I guess since I started the thread poking fun at it, it only makes sense to come back and defend it.

The Cherokee needs to be successful. They need a Subaru Outback killer. Gas was $3.75 today, Jeep/Chrysler can't survive long-term on 20mpg Wranglers with consumer demand and CAFE. For every Cherokee they don't sell, they will have to squeeze better MPG out of the next-gen Wrangler.

As far as the looks, the front is a flop. Heck, even Chrysler's own PR have said it will take time to get used to. My guess is they will do a refresh of the front end within the first 2 years, something pretty common as of late (Nissan Rouge comes to mind).

The rest of the vehicle though actually looks pretty decent for its segment. The interior shots look pretty on par as well. If it gets the MPG numbers they are touting it might do well despite its front end.


Jeep needs to learn to market their vehicles differently. Not everything is a Wrangler. Some folks want to drive through snow, some down dirt roads to hiking trails. Not everyone wants to run through every mud hole they can find. Subaru in my opinion does an awesome job with this. They are able to market to the couple who think they need AWD so they will have more weekend adventures instead of watching TV; while also marketing to the rally-cross enthusiast without alienating either group.


Very interested to see more info later in March.