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Jeep really wants you to have the new Cherokee on your shopping list, and part of that sales pitch is the notion that its small SUV is adventure ready. But, the lack of a Trail Rated (Jeep’s marketing lingo, not ours) model has been notable since the iconic nameplate returned earlier this year. That changed today.
On Monday, Jeep confirmed the Cherokee Trailhawk is returning and provided the first glimpse of its latest model to deliver “more off-road capability.”
Last year, Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf told us the new Jeep Cherokee would still be capable off-road. To date, that’s been a promise that hasn’t been met, yet. But Broderdorf did say it would take time for additional models of the hybrid-only crossover to roll out. Indeed.
The Cherokee Trailhawk sports a revised front fascia with red tow hooks. It’s hard to see much else from the tight shot aside from the fact that the main bumper isn’t body colored, but we would hope that approach (and departure) angles are improved over the street-oriented models on sale today. Smaller wheels and larger rubber would be appropriate and expected.
Don’t expect much change to the powertrain. Today, the Cherokee is only offered with a 1.6-liter turbo-four hybrid powertrain with 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque sent to all four wheels via an e-CVT. A two-speed transfer case is likely out of the picture, but a rear locker might be onboard for the Trailhawk model. Extra off-road drive modes surely will be along for the ride.
Jeep hasn’t said anything beyond releasing the single teaser image, noting the automaker is gearing up for more off-road capability, and that more information will come at a later date.
Not a moment too soon as the automaker’s been a bit lost in the wilderness and fans are hoping it can find the trail again.
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As Director of Content and Product, Joel draws on over 15 years of newsroom experience and inability to actually stop working to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media. He’s also a World Car Award juror.
