Jeep’s mid-size Liberty model ended its eleven-year production run last August, when the Toledo North Assembly plant in Toledo, Ohio, was shut down to re-tool for a completely new model. There’s been little word on the new mid-size Jeep since then, but rumors began circulating earlier this month that Jeep would revise the iconic Cherokee name for the SUV in the United States.
That made perfect sense, since outside of North America, the Cherokee name never went away. Last week, Jeep finally revealed some early images of the new Cherokee, and we’re not the first to point out the SUV’s polarizing lines. Critics have dubbed it the “new Pontiac Aztec,” or even the spiritual revival of the quirky Isuzu Vehicross. We’d counter that with fan ravings on its good looks, but those comments are hard to find. We’re trying to be impartial, ourselves, but the best we can say for the styling is that it’s distinctive.
The 2014 Jeep Cherokee will debut at the New York Auto Show next month, and Chrysler is promising it will come to market with best-in-class capability, pleasing on-road mannerisms and a significant gain in fuel economy. It’s a given that the Cherokee will be built in a “Trail-Rated” version, too, and assembly will take place in Toledo, Ohio.
Also, don’t forget that you can get discounted new car pricing with a free quote through qualified local dealer partners.
The 2014 Jeep Cherokee will hit dealer showrooms in the third quarter of 2013. Pricing and models will be announced closer to the launch, and we’ll bring you more details following the SUV’s official intro in New York.
In the mean time, we have to ask the question: what do you think of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee’s looks? Is it trend-setting, or has Jeep gone a step too far?
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
