Helen of Troy’s face was so beautiful it launched a thousand ships, but the fifth-generation Jeep Cherokee wasn’t as lucky. Launched in 2013, its face was the recipient of some negative comments. Slot-like daytime running lights positioned high above the headlights, and fog lights positioned far below the headlights wasn’t considered a good look.
But that was then. Now, there’s a 2019 Jeep Cherokee with a face more like the Grand Cherokee, which hasn’t suffered from criticism. As with all Jeeps, the brand’s signature seven-slot grille remains dominant, and Jeep’s legendary off-road mastery is a given.
The Cherokee’s other end is also restyled for 2019, and a hands-free power liftgate opens to a cargo area providing 3 more cubic feet than the outgoing model had to offer.
An update to the interior includes a new fourth-generation Uconnect infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a choice of 7- or 8.4-inch touchscreen with pinch-and-zoom capability.
On the power front, Cherokee has a new engine option, a 270-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder generating 295 lb-ft of torque. A stop-start system shuts down the engine at stoplights and during idling to save fuel and reduce emissions, and then restarts automatically. Cherokee’s nine-speed automatic transmission accompanies the new turbo engine, but is specially tuned to suit the increased performance. Premium fuel is recommended but regular is acceptable.
The previous 2.4-liter four cylinder and 3.2-liter V6 are still on the engine selection list for 2019.
The 2019 Cherokee is 150 pounds lighter than the previous version due in part to an aluminum hood and a composite liftgate.
There are five trim levels: Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited, Overland and Trailhawk. The first two are available in 4×2 or 4×4 configuration; the last two are 4×4 only.
Pricing starts at $23,995 for a Latitude 4×2 and tops out at $37,775 for the Overland model. These prices do not include the $1,195 destination charge.
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee is manufactured in Belvidere, Illinois, and is available now at dealerships.
This is a preview of the 2019 Jeep Cherokee based on an introductory event held by the manufacturer. Although the vehicle was driven during the event, automotive reviews that include driving impressions and other opinions appear only after a vehicle has been given the standard weeklong test drive.
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