Refreshed Jeep Cherokee gets a new face and turbo 2.0L four cylinder

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What is it?  A (semi) new face for Jeep’s compact CUV

Why does it matter?   Jeep is FCA’s best foot forward, the plum in the Italian-American automakers portfolio and the Cherokee an all-important compact crossover, the fastest growing portion of the ever-expanding SUV segment.

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Refreshed Jeep Cherokee gets a new face and turbo 2.0L four cylinder Back to video

When will Canada get it?  Spring 2018.

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Should you buy it? Well, the 2019 gets a moderate exterior refresh — the stacked dual-headlight look at the front is gone (replaced by some LED headlamps) and the redesigned rear bumper and tail lights do look lighter. More importantly, a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque joins the 271-hp, 3.2L Pentastar V6 and the 2.4L, 180-hp Tigershark MultiAir2 four.

The new four is part of FCA’s Global Medium Engine architecture and features dual overhead camshafts, direct injection and variable valve timing. FCA has also enhanced the Cherokee’s all-wheel-drive abilities with Active Drive systems ranging from the basic — in Cherokee Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited and Overland models — to a full zoot system with two-speed Power Transfer Unit with low range and mechanical locking rear differential that is standard on Trailhawk models. Trailhawk models offer serious off-road bona fides; an approach angle of 29.9 degrees, a departure angle of 32.2 degrees and break-over angle of 22.9 degrees all with 220 millimetres of ground clearance.

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Inside, three levels of Uconnect connectivity — 7.0, 8.4 and 8.4 with navigation — feature the latest in hands-free operation, easily accessed apps and SiriusXM Radio, Travel Link, Traffic and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are, as is becoming the norm, standard on all Cherkoee’s Uconnect systems. For a mid-model refresh, the 2019 Cherokee gets an impressive list of new features and if previous problems in the sometimes quirky nine-speed automatic are ironed out, there’s a lot of value in this baby ute.

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