2019 Jeep Cherokee Gets a Third Engine Option in Refresh

For its debut at the 2018 Detroit Auto Show, the ultra-popular compact Jeep Cherokee gets a mild refreshed look and a revised interior as well as a new powertrain option with solid fuel economy. The ultimate SUV’s latest iteration is expected to be available in five trims – Latitude, Latitude Plus, luxury Overland, trail-rated Trailhawk, and Limited – in early spring of 2018, according to Fiat-Chrysler.

The modifications start up outside, where the SUV gets a taller front end, a new fascia, award-winning bi-LED headlights and foglights, 12 exterior paint options and a revised grille.

The new Cherokee is all about weight-saving; it features the lightweight hood made of aluminum, a new composite hands-free liftgate as well as an integrated easy-to-open bar (the rear door can be opened via kicking slightly under the bumper).  FCA offers three engine choices for the model including a 271-hp 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 and a 180-hp 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder. A Michigan-built 2.0-liter inline-four fuel-efficient Turbo is the crowning glory; the 270-hp direct-injection engine the company is especially proud of is made at the Trenton Engine Complex and is paired to a nine-speed automatic gearbox. Other changes include new software to enhance the drivability, more rear cargo space, highly competitive parking assistance system, and a new ‘push-push’ fuel door with capless area.