I edited my comment for explanation as to why I think Jeep called it the Cherokee.

 

 

The specs are interesting but, it's ugly as sin. I've never even heard of a 9 speed automatic transmission. That things gotta be huge!

Best-in-class capability
Three new four-wheel-drive systems that raise the standard for mid-size SUVs:
Jeep® Active Drive I with one-speed power transfer unit (PTU)
Jeep Active Drive II with two-speed PTU and low range
Jeep Active Drive Lock with two-speed PTU, low range and locking rear differential
New Jeep Selec-Terrain traction control system with up to five customized modes – Auto, Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud and Rock
Best-in-class V-6 towing capability – 4,500 pounds
Jeep Trail Rated capability
Up to a 56:1 crawl ratio, a 90-percent improvement versus the outgoing model
Vastly improved fuel economy – up to 31 mpg
First SUV with nine-speed automatic transmission
Industry-first rear-axle disconnect resulting in reduced energy loss when 4x4 capability isn’t needed; improving fuel efficiency
2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir I-4 delivers a more than 45-percent fuel economy improvement versus outgoing model and nearly 500-mile range
First use of Chrysler Group’s new 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 engine
Superior on-road ride and handling
First Jeep vehicle to utilize Chrysler Group’s Compact U.S. Wide (CUS-wide) platform
New independent front and rear suspension
Increased torsional stiffness
Exceptionally quiet cabin
New Jeep design with world-class craftsmanship
New aerodynamic design cues combine Jeep heritage with advanced technology
Aggressive approach and departure angles contribute to leading capability Advanced LED lighting technology with distinctive daytime running lights
Premium, well-crafted interior with extensive use of soft-touch materials
Class-exclusive all-new CommandView panoramic sunroof and Sky Slider roof
Array of advanced, cutting edge technology features
Full-color 7-inch reconfigurable LED instrument cluster
Uconnect 8.4-inch color touchscreen media center
Uconnect Access Via Mobile
More than 70 advanced safety and security features
First Chrysler Group use of ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist System aids the driver in parallel/perpendicular parking
Clever functionality and versatility
Second-row 60/40 split folding seat moves fore and aft for passenger comfort and cargo flexibility
Fold-flat front passenger seat with covered in-seat storage
Useful, clever storage features throughout the Cherokee cabin
Innovative Jeep Cargo Management System

 

"Up to a 56:1 crawl ratio, a 90-percent improvement versus the outgoing model"
wait... there is an outgoing current cherokee?

 

LMAO!! I'm guessing since they no longer make the "Cherokee", that they've resigned to referring to the "Grand Cherokee" as just a "Cherokee".
As odd as that sounds, it's the only thing that puts any sort of sense to that statement.

 

Theyre talking about the liberty i would think

 

This new jeep van is replacing the Liberty I've heard. But why call the Liberty "Cherokee?"

 

I remember years ago being at rubicon and watching many an auto maker test their rides. Honda with the CRV quite capable but the AWD would overheat, Suzuki(what a bad rap) quite capable, ARO(who doesn't exist anymore) had to use alot of detours but looked good doing it, JEEP with all its glory still had trouble in spots and if I remember Cherokee did better than Wrangler in stock form. Just saying the new "Cherokee" is ugly but it may surprise us all in the end. Do I want one, NO, but someone out there will and besides with all of our complaining chrysler/fiat/mercedes/JEEP may pull their head from that warm place they seem to like keep it and redesign the Cherokee for us.

 

that was off road?

also, thing looks like a futuristic ugly van. and probably too expensive to take down a trail to begin with. thumbs down!

 

During the "reveal" at the NY Auto Show, he explicitly says the former Cherokee. I believe the stock crawl ratio for an automatic XJ is ~30:1. In foreign markets the Liberty was still called the Cherokee as far as I understand. Maybe they are just getting rid of the discontinuity, or maybe they legitimately think this deserves the name. Once people get this offroad, I think people will surprised what it can do. According to one of the Japlonik articles I read, the trailhawk is equipped with stronger halfshafts. Haven't been able to find that otherwise yet, but it would be incredible if Jeep had the foresight to strengthen those.

 

What would be too expensive? So in 1998 the Cherokee Classic had an MSRP of 22000. With the inflation rate from 1998 to 2013 increasing by 42.4% that would put the price at 31355.29. So if the base Cherokee with AWD is priced below 30000, then it will actually be relatively cheaper then the XJ. If the Trailhawk is priced below 35000 (1998:24550 2014:34967) then it would be equal in price to the model tested here.

http://www.theautochannel.com/vehicl...8/gap9823.html

Obviously the difference in price between a 1998 Cherokee now and the 2014 Cherokee will be vastly different in current markets since one is 16 years old. In comparisons though I think we should try for apples to apples ie new to new.

Also can I say I am tired of people acting like the XJ Cherokee commercials were so much more hardcore offroad? Have you watched them? They are very similar to the video at the beginning.

Here is where I got the inflation data:
http://www.usinflationcalculator.com/
http://www.usinflationcalculator.com...-1913-to-2008/

 

I do like the fact that it appears to be a true 4x4 (as in getting power to all 4 wheels) but I also noticed that like many of the newer Jeep offerings, it has very little ground clearance and almost no flex.

The nose is hideous though. Just because it has a 7 slot grill, doesn't make it a Jeep. I think they could have come up with a better looking design.

Oh I see (did some more reading), the 31mpg is the 2wd 4 cylinder version and there are 3 4x4 versions, only one of which is "trail rated"......the Trail Hawk and while it still retains that hideous nose, it gets a whopping 2" of additional ground clearance and the bumpers are slightly different to give it steeper approach and departure angles. It has the Jeep Active Drive Lock system (whatever that is) and a locking rear diff. 29 mpg isn't too shabby for the V6.

The 20" water fording capability looks promising but, they went and made it front wheel drive.

 

Here are the specs Allpar is releasing. Not sure of their source but its pretty interesting.

http://www.allpar.com/SUVs/jeep/spec...erokee-14.html

http://www.allpar.com/SUVs/jeep/2014-cherokee.html

 

At least they state that it is less capable off-road.

 

Ewwwww..........that pale bluish color is