Review: Jeep KK Cherokee (2008-13)

Overview

Released in March 2008, the Jeep KK Cherokee was initially available a five-seat, four-wheel drive wagon. Manufactured in Ohio, USA, the KK Cherokee was available with either a 3.7-litre petrol V6 engine or a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, mated to four- and five-speed automatic transmissions respectively. Both the 3.7L V6 and 2.8L CRD variants were available in Sport and Limited editions. In March 2012, the range was expanded with the introduction of rear-wheel drive 3.7L V6 variants.

Engines: Petrol and Diesel

Of the engines,

• the 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine had a cast iron block with aluminium heads, a single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 9.6:1; and,
• the 2.8-litre VM Motori R428 turbo-diesel engine had a cast iron block and aluminium heads, common-rail direct fuel injection, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 17.5:1.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the KJ Cherokee , the KK Cherokee was 3 mm shorter (at 4493 mm), 20 mm wider (1839 mm), 69 mm lower (1797 mm) and had a 45 mm longer wheelbase (2694 mm). Furthermore, the ladder-frame chassis was modified and Jeep’s ‘Selec-Trac II’ 4WD system was introduced (detailed below). The KK Cherokee had independent front suspension with short- and long-arms and a live rear axle with five-links.

Selec-Trac II

The four-wheel drive system for the KK Cherokee was Jeep’s ‘Selec-Trac II’ 4WD system, which featured a console-mounted switch to select from 2WD (rear wheel drive), 4WD Auto and 4WD Low modes. The 4WD modes would actively transfer torque to the wheels with grip, including wheels on the same axle (via a ‘Brake Traction Control system’). Furthermore, the ‘4WD Low’ mode would lock the clutch pack for fixed 4WD and engage the low range gear ratios.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the KK Cherokee included dual front airbags, curtain airbags for front and rear passengers, ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control, rollover stability control (‘Electronic Roll Mitigation’), hill descent control, hill start assist, active front seat head restraints, driver’s seatbelt pretensioners and constant force retractors (i.e. load limiters) for both front seatbelts.

Features: Cherokee Sport and Limited

Standard features for the Cherokee Sport included 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with six-disc CD player, auxiliary inputs and MP3/WMA-compatibility, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, remote central locking, rear parking sensors, front fog lights, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, power windows and heated mirrors, power retracting mirrors, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, 12 volt power outlet, tyre pressure monitoring, cargo cover and immobiliser.

Beyond this, the Cherokee Limited added 18-inch alloy wheels, a nine speaker sound system with subwoofer, leather seats, heated front seats, power adjustable driver’s seat, automatic headlights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, floor mats and stainless-steel sill plates.

2011 Cherokee 70th Anniversary edition

In May 2011, 70th Anniversary editions were released. Based on the 3.7 V6 Limited, the 70th Anniversary Cherokee added 18-inch polished ‘Mopar’ wheels with painted accents, a stainless steel mesh grille, sunroof, leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather trim (door armrests and centre console), chestnut accents and stitching, berber floor mats, unique instrument cluster overlay, stainless steel sill plates and ’70th Anniversary’ badges.

Brochure

• Brochure: Jeep KK Cherokee (June 2010)

Related links

• Information Guide: Jeep KK Cherokee (February 2008)
• Brochure: Jeep KK Cherokee (June 2010)
• Wikipedia.org: Jeep KK Cherokee