By Garth CaneT
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee offers a practical and dependable choice for everyday adventures with premium on-road manners and impressive fuel efficiency.
The all-new 2019 Cherokee will be available with two high-efficient engines options: the 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 and a 2.4-liter PZEV Multiair2 Tigershark inline four cylinder. Both engines are mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. With the 3.2L Pentastar V6 engine and engine stop-start technology, the new Cherokee will be able to tow up to 4500lbs. when equipped with the Trailer Tow Package.
The all-new 2.0L direct injection turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine is one of the most technologically advanced engines in the automotive industry. Producing 270hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, the engine uses stop-start technology to optimize fuel economy and minimize greenhouse gas emissions. The benefits of the new engine include quick 0-60 miles per hour launch performance, and enhanced drivability.
Featuring a twin-scroll, low inertia turbocharger with an electric actuated waste gate, the inline-four engine provides exceptional responsiveness and performance, even while driving over difficult terrain. The turbo is mounted directly to the cylinder head to reduce emissions and improve durability. A dedicated cooling circuit lowers the temperature of the intake air, throttle body and turbocharger.
We do not normally consider a 2.0L four-cylinder engine to have the power and torque to pull an RV, but amazingly this engine can handle up to 4000 lbs. when it is outfitted with the ‘Class 3’ trailer hitch platform. This will be an ideal vehicle to get your Toy Hauler or Travel Trailer to the campground.
Direct injection, coupled with turbocharging, enables more efficient combustion, reduced emissions and increased performance. The 2.0-liter I-4 engine’s fuel pump supplies the engine’s 2,900-psi high-pressure common-rail injection system. These high pressures produce better fuel atomization and allow for more precise fuel delivery than port fuel-injected systems, which in turn improves both performance and efficiency.
We do not normally consider a 2.0L four-cylinder engine to have the power and torque to pull an RV, but amazingly this engine can handle up to 4000 lbs.
-GARTH CANE
Each cylinder bore is fitted with gallery-mounted piston oil cooling jets to limit piston temperatures, reduce spark knock and increase piston durability. Select-fit main and rod bearings enable reduced clearances to help lower system oil demand and oil pumping effort.
The ignition system includes a high-energy ignition coil for better fuel efficiency. Precious-metal spark plugs with iridium and platinum provide lasting durability. Located in the center of the cam cover, the spark plugs are easily accessible when service is required. Sodium-filled exhaust valves and plasma-coated piston rings also help extend the engine’s life and bolster durability.
The 24-valve engine’s 10.7:1 compression ratio in the 3.2L V6 engine aids in lowering fuel consumption and improves performance while the variable-displacement oil pump further reduces parasitic losses to maximize fuel economy. The pump is programmed to operate as needed, staying in low-pressure mode below 3,500 rpms and then bumping up pressure as demand follows engine speed.
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee is equipped with an electronic power steering system (EPS), which also helps improves fuel efficiency and contributes to the Jeep Cherokee’s nimbleness; with a turning circle of more than 37’ in 4×2 models and approximately 38’ in 4×4 models. With EPS, the power assist is provided via an electric motor system rather than a traditional hydraulic system. Because the system is fully electronic, the driver experiences optimal steering effort at all vehicle speeds, and there is less noise and better fuel efficiency since there is no parasitic loss from a power steering pump. This technology also enables active safety features, such as LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist and ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist.
The 2019 Cherokee stays true to its heritage with a wide and commanding stance and an aggressive wheel-to-body proportion for a distinctive identity. It is a vehicle that offers a fresh look, while still maintaining its unmatched capability in all weather conditions, on the road or trail.
Cherokee’s evolution offers more interior comfort and convenience, delivering everyday practicality with outstanding ride and handling characteristics, independent front- and rear-suspension systems with world-class body torsional stiffness, and more than 80 safety and security features.
The Jeep has an all-new front fascia, hood, LED headlamps, daylight running lamps and fog lamps, with a new lightweight, hands free power liftgate. The rear storage space has been improved and is more convenient with greater cargo volume. There are five new wheel designs, including premium 19-inch wheel on Overland models. A dual-pane sunroof is available for those who enjoy the open-air freedom with sun and the wind.
The signature waterfall hood mated to the seven-slot grille and a single piece, sloping new lightweight aluminum hood projects clean visual lines that separate from the front fenders, further contributing to the distinctive, premium look.
Consumers will have a choice of 12 different exterior colors: Blue Shade, Sting-Gray, Velvet Red, Firecracker Red, Olive Green, Hydro Blue, Light Brownstone, Granite Crystal, Billet Silver, Diamond Black Crystal, Pearl White and Bright White.
Drivers can embrace adventures on rugged terrain as Trailhawk models include protective steel skid plates underneath, which complement its rugged exterior appearance, exemplary departure angles, higher fender flares and ride height plus dedicated 17-inch off-road tires for class-leading 4×4 capability, resulting in the most capable mid-size SUV in the market.
The updated interior of the new 2019 Jeep Cherokee receives a fresh and elegant touch while remaining a practical and comfortable environment. Premium hand-sculpted forms tie signature Jeep design cues and high-quality materials together with precision craftsmanship. A driver-oriented cockpit loaded with easy-to-use, useful technology, clever, thoughtful storage features and more than 80 available safety and security features – including eight standard air bags –provide occupants everything they need for any adventure they undertake.
Ergonomically designed seats that support the contour of the body are trimmed with premium cloth or quality Nappa leather and come available as power adjustable, heated/ventilated seats with memory. Premium cloth fabrics include a unique “Hex” interlocking graphic. The available 60/40 split second-row seats adjust fore and aft for increased passenger comfort and cargo flexibility.
Available in five different trim configurations – Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited, Overland and the rugged Trail Rated Trailhawk, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee is manufactured in the United States at the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Illinois. It will start arriving in Jeep showrooms in early 2018.
