The 2022 Jeep Cherokee is entering the new generation with significant changes. The FCA is going strong into the new season, and we will see a lot of changes in the crossover and SUV classes. Cherokee is the representative in the best-selling class. Even the smaller crossovers will get an update. Rumors are mentioning the Mini Jeep as a new subcompact model. Grand Cherokee is the most popular vehicle in this tier, but it is not getting the third row. Instead, Jeep will launch the Grand Wagoneer. Also, the FCA is moving Durango to the body-on-frame architecture, leaving more room for the Grand Cherokee.
The next-gen crossover is not going to change the name like it was in the third and fourth series. Between 2001 and 2012, Jeep Liberty was the nameplate for the US market, while the worldwide edition was Cherokee. Since 2014, all the versions are called the same. The 2022 Jeep Cherokee is going to be slotted between Compass and Grand Cherokee. The all-new vehicle will keep some of the trademark features, such as the seven-slot grille. Nevertheless, the fresh design will create a new image of the crossover.
Fans of the Cherokee are also asking about a hybrid engine. The compact class already offers such setups and the leading carmakers didn’t waste any time. Well, three configurations were covering different types of buying strategies. Nevertheless, electric models are the future and the small SUV needs a hybrid engine to stay competitive.
2022 Jeep Cherokee Specs
The update of the crossover includes a revisit of the engine lineup. No new petrol unit is going to be added. Instead, the company might discontinue one of the existing powerplants. Well, the biggest favorite to be cut from the offer is a V6. It makes the Cherokee potent, but it also consumes a lot of fuel. The race is measured in miles per gallon and this engine is returning 24 mpg combined. It is providing a different driving impression for the Trailhawk edition, but it will cost you a lot of gasoline.
On the other hand, a new turbo-four can deliver the same amount of power – 270 hp, and even more torque – 295 lb-ft, compared to 230 pound-feet from V6. The gas mileage is slightly better. All engines are mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. FCA should do something about it since it responds slower than expected. The acceleration is better with turbo-four thanks to the extra torque, while the V6 is better for towing.
The entry-level model is using a 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine. It makes the Cherokee on the line with rivals in price and power output (180 hp). Nevertheless, the drive impression is far away from competitive. It is worth paying extra for any of the two abovementioned drivetrains. The fuel economy needs a boost, especially for city driving.
Hybrid Configuration
The compact crossover market is the best-selling segment in the US. Companies are selling more full-size trucks, but there are only six such models in dealerships. On the other side, every carmaker is out there with a small SUV. Some of them are offering a few. These vehicles will offer a drive impression of a car, still coming with enough space for cargo, and what is the most important – excellent fuel economy. The game is now at another level with a few models reaching 40 mpg realm. These are hybrid versions of Toyota Rav4, Ford Escape, and Honda HR-V. Nissan Rogue will probably join this club next season.
Jeep is not offering a hybrid drivetrain for its compact crossover. Definitely, this should be one of the priorities to keep up with the competition. However, the FCA is not giving any indications of this happening so soon. We can read rumors about Wrangler PHEV. It should be the first step in the hybridization of the lineup.
2022 Jeep Cherokee Changes
The level of changes on the 2022 Jeep Cherokee will be huge for the next-gen vehicle. The redesign is taking place to make the vehicle more attractive. But, the coronavirus lockdown slowed things down and we are still searching for test mules to give us any hints on how the future Cherokee is going to look like. Expectations are big. Well, this is one of the best-selling products with the seven-slot grille, not only in the US but worldwide. Jeep also made it clear that the new Uconnect 5.0 multimedia system is on the way. We are looking forward to seeing it on the new Cherokee next season.
2022 Jeep Cherokee Release Date
The new crossover has no release date set yet. Jeep and FCA are monitoring the situation in the market. The pandemic of the COVID-19 virus hit the automotive industry badly. Now, companies are canceling projects and many updates for 2021 are being postponed. It won’t be a surprise if the redesign of the crossover arrives for the 2022 YM. It will leave more time to engineers to develop a hybrid engine. Also, in that case, Uconnect 5.0 will definitely be part of the sixth-gen Jeep Cherokee.
