"Can the Cherokee go off-roading? Yes. Is it worthy of the Jeep name? Yes."
See I can quote selectively too.

The styling is different and unique. First time I saw it I hated it but it has started to grow on me honestly.

My wife currently drives a CR-V and when we go to replace it I will definitely consider the KL. Because while it isn't a rock-crawling, articulating beast, reviews show it to be comfortable on road with an ability to hit some gravel. That is all the 4x4/AWD capability we need (which is really none, but it makes my wife feel more comfortable for snow and if mama is happy, I am happy).

But hey, haters gonna hate. I think you all just need to accept it for what it is, a crossover. Get over the name.

 

Different and unique? It's ugly. It's ok, you can be honest with us all.

Jeep isn't about luxury and hauling your wife around in comfort. If this is what you think Jeep is about, I feel sorry for you.

 

lol. Tell that to the Chrysler corporation. Have you seen the new Grand Cherokee? Or the price on them?

 

The English language is a very precise tool. Did I say Jeep was about hauling my wife around in comfort? Read the words again. Jeep is about getting away. And yeah if they can get away and still be comfortable they will be. Lets look back at the history of Jeep and show me where Jeep has pulled away from creature comforts as opposed to adding them (across the entire lineup) and I will agree. People are getting softer and softer which means automobiles go the same direction.

And yes different and unique. Not ugly. Maybe we just have different taste? Did you ever stop to think not everyone agrees with you? Kind of like I think you are a short sighted nincompoop, unable to cope with a changing market. Where as you problem think I am a yuppie, scarf-wearing, liberal who just wants life handed to me.

 

They are ugly.

 

You sure like to make a lot of assumptions about people, mainly that I give you much thought. You think I'm short sighted? I would disagree with that. I'm worried about Jeep and it's future. Keep watering down the product, chase away the core of the brand, and what are you left with? Fickle buyers who want the latest and greatest and don't care what name is attached to the front of it. Not the people who have multiple Jeeps in their driveways, not the people who will continue to make their product desirable in the used car market, not the people who make a product a cult following. Jeep shouldn't be out chasing the market, it should be doing what Jeep has always done, carving out it's own niche in the world.

 

Given today's buyers, CAFE standards, current economy, and direction of the automotive industry, what should the KL be?

 

It shouldn't be period. Jeep would of been better off releasing the truck they keep promising they'll make, but never do. Make a basic compact truck, offer an off road package, offer a manual transmission, offer up a diesel, and watch them sell like hot cakes.

 

I agree they should bring the truck. Supposedly 2016 will see one, but I am not holding my breath. However, Jeep stills needs to bring its average MPGs up in order satisfy CAFE standards or else pay a penalty. They are stuck between increasing MPG and charging even more for their vehicles. Hence the KL.

Jeep either plays ball and gets some more MPG out of other vehicles or they substantially change the Wrangler (which reportedly will get the 8 speed from the GC).

The KL should have true 4x4 as opposed to FWD w/ rear assist as it does. But I think the concept of the vehicle is much needed. High fuel economy option with an ability to adventure.

 

This is what makes me howl with laughter at every "crossover" out there, especially the advertisements for the KL. Based on your description there's no reason a Toyota Corolla wouldn't work just fine.

 

What truck? A jeep truck?

 

Like the Brute or Gladiator Concept from a couple years ago.

Yeah I mean you are right. I would buy a stationwagon but she has a vote, so crossover it is.

 

 

R.I.p. Cherokee, but I'll take a one of those wrangler pickups. I think if you're going to start a forum for them then combining the fiat models that share that platform would better share information.

 

@SolCalxJ4.0. That pic is awesome.