The Cherokee name is rumored to return for the 2014 model year and we expect to see it at the 2013 New York Auto Show. According to leaked images, the new Cherokee will feature a futuristic design never before seen on any Jeep model.
When we saw the first leaked images of the new Cherokee, we found them rather hard to believe; after all, they were revealing something never seen before on a Jeep model. Those images however were very accurate and the model finally made its world debut today at the 2013 New York Auto Show.
When initially announced, Jeep claimed the new Cherokee will deliver "even more best-in-class capability, exemplary on-road driving dynamics, and fuel economy improvements of more than 45 percent versus the outgoing mid-size SUV model," - aka Jeep Liberty.
The new Cherokee will be built at the company’s assembly plant in Toledo, Ohio and will be put on sale in the third quarter of this year. Customers can choose from the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Sport, Cherokee Latitude, Cherokee Limited and the Trail Rated Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk.
Updated 03/27/2013: This review has been updated with the official details, images and specs.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2014 Jeep Cherokee.
We know that Jeep has been working on a new smaller SUV for quite some time now, but everyone expected this new model to be the new-generation Liberty built on an Alfa Romeo platform. Instead, rumors point toward Jeep deciding to bring back the ”Cherokee” name, and as you can see from this leaked image, it looks like no other Jeep.
The first thing you will notice is the odd headlight design that combines narrow lights on the top with larger bulbs next to the grille. When viewed from the side, it looks a little bit like the Isuzu Axiom - a car that enjoyed relative success, despite its odd looks. In general, the new Cherokee features a more futuristic look and no doubt is more daring than any other Jeep we have ever seen.
The new Cherokee will be based on the Alfa Giulietta, but with all the modifications needed to transform it into a real off-road model. The model is expected to receive a 3.2-liter V-6 engine, while a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine will be offered for exported models.
The new Cherokee will be unveiled next month at the New York Auto Show.