Jeep Cherokee 2019: the change, but at what price?

Frédéric Mercier

Thursday, 1 February 2018 14:00

UPDATE
Thursday, 1 February 2018 14:00

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The Wrangler may still be the soul of a Jeep, but it is the Cherokee that puts the bread on the table. Best seller of the brand in Canada, the popular SUV in the u.s. is a makeover for 2019.

Exit, this grille rounded, which had raised some eyebrows many people at the time of its presentation, there has already been a few years. Very polarizing, this storefront left few people indifferent. We loved her or we hated her.

Read also: The 10 SUVS most popular in Canada

The new 2019 model attempts to satisfy a wider audience with a grille more square, more robust. It was closer to the look of the Grand Cherokee.

Jeep Cherokee 2019

Jeep

Personally, I would have liked to see a Jeep to push the score even further, to reconnect with the rectangular design which is the signature of the Wrangler for decades. But hey, it’s already a big step forward.

To the rear, the lights have been slightly reworked and the number plate has now its place in the middle of the tailgate.

Jeep Cherokee 2019

Frédéric Mercier

The real change

Cosmetic changes is all well and good, but it doesn’t advance a car. The biggest change among the Cherokee for 2019, rather it is under the hood that it is.

For 2019, the compact SUV u.s. is now available with a four-cylinder engine 2.0-litre turbocharged. It uses the same mechanics with the new Wrangler… and the same with the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio. There is a little Italy in this Cherokee!

Jeep Cherokee 2019

Frédéric Mercier

In addition to this new engine, the basic block 2.4 liter remains in the program, the same as the V6, 3.2-litre. We are left with a choice of three powertrains. Not bad, when we know that some competing models offer only one!

As is the case for the other two, the nouveaumoteur 2.0-litre is equipped with the same automatic transmission to nine reports, the same who had been so much criticized at the launch of the Cherokee in 2014. And unfortunately, the critics still remain.

During my test of the Cherokee 2019, I have often felt the transmission hesitant. Changes to reports were waiting, as if she never knew how to dance. A pity, because with the Wrangler, the engine is doing a fantastic job with a transmission to eight reports…

Despite this shortcoming, this powerplant turbocharged promises a fuel consumption more interesting than ever for the Cherokee. The official figures have not yet been confirmed, but the onboard computer of the vehicle had an average fuel consumption of 10.3 L/100 km at the end of our day of trial.

Jeep Cherokee 2019

Frédéric Mercier

The catch is that this 2.0-litre engine is only available as an option at a higher price than the V6. The grinding base will remain equipped with the block of the 2.4-litre versions Trailhawk and Overland are animated series-by the V6.

Are there really people who will be willing to pay more for a turbo engine instead of a V6? With its 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, the block of the 2.0-liter does not technically have much to envy to the V6, with its 271 horses and 239 lb-ft. But the raw power of the V6 remains in my opinion more inviting.

If you have a trailer or a boat, you should know that the Cherokee is one of the few models in its class that offers a towing capacity of interesting. It can go up to 4500 pounds with the V6, or 4,000 pounds with the new 2.0-litre engine. With the motorized base, however, it is limited to 2000 pounds.

Note that all versions of the Cherokee are now offered standard with a system of automatic stop of the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop. No other way to give a helping hand to the gasoline consumption.

The small details

In addition to the mechanical and the new muzzle, Jeep has also made some notable improvements to the Cherokee for 2019. It has been particularly successful in broadening the trunk of a little over 7 inches so that a golf bag can stay without to be placed through.

Jeep Cherokee 2019

Jeep

At the front, the touch screen changes from 5 to 7 inches on the basic versions, while another 8.4-inch is also available in option. Excessively user-friendly, the infotainment system UConnect of the Cherokee is also one of its strengths. And it is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

A price that passes through

These changes, however, have a price. For 2019, the bill of the Cherokee leaps to 29 995$. And this is for the base model two-wheel-drive. Because yes, the Cherokee is still offered with an alternative of two-wheel-drive. I don’t know why. For the model train full, you must pay a minimum of 32 495$.

In comparison, the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V, the two main rivals of the Cherokee, are respectively provided from 32 299 and$ 29 890$. And there are other models that are a lot less expensive.

Is it that these few improvements price increase can justify such a price? In terms of quality of assembly, and reputation for reliability, the Jeep still has the crust to eat to lean against Toyota and Honda.

A price that is more aggressive would certainly have helped his cause.

Jeep Cherokee 2019

Frédéric Mercier

Technical data sheet

Name: Jeep Cherokee 2019
Base price: 29 995$
Configuration : Vehicle with two or four-wheel drive with engine at the front

Engine base: 4 cylinders 2.4 L
Power/torque: 180 hp/ 170 lb-ft

Engine optional: V6 3.2 L
Power/torque: 271 hp/ 239 lb-ft

Engine optional: 4-cylinder, turbocharged 2.0 L
Power/torque: 270 hp/ 295 lb-ft

Transmission: Automatic 9 reports on all models
Fuel consumption announced: Still unknown
Fuel consumption observed (2.0 L): 10,3 L/100 km

Maximum towing capacity: 4500 lbs
Warranty basic: 3 years / 60 000 km
Competition: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-5