New vs used Jeep Cherokee: what are the top 3 differences?
The Jeep Cherokee started its life as a serious off-road machine, and gave rise to a legacy that earned the nameplate a peerless reputation in the off-road community. But then, for the current generation, Jeep decided to rather change the Cherokee’s focus and make it more urban-friendly. This decision didn’t sit well with enthusiasts, so Jeep returned the Cherokee closer to its rroots with a comprehensive facelift. We highlight the three main changes applied during the recent update.
The softened Cherokee toughens up again (somewhat)
The feedback from Cherokee fans must have stung a little, even if Jeep tried to put on a brave face and defend their newly-softened Cherokee (codenamed KL), referring to it “Born of authentic Jeep Brand DNA”. This statement rang rather hollow, though, because the fifth-generation Cherokee’s passenger car underpinnings were very obvious, and this was anathema to the fans’ expectations.
Using a stretched and widened version of the same platform you’d find under some older Alfa Romeos and Fiats, the KL Cherokee attracted a whole different type of buyer. And, even though there was a genuinely off-road-capable variant on offer, the perception that it’s been turned into a “soft-roader” was difficult to shake. But Jeep is known to listen to their fans, so when the Cherokee received its mid-life facelift for 2019, the range was reprofiled to more-closely conform to this badge’s traditional values. So what did they change to make the new Cherokee more of a Jeep and less of a recycled Alfa?
Related: Top 3 things you need to know about the (pre-facelift) Jeep Cherokee.
1. Very effective restyling
While the centre portion of the Cherokee’s bodyshell remained largely unaltered, the front- and rear ends came in for fairly extensive surgery. Gone is the old model’s proboscis-like snout, replaced by a face that’s much more in line with Jeep’s other models. The grille sits lower, and those odd sliver-like light units mounted atop the front fenders are placed lower down, restyled and upgraded to LEDs, to conform more closely to modern trends. It’s all rounded off by a new bumper design that lends a squat, widened appearance.
The rear-end’s changes were less extensive, but also features a new bumper and redesigned LED tail lights. The overall effect is considerably more pleasant to behold than before, and almost helps the Cherokee to earn “good-looking” status. New alloy wheels round out the picture, and helps the formerly alien-looking Cherokee fit in with the brand’s current style.
2. New engine option and AWD across the board
At the time of its local arrival, the KL Cherokee offered a choice of two engines: a rough and gutless naturally-aspirated 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder petrol lump at the entry level, and a sweet, potent and tuneful (if rather thirsty) “Pentastar” 3.2-litre V6 engine at the top end. All Cherokees (then and now) employ a 9-speed automatic gearbox, and the 2.4-litre was even available in a front-wheel drive variant. Not exactly the attributes you’d expect in a car that carries the weight of decades of off-road supremacy on its shoulders, right?
Well, the facelift mended these issues with considerable conviction. The new range is pared-down to only 3 derivatives (locally), and they now all have all-wheel drive (with one of two AWD systems). The best news is that the 2.4-litre disappeared from the new range, with a new corporate 2.0-litre turbocharged, 4-cylinder petrol mill slotting in at the lower end of the range instead. That’s fantastic, because we’re already won over by this 2.0-litre’s performance in the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Giulia. In this application, the 2.0T is tuned to deliver 200 kW and 400 Nm – both massive improvements on the old 2.4’s wobbly-kneed 129 kW and 229 Nm.
The alternative engine remains the 3.2-litre non-turbo V6 with 200 kW and 315 Nm, but it’s only available in top-level Overland trim. Of particular interest is the fact that the Trailhawk (with low-range 4WD, a rear diff lock, and enhanced terrain selector) moved over from the 3.2 V6 to the new 2.0T for its motive power. We’re definitely not complaining about that, either, as the torque boost will be very useful to the only Cherokee with really serious off-road credentials, and a lot more economical to boot.
Related: Reviewing the pre-facelift Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 3.2 V6, we found it capable but thirsty.
3. Updated interior
The pre-facelift Cherokee had a pretty decent interior, with quality materials used and a nice design. No wonder that the facelift car’s interior received only minor updates, but sticks to the well-regarded design. Build- and material quality receives a boost, and new colour schemes and new seat upholstery completes the visual update.
The most significant improvement is in the infotainment system, which gets upgraded from the old UConnect 3 system to the latest UConnect 4 system. UConnect 4 includes 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity, an improved user interface, navigation, and full smartphone mirroring. The colour touchscreen has pinch-and-zoom capability, and comes in either 7.0-inch or 8.4-inch display sizes.
Related: Top 5 Jeep Cherokee features that stand out from the competition.
Conclusion
With a slew of obvious and hidden improvements, the latest Jeep Cherokee addresses most of the criticism its predecessor garnered. It’s much nicer to look at, has a better base engine, and all-wheel drive across the board. Add competitive pricing to the mix, and the new Cherokee looks even better: the range opens at R 724 632 with the 2.0T Limited 4x4, the mid-range 2.0T Trailhawk 4x4 costs R 750 362, and the range-topping 3.2 Overland 4x4 retails at R 776 592 (including a warranty and maintenance plan, both for 3 years or 100 000 km). That’s pretty good value for this class, with those prices justified by improved all-round abilities and a vastly improved appearance. Thanks for listening to your customers, Jeep!
