2014 Jeep Cherokee Reviews Finally Coming In

[91AzXJ 2]

The Cherokee Trailhawk is fashioned after the Grand down to the red tow hooks on front.

[dzJeepChic 2,380]

The Cherokee Trailhawk is fashioned after the Grand down to the red tow hooks on front.

 

Yeah now I understand what you meant. Most of the '6 things that are better on the 2014' are on the Trailhawk.

[Russell84 1]

They forgot to mention the biggest way an XJ is better than the new Cherokee...... SOLID AXLES. They can explain away whatever they want about how "good" an off-roader the new one is, but even with lots of money in mods, it will never compare to a mildly modded XJ.

[91AzXJ 2]

It's like they said in JP Magazine, had they called it anything other than Cherokee, it likely would have been accepted as a moderately priced trail worthy vehicle. There is such sentiment that goes with that name that anything other than an inexpensive capable out of the box vehicle is a total let down.

[SSRx7 0]

I think that if I had $35k to spend, I would take a new JK Unlimited. If I wanted a "crossover" I'd buy one a lot cheaper than that. If I wanted to buy a 4x4, the JKU is what I would buy.

 

Wait I'd buy the JKU anyways, even if the new "Cherokee" had solid axles and a transfer case.

 

Other than not liking the front end at all, It doesn't look too bad. I think that it's main market will be in snow states where roads are slippery. I don't think that the market for them will be "offroad". But time will tell...

 

One thing that is here to stay though is technology. Computer controlled electrical systems are overcoming a lot of the things that used to take a lot of money to overcome. 3.2 v6 putting out 271 horsepower? I remember when we used to have to put cam, heads, headers and a big holley 4barrel carb just to make 300 hp, and then you really had something. Hill decent, hill ascent, traction control, electric power steering, variable cam timing, sequential cylinder cutout, stuff like that.... no wonder cars are expensive...

[Scramblin_Jim 1]

At the Thanksgiving I went down to the car show at the Civic Plaza and drove several cars. I did drive both the 2014 Cherokee Limited and the 2014 Grand Cherokee Limited one right after the other around the downtown Phoenix streets. Both vehicles were the 2 wheel drive versions clearly aimed at the families not offroaders. I liked the ride quality and size of the new Cherokee much better than the Grand for a seat of the pants approach to vehicle testing. Price of the two vehicles tested were in the $30's with the Grand approaching $40K! Inside the show they had a Sport version of the Cherokee that started in the mid $20's. Again I was not there to consider buying either vehicle as I am more than happy with my Rubicon and would get another Rubicon before either of these vehicles because of where I drive my Jeep. Like others have said, if you lived in the ice and snow states, then this is where the marketing is aimed at. And of course around here there are thousands of the older Grand Cherokees just commuting never to see the trails as we all do. That is the reality of the market place. If I wanted a Jeep product for my wife to drive back 'n forth to work then I would look at the new Cherokee over the Grand. . . but then again her Avalon is such a nice big reliable car that gets 24mpg in town and 38 mpg (driving sensible) when we take it on road trips. Why would I make the switch?

[dzJeepChic 2,380]

It's neat you got to drive one Jim. I wouldn't mind driving a new Cherokee sometime for comparison's sake. I'm sure it's more comfortable, easier to get in and out of, quieter, and such, but I'm sure I'll still like Clifford better.

[91AzXJ 2]

So today, Jeep unveiled the prototypes going to Moab for the EJS. Among the prospects is the Jeep Cherokee Dakar.

 

Jeep Cherokee Dakar

 

The Jeep Cherokee Dakar is the most extreme Cherokee ever. The Silver Steel Satin Gloss exterior skin is strikingly set off with prototype Flame Red graphics that encircle the window and wrap around the black hood graphic. The Trailhawk 17-inch polished Satin clear coat wheels feature two large Flame Red pockets, with the Cherokee nameplate also changed to a Flame Red hue.

Front-end features are enhanced by two prototype Flame Red inserts on the traditional Jeep seven-slot grille, as well as through a prototype lower fascia trim. Cherokee Dakar is fortified for off-road action, equipped with Jeep Performance Parts rock rails, an oil pan skid plate, front suspension skid plate, two-piece fuel tank and underbody skid plates.

Cherokee Dakar's wheel openings have been modified in order to accommodate larger 33-inch BFGoodrich Mud Terrain tires. The rough-and-ready look rises with a prototype Jeep Performance Parts lift kit, and additional suspension modifications help make it the most extreme Cherokee yet. Prototype wider fender flares with riveted bolts give a tougher appearance and also accommodate the wider track and larger tires. A prototype rear fascia allows for an even more aggressive departure angle and enhances the higher ride height. Cherokee Dakar's crawl ratio is 48:1, and estimated approach and departure angles are 32 and 39 degrees, respectively.

Inside, prototype Katzkin leather black seats with "Machined Gunmetal" inserts are heightened with Header Red stitching, which is also found on the steering wheel, armrest and shift boot. A Flame Red insert accents the entertainment center. Accessories showcased from the Mopar catalog include all-weather floor mats, bright door-sill guards with the Cherokee logo, a cargo tray for storage, and the JCMS with the Trailhawk bag, as well as the prototype Moab off-road bag.

[scottL 173]

The "Most Extreme Cherokee Ever" looks more like an Isuzu MU-X with a set of Bushwacker fender flares on it to me.

[91AzXJ 2]

They never mentioned what they did with axles and gearing to be able to move those 33's.