The 2019 Jeep Cherokee will be available with the same 2.4-liter Tigershark 4-cylinder and 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 as the current models with a retuned version of the same nine-speed automatic transmission, but with the new face comes a new turbocharged 4-cylinder mill.
This new turbocharged 4-cylinder is similar to the one featured in the new Wrangler, except the Cherokee does not come with the eTorque mild hybrid assist system. It does, however, come with 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, making this the most powerful option in the 2019 Cherokee while also likely making it the most fun to drive. This new engine will likely also be the most efficient option in the lineup, so this premium powertrain should offer the best of both worlds.
More Luxurious Interior
Finally, in addition to the new front end and the new turbocharged engine option, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee benefits from a handful of interior upgrades. First, the new mid-sized Jeep comes with a more premium-looking cabin finish, including Satin Chrome and Piano Black trim on the high-end models. Some of that premium trim encases the 4th generation UConnect system, with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, the buyer’s choice of either a 7- or 8.4-inch touchscreen and all of the other premium features of the industry’s most-awarded infotainment system.
Next, the interior panels of the rear cargo area have been redesigned to yield more storage space while an aluminum lift gate with hands-free operation makes rear-access a breeze.
Finally, the new Cherokee gets a gorgeous dual-pane sunroof, offering sky views for front and rear passengers.
New Trailhawk
The most capable 2019 Jeep Cherokee is, of course, the Trailhawk. This package comes with a unique front and rear fascia for the greatest possible approach and departure angles, a one-inch lift kit, the Jeep Active Drive Lock four-wheel-drive system, a locking rear differential, skid plates, red tow hooks, unique wheels and off-road rated tires.
With an approach angle of 29.9 degrees, a departure angle of 32.2 degrees, a breakover angle of 22.9 degrees and running ground clearance of 8.7 inches, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is the most capable off-roader in the midsize segment.
Pricing and arrival dates haven’t been announced, but we can expect to see the 2019 Cherokee in your local Jeep dealership by this fall, if not sooner.
"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.
"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.
"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.
"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.
"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.
