2019 Jeep Cherokee Gets New Engine to Go With New Face

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

We know from spy photos that the refreshed 2019 Jeep Cherokee will (finally) ditch its awkward stacked headlamps, instead adopting a conventional setup that doesn’t make the vehicle look like it’s squinting. The look is more in keeping with the second-generation Compass and Grand Cherokee.

Expect very little outcry over this sensible and long overdue decision.

However, an updated fascia isn’t the only change in store for 2019. The midcycle revamp also brings a new powerplant sourced from the 2018 Jeep Wrangler, documents show.

Thanks to the sleuthing of Bozi Tatarevic, we now know that the Cherokee’s engine family grows by one member for 2019. Joining the lineup, no doubt as an option for uplevel trims, is the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder found in the next-generation Wrangler. (That model debuted last week in Los Angeles to buckets of saliva from amassed journos.)

With a 48-volt mild hybrid system aiding both acceleration and fuel economy, the new 2.0-liter stands to sit atop the Cherokee powertrain summit. Its 270 horsepower is only 1 hp less than that of the 3.2-liter V6 found in the top-flight Cherokee Overland, but its 295 lb-ft of torque out-twists the smaller Pentastar by 56 lb-ft.

The same 2019 VIN code guide reveals the ancient 2.4-liter four-cylinder retains its 184 hp rating, presumably with the same 171 lb-ft of torque. When Fiat Chrysler finds a low-cost component that works, any changes are usually few and far between.

The Cherokee remains a strong seller for Jeep, though volume has tapered off some since the reborn model’s peak in 2015. Sales of the compact crossover rose 44.2 percent in November, year-over-year. Over the first 11 months of 2017, however, sales are down 17.9 percent.

[Image: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles]

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • Pete Zaitcev Pete Zaitcev on Dec 06, 2017

    "We know from spy photos" - and not publish those photos? Puleeeze.

  • Rich Allcorn Rich Allcorn on Dec 06, 2017

    Those of us who actually bought a Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk really "like" the squinty look of a hawk ... in keeping with the "trailhawk" design offroad package it is famous for! It gives this vehicle a "bad ass" look to it. Granted it doesn't look like the Grand Cherokee or the Compass, but then those are "Soccer Mom" cars ... The Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk was designed for Adventure! Treasure it, embrace it ... love it! There's nothing wrong with the headlights ...

    • See 1 previous
    • Rich Allcorn Rich Allcorn on Dec 07, 2017

      @cls12vg30 Now that’s what I’m talking about!

  • TCowner We've had a 64.5 Mustang in the family for the past 40 years. It is all original, Rangoon Red coupe with 289 (one of the first instead of the 260), Rally Pac, 4-speed, factory air, every option. Always gets smiles and thumbs ups.
  • ToolGuy This might be a good option for my spouse when it becomes available -- thought about reserving one but the $500 deposit is a little too serious. Oh sorry, that was the Volvo EX30, not the Mustang. Is Volvo part of Ford? Is the Mustang an EV? I'm so confused.
  • Mikey My late wife loved Mustangs ..We alway rented one while travelling . GM blood vetoed me purchasing one . 3 years after retirement bought an 08 rag top, followed by a 15 EB Hard top, In 18 i bought a low low mileage 05 GT rag with a stick.. The car had not been properly stored. That led to rodent issues !! Electrical nightmare. Lots of bucks !! The stick wasn't kind to my aging knees.. The 05 went to a long term dedicated Mustang guy. He loves it .. Today my garage tenant is a sweet 19 Camaro RS rag 6yl Auto. I just might take it out of hibernation this weekend. The Mustang will always hold a place in my heart.. Kudos to Ford for keeping it alive . I refuse to refer to the fake one by that storied name .
  • Ajla On the Mach-E, I still don't like it but my understanding is that it helps allow Ford to continue offering a V8 in the Mustang and F-150. Considering Dodge and Ram jumped off a cliff into 6-cylinder land there's probably some credibility to that story.
  • Ajla If I was Ford I would just troll Stellantis at all times.
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