Jeep has upgraded the Cherokee, which will be offered in the UK in Limited and Overland trim levels and with the 2.2-litre MultiJet 192 bhp engine with automatic transmission. Prices will be announced closer to the car’s introduction.

The exterior of the new Jeep Cherokee has been refreshed “to deliver a new, modern appearance and distinguished look that remains true to Jeep’s iconic style while projecting the model’s premium personality”. The new exterior design features a new fascia, standard full LED headlamps, daylight running lamps (DRL) and fog lamps surrounded by bright trim details. The signature ‘waterfall’ bonnet has a new lightweight aluminium structure and is separate from the front wings, further contributing to the Cherokee’s distinctive look.

The standard Jeep Cherokee line-up offers five new wheel options including a 19-inch premium polished aluminium wheel on Overland models.

Consumers will also have their choice of 10 different exterior colours: Bright White, Diamond Black, Velvet Red, Billet Silver, Granite Crystal, Light Brownstone, Firecracker Red, Hydro Blue (the last two exclusive for the Cherokee Trailhawk), and two all-new colours – Olive Green and Pearl White.

The 2.2-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel featuring Stop/Start (ESS) technology, when paired with the nine-speed automatic transmission, produces 192 bhp, 332 ft lb of torque and is available in the 4×4 configuration (with 4WD LOW two-speed PTU available as an option) and – for the first time on Cherokee – also in the 4×2 configuration.

The architecture of the 2.2-litre MultiJet II four-cylinder engine includes a specific 16 valve twin camshaft aluminium head designed to withstand the increased working pressure of the common rail with Injection Rate Shaping, which operates at 2000 bar. The design of the pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft, is optimised to reduce weight.

The shape of the combustion chamber and the reduced compression ratio guarantee low NOx emissions and high performance, while the solenoid injectors atomise the fuel very finely for greater fuel efficiency and a quieter drive.

The engine features a novel variable geometry turbocharger integrated in the exhaust manifold. This reduces engine weight and improves the functionality of the exhaust gas treatment system ‘SCR on filter’. This is a solution that integrates the Selective Catalyst Reduction functionality over a DPF substrate, in order to promote NOx reduction through ADblue injection (the underfloor passive SCR manages ammonia slip, continuing the reduction process), and Particulate Matter reduction through regeneration management. The 2.2-litre engine is Euro 6D-Temp standard compliant.

The upgraded nine-speed transmission uses new control software to further refine drivability, ensure aggressive launches, smooth power delivery at highway speeds and improve fuel efficiency. And for the first time ever on Cherokee, the model can feature a manual mode with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel for additional sportiness and driving comfort (this feature is standard on all automatic all-wheel drive versions).

The new Jeep Cherokee also receives the latest Uconnect systems, delivering communication, entertainment and navigation features and other innovations designed to enhance both the driving experience and onboard comfort.

In the UK, Jeep Cherokee is equipped with the Uconnect 8.4-inch system, which includes enhanced processing power, faster start-up times and touchscreens that display high-resolution graphics. The system allows the driver to control many onboard features, including climate and audio, directly through the Uconnect display. Jeep Cherokee models equipped with the Uconnect 8.4 system features high-definition, full-colour capacitive touchscreens and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionalities.

Functions of the new Uconnect system also include hands-free calling, navigation and text-to-talk features for a safe, comfortable and connected everyday driving experience. Built-in radio options are also available to allow drivers and passengers to stream Internet radio through Bluetooth or plug-in compatible personal devices into USB or AUX ports.

New Cherokee Range

In Europe, the new Cherokee line-up will offer four trim levels at launch – the Sport, Longitude, Limited and Overland. The Cherokee Sport trim – has been enhanced offering additional style features and technology, including Full LED Projector headlamps, 17-inch painted aluminum wheels, leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel with mounted audio controls, a 5-inch Uconnect Touchscreen Radio system with voice command and Bluetooth connectivity, and a full line of standard safety features to face the most challenging urban adventures, including Forward Collision Warning-Plus, LaneSense Lane Departure Warning-Plus, Advanced Brake Assist and Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Path Detection.

The Jeep Cherokee Longitude adds more functionality and enhanced styling, with body colour mirrors and door handles, bright day light opening mouldings and silver roof rails, new premium cloth seats, dual zone automatic temperature control, Keyless Enter-N-Go, Rear parking sensors with Parkview Rear Back-up camera and a 7-inch High-Definition Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

Premium style and additional amenities come together in the Limited trim offering Nappa leather-trimmed electrically adjustable and heated front seats, carpet covered cargo space, 7-inch color TFT configurable instrument cluster, new premium 18-inch painted aluminum wheels, Uconnect high definition 8.4-inch Navigation System with Apple CarPlay support, Android Auto technology and a premium audio system. Also included as standard are an all-new hands-free power liftgate, Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus with Stop & Go function and front parking sensors.

The top of the range Jeep Cherokee Overland brings even more luxury into the everyday adventure and adds to the to the standard equipment of the Limited new 19-inch polished aluminum wheels, body-coloured painted fascias and CommandView dual-pane power sunroof. The interior features expertly crafted soft Nappa leather-trimmed and ventilated seating, bold interior accents, leather wrapped dashboard, Zebrano wood-accented heated steering wheel and heated rear seats.