Jeep has already launched the next-generation Cherokee and it certainly looks promising. The compact SUV, which is part of Jeep’s MY2015 line-up, boasts a vicious design and some solid specifications. AutoCar have given the Cherokee a test drive and it tells an unexpected story.
The testers tried the Jeep Cherokee Limited 2.0 JTDm-2 170 4×4 Automatic and rated it at 1.5 stars out of a 5. This is surprising as it contradicts with the hype and the promises made by Jeep.
The Cherokee tested is powered by a 2L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that is mated to the new 9-speed automatic gearbox. The vehicle is able to hit 62mph from standstill at just 10.3 seconds and there is a top speed of 119mph. The motor generates 168hp in total and 258lbs-ft of torque. The Cherokee also has an average fuel consumption rating of 48.7mpg.
Here is the problem. Unlike most carmakers, which had no problems with their diesel mill, Jeep’s diesel motor is described as super clattery and coarse. It simply made the Cherokee underpowered. AutoCar faced a lot of difficulties when changing lanes thank to this offerings.
In addition to that, the powertrain is slow to auto-restart, slow to kick down, unresponsive in manual mode, indecisive when left in D and delivers hurried gear changes. The performance simply didn’t translate well when on the road.
Prior to the Cherokee’s release, Jeep teased on it being able to compete in the luxury compact SUV segment but it turns out to be a massive failure in our books.
The Cherokee AutoCar tested retails at £35,000 and for that same price; consumers can get more from the likes of Land Rover, Audi and many others. It is no wonder why the SUV is rated at 1.5 stars out of 5. If Jeep is ambitious, then they should have been more serious with the Cherokee.
