Like a UFO

The Fourth GenerationNew Jeep "Cherokee"While the traditional Jeep seven-slot grille and the trapezoidal motif of the front and rear fender designs undeniably identify it as part of the "Jeep" family, if you remove the elevated ride height, characteristic of SUVs compared to passenger cars, and these design elements that serve to make it "Jeep," it presents a truly novel and futuristic appearance.

The discussion surrounding this design is unavoidable, as it is a defining characteristic of the new Jeep Cherokee. Deliveries began in North America late last year, and market reactions have been divided. Users who appreciate the new motif as fresh clash directly with those who dismiss it as not being a Jeep. Of course, Jeep anticipated these reactions; they are within expectations. The market response is expected to settle over time.



"More like a UFO than a Jeep" was the striking comment from the professional photographer who shot these images, and it truly hits the mark. One cannot help but be impressed by the challenging styling of this Cherokee, which resembles nothing else. First-time viewers will undoubtedly be taken aback by this avant-garde design for an SUV. In person, it is far more distinctive and unique than in photographs.



This exterior design, which breaks away from the conventional image of what a "Jeep" should be and is garnering attention as a proposal for the next generation, expresses a departure from the boxy Jeep with its extremely raked A-pillars leading to the greenhouse. The silhouette, which leans more towards a passenger car's form, is not that of a tough off-roader. The integration of the engine hood and front grille is also a first for Jeep.

Interior Design Excelling at Creating a Comfortable Space

The lighting arrangement, where it's not immediately obvious which parts are the headlights, is also an innovative factor. In reality, viewed from the front, the uppermost lights are LED clearance lamps, the lights behind the smoked lenses on the bumper are the headlights, and the lowest lights on the bumper are the fog lamps.



This design, which deliberately uses smoked lenses for the headlight area to create a distinctive expression, demonstrates that there is still room for innovation in a car's front face. A designer from a certain automaker reportedly thought, "I've been beaten," when evaluating the Cherokee's design – a side note, of course.




The form, which lacks any hint of the ruggedness often associated with off-roaders and is necessary for an SUV, is something that can be accepted over time. Behind this leap in design, which has advanced by two generations at once, lies the influence of rivals that have recently gained prominence in the European SUV market.European SUVsis likely not unrelated.



In contrast to the innovative exterior, the interior design is more conventional. However, the quality of the interior should be a revelation for those familiar with previous Cherokees.



Between the analog-display speedometer and tachometer on either side is a 7-inch LCD display showing various functions. Furthermore, centrally located is an 8.4-inch display for the advanced "Uconnect" connectivity technology, already familiar to Chrysler customers, which allows control of navigation, climate, and seat heating via touch panel or voice commands, in addition to smartphone and digital audio player connectivity. The materials, textures, and overall finish quality of the dashboard are also at a very high level.



The interior, completely devoid of any cheap impression, boasts a quality that could be described as comparable to Jeep's flagship model, theGrand Cherokee"Grand Cherokee," and it would not be an exaggeration to say so.



If previous Cherokees were designed with a focus on functional utility, the new model excels at creating a comfortable space. Again, it is easy to imagine the influence of European SUVs as rivals.

Commitment to Drivetrain Systems That Define a Jeep

The new lineup features the "TigerShark MultiAir2" 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, producing a maximum output of 130 kW (177 ps) and peak torque of 229 Nm (23.4 kgm), paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission for the FF entry model "Longitude." The "Trailhawk" and "Limited" 4WD models are equipped with the "Pentastar" 3.2-liter V6 engine, delivering a maximum output of 200 kW (272 ps) and peak torque of 315 Nm (32.1 kgm), also paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission – a first for the Chrysler Group.



As indicated by the inclusion of an FF model in the lineup, the platform is shared with the passenger car sold in the U.S. as the DodgeDart– a platform Chrysler calls the "Compact US Wide Platform." Tracing its roots leads back to the Alfa RomeoGiuliettaThis is a Jeep based on an FF platform, following the compact "Compass" and the now-discontinued "Patriot," meaning it also carries Italian blood from Alfa Romeo.



Although it utilizes a passenger car-based platform, the 4WD system, essential to discussing a Jeep, is unique to the new Cherokee. The "Jeep Active Drive II" with a 4Low mode (transfer case), effective in mud and rocky terrain, is used in the Limited grade. The "Jeep Active Drive Lock," equipped with a locking rear differential for more serious off-road capability, is featured in the Trailhawk.



While prices increase in the order of FF Longitude < Trailhawk < Limited, the Trailhawk offers superior off-road performance. Offering two types of 4x4 systems depending on the grade demonstrates Jeep's dedication.



Both 4x4 systems are equipped with the latest electronic device, the "Jeep Selec-Terrain System," which allows selection of five driving modes—Auto, Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud, and Rock—to suit road conditions, weather, and situations, making the new Cherokee the tough Jeep everyone knows.

High Off-Road Capability and Comfortable On-Road Performance

On regular roads, it offers a consistently quiet and comfortable ride, giving the impression of simply a "passenger car with a high ground clearance." Its on-road comfort approaches that of the "Grand Cherokee." The flat ride at high speeds provides a unique feeling, unlike anything experienced in previous Jeeps.



It responds promptly to steering inputs and navigates winding roads with minimal body roll, making you forget it belongs to the SUV category. However, the new 9-speed automatic transmission, beneficial for fuel economy, sometimes feels sluggish at low to mid-range speeds in city driving, suggesting room for further refinement.



Off-road, it truly embodies the Jeep spirit of traversing untamed paths. The body, 36 percent stiffer than the previous generation, remains solid even when one wheel is lifted in deep moguls. Achieving such high rigidity with a monocoque body is impressive for a Jeep, demonstrating its top-tier status among current production SUVs.



Even when deliberately subjected to extreme conditions, such as opening and closing the doors with one wheel lifted – something one wouldn't normally do – the doors operate smoothly without any issues. Jeep's development team claims it offers off-road performance second only to the Wrangler, and its capabilities live up to that statement.



The driver can focus on confirming the safe route and steering. This advanced device is invaluable when navigating challenging off-road terrain with obstacles or slippery inclines.



The new Jeep Cherokee does indeed utilize an FF-based platform. However, judging it solely on its transverse engine layout or passenger car underpinnings, much like the Ford "Explorer," would lead to an underestimation of the new Cherokee's true capabilities.



Enthusiasts often focus on the mechanics to debate its authenticity, but such evaluations are nonsensical. The true value of a Jeep lies in its ability to perform safely under extreme conditions. With off-road performance rivaling the Wrangler and on-road comfort approaching that of the Grand Cherokee, the Cherokee is a new breed, but undeniably a Jeep.


Jeep Cherokee Longitude

Body Dimensions: Length 4,630 x Width 1,860 x Height 1,700 mm

Wheelbase: 2,700 mm

Tread Front/Rear: 1,580 / 1,620 mm

Ground Clearance: 180 mm

Weight: 1,730 kg

Engine: 2,359cc Inline 4-cylinder SOHC

Bore x Stroke: 88.0 x 97.0 mm

Max Output: 130 kW (177 ps) / 6,400 rpm

Max Torque: 229 Nm (23.4 kgm) / 3,900 rpm

Transmission: 9-speed Automatic

Drivetrain: FF

Front Suspension: MacPherson Strut

Rear Suspension: Multi-link

Tires Front/Rear: 225/60R17

Brakes Front/Rear: Disc / Disc

Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode): 10.4 km/ℓ

Min. Turning Radius: 5.8 m

Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 Liters

Price (incl. tax): ¥3,708,000





Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

Body Dimensions: Length 4,630 x Width 1,905 x Height 1,740 mm

Wheelbase: 2,720 mm

Tread Front/Rear: 1,620 / 1,625 mm

Ground Clearance: 220 mm

Weight: 1,990 kg

Engine: 3,238cc V6 DOHC

Bore x Stroke: 91.0 x 83.0 mm

Max Output: 200 kW (272 ps) / 6,500 rpm

Max Torque: 315 Nm (32.1 kgm) / 4,300 rpm

Transmission: 9-speed Automatic

Drivetrain: 4WD (On-Demand)

Front Suspension: MacPherson Strut

Rear Suspension: Multi-link

Tires Front/Rear: 245/65R17

Brakes Front/Rear: Disc / Disc

Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode): 8.8 km/ℓ

Min. Turning Radius: 5.8 m

Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 Liters

Price (incl. tax): ¥4,298,400





Jeep Cherokee Limited

Body Dimensions: Length 4,630 x Width 1,860 x Height 1,700 mm

Wheelbase: 2,700 mm

Tread Front/Rear: 1,580 / 1,585 mm

Ground Clearance: 180 mm

Weight: 1,880 kg

Engine: 3,238cc V6 DOHC

Bore x Stroke: 91.0 x 83.0 mm

Max Output: 200 kW (272 ps) / 6,500 rpm

Max Torque: 315 Nm (32.1 kgm) / 4,300 rpm

Transmission: 9-speed Automatic

Drivetrain: 4WD (On-Demand)

Front Suspension: MacPherson Strut

Rear Suspension: Multi-link

Tires Front/Rear: 225/55R18

Brakes Front/Rear: Disc / Disc

Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode): 8.9 km/ℓ

Min. Turning Radius: 5.8 m

Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 Liters

Price (incl. tax): ¥4,611,600




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