Jeep Teases Next-Generation Cherokee with Petrol and Electric Power Options
Jeep is gearing up for the launch of the next-generation Cherokee, scheduled for next year. The new SUV will offer consumers the choice between petrol and electric powertrains, marking a significant step towards sustainability and innovation in the automotive industry.
Set to be closely related to the flagship Jeep Wagoneer S EV, the new Cherokee will be built on parent company Stellantis’s cutting-edge STLA Large platform. This platform promises enhanced performance, efficiency, and range for the upcoming SUV.
Visually, the new Cherokee shares design elements with the Wagoneer S, featuring a sleek sloping roofline, squared-off haunches, and recessed door handles. The front end is expected to showcase a distinctive variant of Jeep’s iconic seven-slot grille, reminiscent of the new Compass model.
While the rear end draws inspiration from the Compass, it opts for a more traditional look without the light bar seen on its counterpart. The presence of a tailpipe on the prototype hints at an internal combustion engine, possibly the powerful twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre ‘Hurricane’ straight-six engine with outputs ranging from 420bhp to 510bhp.
Following the launch of the petrol variant, an electric Cherokee is on the horizon. This model is likely to borrow the 600bhp dual-motor, four-wheel-drive powertrain from the Wagoneer S, coupled with a substantial 118kWh battery for a range of 303 miles according to the strict US EPA test standards.
Inside the cabin, the new Cherokee boasts a large infotainment touchscreen similar to the one found in the Wagoneer S, complete with rotary control dials for easy navigation and control. This advanced technology enhances the driving experience and keeps occupants connected on the go.