Jeep is in the big process of renewing the whole lineup. After the recent redesign of the company’s most important model, Grand Cherokee, as well as the comeback of the legendary Wagoneer, it’s time to do something about the compact Cherokee. The current generation has been around since 2014 and we consider that this is probably the most competitive segment of the automotive industry, it’s pretty easy to conclude that the full redesign is near. Some reports suggest this will happen already next year, with the 2023 Jeep Cherokee.
So far, there are no words from the officials about this redesign. Therefore, the only thing we could do at the moment is to speculate and make some predictions. This refers to various things, starting from the platform, exterior design etc. Of course, novelties are expected under the hood as well, in terms of electrifications.
We presume that the 2023 Jeep Cherokee would arrive sometime in the second half of 2022.
2023 Jeep Cherokee Design
Design-wise, we have no doubt that the 2023 Jeep Cherokee will come with significant changes. First of all, it will ride on a new platform. We still don’t know which one, but we know that there are two possibilities for the next-generation Cherokee. The first one is, of course, the Giorgio platform. This architecture underpins the new Grand Cherokee. This would mean an RWD layout, while the other benefits would be significant weight reduction, improved handling etc.
Also, keep in mind that Jeep is now part of Stellantis, which includes PSA Group as well. So, we wouldn’t be surprised if the 2023 Jeep Cherokee comes with a design that has a lot in common with some of Peugeot’s models, particularly the 3008 model. In that case, the new Cherokee would keep the FWD layout, though it would come with plenty of new possibilities regarding electrification and other technologies.
Exterior
Since the officials are still quiet, and there is no test mule yet, the 2023 Jeep Cherokee’s styling is still a mystery. At this point, we can only speculate about the look and what comes to mind is the brand’s new design language, introduced with new Wagoneer and Grand Cherokee models. So, we may presume that the new Cherokee would come with a pretty similar front-end design, which would mean an evolutionary design approach.
When it comes to dimensions, we don’t expect significant changes compared to the current model. The current model features 106.3 inches in wheelbase and 182 inches in total length, which are typical dimensions for the segment of compact crossovers.
Interior
The cabin design is probably the weakest point of the current generation. Rivals offer nicer materials, better build quality, more tech features etc. Simply, the current Cherokee lags behind the competition in this aspect. So, we expect to see some big changes in the upcoming redesign. Of course, the focus would be on interior quality and tech features, while we count on new aesthetics as well.
Besides the new cabin look, we also expect slight improvements regarding interior space. The current model stands pretty well in this aspect, offering two adult-friendly rows of seats. The 2023 Jeep Cherokee shouldn’t be any different, though we would like to see a little bit more cargo space in the new model.
2023 Jeep Cherokee Engines
When it comes to the powertrain, there are several possibilities for the next generation. Most likely, the company will get rid of the older-generation units, such as a 2.4-liter inline-four and the 3.3-liter V6. On the other hand, the current 2.0-liter turbo-four will remain on the offer. This engine puts out 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, which is enough power to ensure respectable driving dynamics. Also, we count on a new transmission, which will probably be an 8-speed automatic.
Considering the possibility of tight cooperation with Peugeot, we shouldn’t exclude the possibility to see a couple of hybrid versions as well. This particularly refers to the new PHEV system from the French company, which is based on a 1.6-liter turbo-four engine and comes in two different versions. The standard one comes with the electric motor at the front and puts out around 225 horsepower. There is also a version with the additional electric motor on the rear axle, which increases the max output to 300 horsepower.
2023 Jeep Cherokee Release Date and Price
Although some reports suggest that the all-new 2023 Jeep Cherokee would come in the second half of 2022, the officials are still quiet. In any case, we presume that the next generation would be slightly more expensive, though the actual price tag will largely depend on the powertrain choice. Key competitors should be models like Ford Bronco Sport, Chevy Blazer etc.