At this point you probably know that the Liberty is on its way out and that the Jeep Cherokee will have to fill its shoes, so to speak. However, we haven't devoted much time to talking about what you can expect out of the new model. With production on the 2014 vehicle just getting underway, we thought now would be the perfect time to fill you in on this exciting new crossover.
First off, it's got the Jeep moniker right above the grille. So you know it will be a capable SUV. But this model differs from many of its predecessors in styling. The Cherokee sports a curvier look than you might expect from the brand. Though it's very appealing, it isn't just about aesthetics; the unique appearance has a lot to do with aerodynamics, too.
The frame, in conjunction with the model's 2.4-liter Tigershark engine, is estimated to help the model achieve 31 miles per gallon on the highway. That's a full 45 percent increase over the Liberty's fuel economy figures. Don't worry though; performance hasn't fallen by the wayside. Its 271 hp and 239 lb-ft of torque should stand up to whatever jobs you've got in mind.
Believe or not, even with that huge gain in efficiency, the Cherokee still manages to offer more interior space than the Liberty did. The backseat in particular got a little cozier with added legroom and a new recline function. Of course, those seats fold forward, too. So increased cargo space is always an option.
We expect the new Jeep model to hit our Fort Wayne, IN showroom soon. For more information about the crossover, feel free to stop by O'Daniel Motor Sales to hit up our staff with all of your questions.