capability of 4,500 pounds.

Jeep Active Drive I

Available on the Cherokee Sport, Latitude and Limited models, Jeep Active Drive I features a

single power transfer unit (PTU) which is fully automatic and delivers seamless operation in and

out of four-wheel drive at any speed. The system does not require any driver intervention or

feedback, delivers yaw correction during dynamic events and improves both understeer and

oversteer conditions.

Jeep Active Drive II

Available on the Cherokee Sport, Latitude and Limited models, Jeep Active Drive II includes a

two-speed PTU with torque management and low range. 4-Low mode locks the front and rear

drive shafts for low-speed power or towing. Low range provides a 2.92:1 gear reduction. The

gear reduction allows for enhanced climbing ability as well outstanding crawl ratios for severe

off-road conditions. The 2014 Jeep Cherokee with Jeep Active Drive II gives the off-road

adventurer a ride height that is increased by an inch, a crawl ratio of 56:1 when powered by the

2.4-liter MultiAir2 Tigershark I-4 engine, and 47.8:1 when powered by the new 3.2-liter

Pentastar V-6 engine – up to a 90-percent improvement versus the outgoing model.
Jeep Active Drive Lock

Jeep Active Drive Lock includes all the features of Jeep Active Drive II and adds a locking rear

differential for superior low-speed power for severe off-road conditions. Jeep Active Drive Lock

is standard on all Trailhawk models.

All 4x4 systems feature the Jeep brand’s renowned Selec-Terrain traction control system, which

allows the driver to choose the on- and off-road setting for optimum performance. Five

customized settings are offered: Auto, Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud and Rock. Through the use of

algorithms that enable unsurpassed control and capability, Selec-Terrain electronically

coordinates and optimizes up to 12 systems on any terrain providing enhanced vehicle control

including: drivetrain control module, electronic brake controller, electronic stability control (ESC),

transmission controller, powertrain controller and Selec-Speed Control (Hill-ascent and Hill-

descent Control).

Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk: Trail Rated

The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk model exemplifies Jeep 4x4 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.

World-class architecture

FIAT Group architecture is the basis for the underpinnings of the all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee.

The Compact U.S. Wide (CUS-wide) platform’s proven modular architecture means many models can be built using the same basic underpinnings. The result is better quality and

reliability, as well as lower costs, less development time and tooling. The architecture Cherokee

is built on is comprised of common, modular and interchangeable components and allows for

modularity of the wheelbase, front track, rear track, front overhang, length and width across

vehicle lines.

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee’s body structure has a high-strength steel content of roughly 65

percent. Hot stamped-, high-strength- and ultra-high-strength steel are used to construct a

strong, lightweight, solid vehicle architecture.

Superior on-road performance and fuel efficiency

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee premium on-road manners and fuel efficiency are a result of a number

of efforts by Jeep engineers.

Powered by the choice of two new engines mated to a segment-first nine-speed automatic

transmission, the all-new Cherokee delivers the power drivers appreciate on the road with fuel

economy improvements of more than 45 percent compared with the outgoing model. With

expected highway fuel economy ratings of up to 31 miles per gallon (mpg) and a driving range

on a tank of gasoline of nearly 500 miles, the all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee delivers drivers a no-

compromise ownership experience.

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.​
 

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#60 · (Edited)
#41 · (Edited)
Yeah they messed up the exterior on this one. I guess I could live with the the rear and side ok but the front is the face of the vehicle and it's like a plastic surgery job gone wrong :eek: I would have just gone with a smaller slightly tweaked GC exterior to keep the family resemblance. Kind of like Nissan did with Murano and Rogue. Why bother to use the Cherokee name and then build a totally separate exterior look? :confused:

The interior is awesome, looks so much better than Escape and other competitors.

I'll see if it looks any better in person on Friday in NYC
 
#42 ·
HOLY HELL!! It's even worse than I thought it would be.

Buy a Grand Cherokee now! The 2016's will be a disaster if they follow the in the same path as this monstrosity.
 
#43 ·
I end up liking the front, it's very different from previous Jeep trucks bearing the same name. It took a bit of time and several pictures but I do like it.
At first I found it odd but I couldn't say why exactly.

The rear may end up growing on me as these are the very first rear shots I see, but I'm not so sure: there is a lot (too much) metal, compared to tail lights and license plate.
 
#49 ·
I didn't like the front end when it was first revealed last month. I still think the headlights are funky and the tailgate has a bit too much blank metal.

BUT, now having seen the Trailhawk and the features list, I like it. This IS a mini Grand Cherokee that will probably cost $10K less. It clearly has some half-decent offroad capability (something no hynudai or kia or BMW can say). It has lots of the same safety features that the WK2 has including blind spot monitoring, lane change thingy, adaptive cruise control. Those features can't be had for less than $43K in a WK2. I am presuming this thing will top out in the mid $30K range. This Cherokee has a real transfer case and a real locking differential. Before you had to get a Wrangler to get that. The Trailhawk is factory lifted 1". AWESOME!! The only thing left to know is how good the fuel economy on the V6 Trailhawk will be.

Right now I drive a 2010 Subaru Forester which does better than most crossovers in mud, dirt, and snow. It lacks a low range though tt has over 8.5" of clearance; that beats my old KJ. This new Cherokee Trailhawk will also have 8.5" of clearance. That is hard to find in most crossovers.

So yes, this is a jeep crossover, but it is one with some half-decent offroad chops. This will be awesome for fire roads, beach trails, snow, and mild river fording. That sounds good to me.
 
#50 ·
betcha these Cherokee`s will sell like hot bread and will sell real well!!!! mark my words :)
 
#56 · (Edited)
Whoa, anyone read this quote from Michael Manley on CNN.com?

"Unlike the Liberty, which Manley described as a "niche" vehicle designed more for off-road prowess than on-road comfort and handling, the new Cherokee is designed to appeal to a broader audience beyond traditional Jeep loyalists, he said."

So the KJ & KK were designed for offroad prowess? Every time I start softening my opinion of this thing, I read something else that makes me seriously question the direction of this brand. I cannot help feeling like supporting this new "Jeep" is like supporting the destruction of the brand.

http://money.cnn.com/2013/03/27/autos/jeep-cherokee/index.html
 
#57 ·
When I saw this vehicle the first time I hated - HATED it. I have to say, it's growing on me. I'm not at a "like" point, but after seeing the interior, reading some of the functionality & features, etc., I could drive it.

I did an "informal poll" of some people I know at work. None of them are jeep owners. Comments ranged from "pretty cool", to "not bad". No one said they disliked it. Maybe I/we are too hung up on what the Liberty/Cherokee used to be or what we thought it would be..

Tristar - I actually think that quote is reasonable. I own a 2011 Liberty. It's a decent vehicle, great off road, in the snow, etc., but it rides like a truck. It's not smooth. The Grand Cherokee is one of the most capable off road vehicles you'll find, yet they found a way to make it enjoyable on the highway as well. That's where the KJ/KK failed. I don't think it's a "destruction o the brand", it's an evolution. For the small number of people that would buy it for the off road capability, in spite of the bad on-road manners, Jeep had to do something or they wouldn't sell any.
 
#61 · (Edited)
Tristar - I actually think that quote is reasonable. I own a 2011 Liberty. It's a decent vehicle, great off road, in the snow, etc., but it rides like a truck. It's not smooth. The Grand Cherokee is one of the most capable off road vehicles you'll find, yet they found a way to make it enjoyable on the highway as well. That's where the KJ/KK failed. I don't think it's a "destruction o the brand", it's an evolution. For the small number of people that would buy it for the off road capability, in spite of the bad on-road manners, Jeep had to do something or they wouldn't sell any.
I'm not sure what you consider capable off-road, so that might be the differentiation here. Each Grand Cherokee since the original ZJ has taken steps backwards in off-road prowess. The WK2, while an amazing vehicle, is not as off-road capable as you make it out to be. This is evident any time you see one off-road and it lifts a wheel over minor gaps, or when they rolled one during it's press introduction. (Consult Allpar for more info on the WK2's limitations)

Does any of this matter? As long as Jeep sells, nope not one bit. But to say the KJ and your KK are great off-road vehicles is a stretch, and saying they were designed more for off-road than on-road (as Manley said) is a lie...
 
#63 ·
The reared makes it look tall and ugly, to many lights. The front wouldn't be so bad if not for the bottom lights (not the fogs)
 
#66 ·
Are you kidding me? Right side tank is awesome! Have a Subaru Outback and we breeze to the front of the line past everyone giving us a dirty for cutting until they realize we're right handed! I wish the WK2 fills up on the right
 
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