Jeep Turbo Charges the 2019 Jeep Cherokee

Many criticized the Jeep Cherokee as not being "Jeep-like enough", but the 2019 refresh shakes off that image and delivers a turbo-charged contender.

Fiat Chrysler heard all the complaints about the midsize Jeep Cherokee and fixed them. The 2019 Jeep Cherokee rolled out at the North American International Auto Show, in Detroit, answers all of the critics with a Cherokee that looks more like its family members and should perform more like them.

The basic body style looks much the same but the 2019 Jeep Cherokee has “ All-new front fascia, hood, LED headlamps, daylight running lamps and fog lamps” designed to make it look more like the its Jeep siblings. It will also have the option for a dual-pane sunroof to give drivers a better view of the great outdoors.

New Turbo-Charged Engine

The real news may be under the hood, where Jeep is adding a new engine to the midsize line up. The 2019 Jeep Cherokee will have available an “All-new 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque equipped with engine stop-start (ESS) technology to optimize fuel economy.”

Owners who are interested in towing may still opt for the 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that delivers 271 horsepower and 239 lb.-ft. of torque and best-in-class towing capability of 4,500 lbs. If you are driven by fuel economy, the 2.4-liter Tigershark 2 engine that gets 180 horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of torque is still available.

The global head of Jeep and Ram, Mike Manley, introduced the Cherokee. “A stunning, more premium design and the addition of our new fuel-efficient 2.0-liter turbo engine make the new 2019 Jeep Cherokee even more desirable in the mid-size SUV segment,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global. “In addition, Cherokee builds on its benchmark 4x4 capability and on-road dynamics with refinement and style, a host of new attributes, powertrains and the latest technology that is perfectly situated for consumers worldwide.”

The Jeep Cherokee will compete with the Ford Escape and the Chevrolet Equinox.

Better Off-Roading Capability

Jeep is also beefing up the Cherokee’s off-road capability for all five of its trim levels, but especially the Trail Rated Trailhawk. The Trailhawk has a special trim package and paint scheme. It also has better traction, ground clearance and maneuverability.

Jeep is also giving the 2019 Jeep Cherokee buyers the choice of a 7” or 8.4” touch screen for the Uconnect system. The larger screens are supposed to be easier for the drivers to see and use.

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee will be built at the Belvidere Assembly Plant, in Illinois. It will be available in twelve different colors and should hit dealer showrooms in the next few months.