Review: Jeep KL Cherokee (2014-on)

Review: Jeep KL.I Cherokee (2014-17)

Overview

Released in May 2014, the Jeep KL Cherokee was a mid-size SUV. Manufactured in Toledo, Ohio, the KL Cherokee was initially available with 2.4- and 3.2-litre petrol engines (the ‘Tigershark MultiAir 2’ and ‘Pentastar’ V6). From August 2014, the Jeep Cherokee Limited was available with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, though this was discontinued in 2015.

Engines: Tigershark, Pentastar and MultiJet II

Of the engines,

• The 2.4-litre Tigershark MultiAir 2 engine had an aluminium alloy block and cylinder head, a single overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing and a compression ratio of 10.0:1;
• The 3.2-litre Pentastar V6 petrol engine had a die-cast aluminium block, an aluminium alloy cylinder head, double overhead camshafts (chain-driven), hydraulic roller finger followers, four valves per cylinder, variable intake and exhaust valve timing and a compression ratio of 10.7:1; and,
• The 2.0-litre ‘MultiJet II’ diesel engine had a cast iron block, an aluminium alloy cylinder head, common-rail direct injection (operating at 1600 bar), a variable geometry turbocharger, intercooler, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 16.5:1. The turbo-diesel engine also had a Start/Stop function which enabled it to shut down when the vehicle was stationary in traffic and achieve a combined fuel consumption of 5.8 litres per 100 km over the combined ADR 81/02 test cycle.

All engines were mated to Chrysler’s nine-speed 948TE automatic transmission.

AWD system

The Jeep KL Cherokee was available with an automatic all-wheel drive system which, in normal conditions, directed the engine’s torque to the front wheels. In the event that the front wheels began to rotate faster than the rear wheels, however, torque could be progressively transferred to the rear axle. The all-wheel drive system also had a rear-axle disconnect function that minimised fuel consumption when all-wheel drive capability was not required.

Although all Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk variants had an automatic all-wheel drive system, two variations were offered:

• For the Cherokee Longitude and petrol-engined Limited variants, Jeep’s ‘Active Drive I’ system had a single speed power transfer unit (PTU);
• For the Cherokee Trailhawk and diesel-engined Limited variants, the ‘Active Drive II’ system had a two-speed PTU, low range gearing and a ‘lock’ mode. The low range gearing provided a 2.92:1 gear reduction ratio, while the crawl ratio for models with Pentastar engines was 47.8:1. The Trailhawk also had an ‘Active Drive Lock’ which consisted of a locking rear differential for greater low-speed power in off-road conditions.

The all-wheel drive systems included Jeep’s ‘Selec-Terrain’ traction control system which provided the driver with five selectable modes:

• Auto: the standard drive mode, the front:rear torque split for ‘Auto’ would vary according to driving conditions, while the need for all-wheel drive would be automatically detected;
• Sport: allowed for a target front:rear torque split of up to 40:60 and would raise electronic stability control (ESC) thresholds;
• Snow: designed for use in inclement weather, ‘Snow’ mode allowed front a target front:rear torque split of up to 60:40, provided full-time all-wheel drive and would accelerate from rest in second gear;
• Sand/Mud: enabled off-road electronic brake controls and provided full-time all-wheel drive which allowed for a front:rear torque split of up to 100 per cent rear; and,
• Rock: reserved for models with the Active Drive Lock, Rock mode was only available when low range gears were engaged (‘4-Low’), enabled off-road electronic brake controls and increased brake lock differential capacity. Furthermore, Rock mode disabled the ESC system and allowed a front:rear torque split of up to 100 per cent rear.

Dimensions

The Jeep KL Cherokee was underpinned by Fiat Chrysler’s ‘Compact US Wide” (CUS-Wide) platform which had a body structure with a high-strength steel content of 65 per cent. Compared to its KK Cherokee predecessor, the all-wheel KL Cherokee was 131 mm longer (at 4624 mm), 20 mm wider (1859 mm), 114 mm lower (1683 mm) and had a 5 mm longer wheelbase (2699 mm); ground clearance was 221 mm.

Relative to the all-wheel drive KL Cherokee, the front-wheel drive Cherokee Sport was 13 mm lower at 1670 mm, while the all-wheel drive Cherokee Trailhawk was 44 mm wider (at 1903 mm) and 40 mm taller (1723 mm).

Suspension and steering

The Jeep KL Cherokee had MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension; the suspension also included frequency-sensitive damping shock absorbers that would react differently to low and high frequency vibrations. For AWD models, the front and rear suspension had 170 mm and 198 mm of travel, respectively, while the Trailhawk variants had an extra 25 mm of suspension travel (front and rear).

The KL Cherokee had rack and pinion, speed-sensitive electronic power-assisted steering.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Jeep KL Cherokee included dual front airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The Jeep KL Cherokee Sport had 330 mm by 28 mm ventilated front brake discs and 278 mm by 12 mm solid rear discs. The Cherokee Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk, however, were fitted with 320 mm by 12 mm solid rear brake discs.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , a left-hand drive Jeep KL Cherokee with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine received a five star safety rating which included a 92 per cent adult occupant protection rating and a 79 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the offset crash test, occupant protection was generally rated as good, though protection of the front occupants’ chests were rated as adequate (i.e. a slight risk of serious injury). In the side impact test, occupant protection was rated as good for all body areas; in the more severe pole test, however, chest protection was rated as adequate.

Under ANCAP’s methodology , this testing resulted in a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 36.16 out of 37 – this ANCAP rating was limited to all-wheel drive models with 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine.

Features: Cherokee Sport and Longitude

Standard features for the Cherokee Sport included 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/60 R17 tyres, a six speaker sound system with Jeep’s ‘Uconnect’ multimedia system, a 12.7 centimetre (5.0 inch) touch screen, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod/SD card), air conditioning, cruise control, a reversing camera (‘ParkView’), daytime running lights, 60:40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows, power adjustable and heated door mirrors with folding function, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, height adjustable front seats, tyre pressure monitoring, three 12 volt power outlets, an 8.8 cm TFT instrument cluster, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

The Cherokee Longitude was further equipped with dual-zone climate control air conditioning, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, front fog lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, a flat folding front passenger seat with in-seat storage, ambient LED lighting, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, a cargo net, power-operated tailgate, roof rails and a deep-tinted windscreen.

Features: Cherokee Limited and Trailhawk

Compared to the Cherokee Longitude, the Cherokee Limited added 18-inch polished alloy wheels with 225/55 R18 tyres, a 506 watt Alpine sound system with nine speakers and a subwoofer, Uconnect 8.4N HD system with satellite navigation and a 21.3 centimetre (8.4 inch) touch screen, leather seats, power adjustable and heated front seats, bi-xenon headlights with washers, front and rear parking sensors (‘ParkSense’), and a 17.8 cm TFT configurable instrument cluster.

The Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk was distinguished by its 17-inch polished aluminium wheels (with black painted pockets) and 245/65 R17 tyres, a matte black hood decal, unique front and rear fascias, grille surrounds, skid plates, off-road wheel flares, accent colour mirrors, tow hooks, red ‘Trail Rated’ and ‘Trailhawk’ badges. Inside, the Trailhawk variants featured red accent stitching on the instrument panel brow, seats, door armrests, centre console lid, shifter boot and console netting.

The Cherokee Trailhawk was also fitted with a ‘heavy-duty’ engine cooling system and auxiliary transmission oil cooler.

2015 Jeep Cherokee Blackhawk

Released in August 2015, the Jeep Cherokee Blackhawk was based on the Cherokee Longitude and powered by the 3.2-litre Pentastar V6 petrol engine. The Jeep Cherokee Blackhawk could be identified by its gloss black treatment for the larger 18-inch alloy wheels, front fascia, grille surrounds, side window surrounds, side sill cladding, badging and roof rails. Inside, features were extended to include an upgraded 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen and DAB+ digital radio.

2016 Jeep Cherokee 75^thAnniversary edition

Released in 2016, the Jeep Cherokee 75^thAnniversary edition was based on the Longitude but could be identified by its low gloss bronze finish for the alloy wheels, badges and trim accents. The Jeep Cherokee 75^thAnniversary edition was available in Recon Green, Brilliant Black, Bright White, Billet Silver, Rhino and Granite Crystal paint finishes.

Features for the Jeep Cherokee 75^thAnniversary edition included Gode-Tex cloth seat inserts and a dual-pane sunroof.

Related links

• Buyer’s Guide: Jeep KL Cherokee (January 2016)
• Buyer’s Guide: Jeep KL Cherokee (November 2017)

Review: Jeep KL.II Cherokee (2018-on)

Overview

The Jeep KL.II Cherokee was released in Australia in April 2018 and was equipped with active safety technologies as standard. As part of the update, the Jeep KL.II Cherokee also introduced the following mechanical changes:

• Engine Stop/Start was introduced for the 2.4-litre ‘Tigershark’ engine;
• For the nine-speed ‘TorqueFlite’ automatic transmission, Jeep claims that new software ‘further refines drivability’; and,
• For the ‘Jeep Active Drive I’ on-demand all-wheel drive system, a 7.7 kg lighter rear drive module will be introduced that reduces low-speed system drag torque by 50 per cent.

Styling

Visually, the Jeep KL.II Cherokee could be identified by its new front fascia, aluminium bonnet, bi-LED projector headlamps with integrated daytime running lamps, and dual LED fog lamps that were surrounded by bright trim details. The body of the KL.II Cherokee introduced a new lightweight composite tailgate that had an integrated light bar. The tailgate was also available with hands-free operation whereby it could be opened in response to a kicking motion beneath the rear bumper (standard for the Cherokee Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk). Other changes included a new ‘push-push’ fuel door and capless fuel fill.

Interior

Inside, the KL.II Cherokee featured fourth-generation ‘Uconnect’ multimedia systems that had 7.0- and 8.4-inch touchscreens and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other changes included:

• 3.5-inch grayscale or 7-inch full-colour displays for the instrument cluster;
• A re-sculpted centre console front media centre hub (USB port and power outlet) that has been re-positioned rearwards and an expanded front storage pocket;
• Increased rear cargo volume;
• New high-gloss Piano Black and Satin Chrome tracer accents; and,
• Lighter colour tones on lower trim panels.

Safety equipment

For the Jeep KL.II Cherokee, the following active safety technologies were fitted as standard –

• Forward Collision Warning Plus (FCW+): operating at speeds above 10 km/h, FCW+ used radar sensors in the grille and a forward-facing camera inside near the rear view mirror to monitor the distance to vehicles or pedestrians ahead. If there was a collision risk, FCW+ would provide the driver with audible warnings and visual warnings (within the Electronic Vehicle Information Centre, or EVIC). The brakes may also be applied briefly to alert the driver. If the driver did not respond to these warnings, the system would provide around one-third of maximum braking force to reduce vehicle speed and mitigate the anticipated collision. If the driver reacted by braking and the system determined that the driver intended to avoid the collision but had not applied sufficient brake system, then the system would automatically provide additional brake force (‘Advanced Brake Assist’). FCW+ also used inputs from other sensors to determine if the driver was actively driving and aware of their surrounds, in which case warnings may be suppressed on the assumption that the driver was in control;
• Lane Departure Warning Plus with Lane Keep Assist: if the vehicle is about to depart from its lane without the indicators having been activated, visual and audible warnings will be issued to alert the driver. If the driver does not response, corrective steering inputs will be applied to guide the vehicle back into its lane;
• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): used dual ultra-wideband radar sensors to detect vehicles approaching from behind and in the driver’s blind spot. If detected, the system would notify the driver of the vehicle(s) via an illuminated icon in the door mirror and an audible chime; and,
• Rear Cross-Path Detection (RCP): when reversing out of parking spaces, RCP could detect approach traffic that may cross the Grand Cherokee’s intended path. If detected, the driver would be alerted by illuminated icons in the door mirror and a driver-selectable audible chime.

Unique within the range, the KL.II Cherokee Limited was equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control with stop & go; when cruise control was active, ACC could reduce vehicle speed to maintain a safe distance to the vehicle ahead and brake the vehicle until stationary. When the road ahead cleared, the Cherokee Limited would automatically accelerate to its previously selected cruising speed.

Features: Jeep Cherokee Sport

The standard ‘UConnect’ infotainment system for the Jeep KL.II Cherokee had a 7.0-inch touchscreen, a six speaker sound system, digital radio tuner, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and USB and 3.5 mm auxiliary inputs.

Beyond this, standard features for the Jeep KL.II Cherokee Sport included 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, cloth seat fabric, cruise control with speed limiter, LED headlights and daytime running lights, reverse parking camera, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob, 60/40 split folding rear seats, remote central locking, power adjustable and heated door mirrors with folding function, power windows, tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment, an electric parking brake, 12 volt power outlets (centre console and cargo area), floor mats, a cargo cover, a 3.5-inch instrument cluster display, tyre pressure monitoring and an immobiliser.

Features: Jeep Cherokee Longitude

Compared to the Cherokee Sport, the Cherokee Longitude was further equipped with dual-zone climate control, an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, LED fog lamps, dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, steering wheel gearshift paddles, proximity key, push-button and remote start, power-operated tailgate with hands-free operation (foot activated) and illuminated vanity mirrors.

Features: Jeep Cherokee Limited

Relative to the Cherokee Longitude, the Cherokee Limited and Trailhawk had an 8.4-inch touchscreen and satellite navigation for the UConnect system, a 506 watt Alpine Audio system with nine speakers (including subwoofer), front parking sensors and a 7.0-inch instrument cluster display.

The Cherokee Limited and Trailhawk also had:

• Parallel & Perpendicular Park & Unpark Assist with Stop System: provided automated steering for parallel and perpendicular parking manoeuvres; and,
• Side Distance Warning: when parking, provided audible and visual alerts when obstacles are detected in close proximity.

Unique within the range (i.e. not standard for the Cherokee Trailhawk), the Cherokee Limited had 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, memory settings (for the driver’s seat, door mirrors and radio), fore/aft adjustment of the rear seats and an alarm.

Features: Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

As per the Jeep KL.I Cherokee, the Cherokee Trailhawk was distinguished by its ‘Active Drive II’ all-wheel drive system. Inside, the Cherokee Trailhawk had combination cloth/vinyl seat fabric.

2019 Jeep Cherokee Night Eagle

The Jeep Cherokee Night Eagle was released in Australia in June 2019. Based on the Cherokee Longitude, the Cherokee Night Eagle could be identified by its 18-inch black alloy wheels, gloss-back finishes for the fascias (front and rear), roof rails, seven-slot grille and roof rails.

Like the Cherokee Limited, the Cherokee Night Eagle was equipped with the UConnect 8.4 system (i.e. an 8.4-inch display) and satellite navigation, and a ‘Longitude Technology Package’ which included Adaptive Cruise Control with stop & go, Parallel & Perpendicular Park & Unpark Assist and Side Distance Warning. Inside, the Cherokee Night Eagle was distinguished by its gloss black accents for the steering wheel bezel, air conditioning bezel and door appliqués.

Related links

• Buyer’s Guide: Jeep KL.II Cherokee (March 2019)
• Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: 2019 Jeep Cherokee Press Kit
• Jeep Australia: Jeep Cherokee
• Wikipedia.org: Jeep KL Cherokee