Jeep Cherokee Expected to Make a Comeback in Current Year

Jeep has exciting plans in store for the next 18 months, including the debut of the battery-electric Wagoneer S and Recon, the introduction of the plug-in hybrid 4xe powertrain in the Gladiator, and potential changes to the engine lineup in the Grand Cherokee. Among the highly anticipated releases is the fifth-generation Jeep Cherokee, a nameplate with significant historical importance to the brand.

Originally projected for a 2022 unveiling, the new Cherokee was expected to hit the market in 2024 or 2025. However, according to a report from Italian newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore, there is speculation that the successor to the Cherokee will be announced by the end of this year. This news aligns with CEO Antonio Filosa’s interest in revitalizing the Cherokee nameplate, which was previously questioned by his predecessor.

The upcoming Cherokee may potentially be produced at Stellantis’ Melfi, Italy plant for the European market, following discussions with Italian unions and government officials. The Melfi plant is already slated to produce five vehicles, including the next-gen Compass, two DS models, the Lancia Gamma crossover, and an Opel, all built on the STLA Medium architecture. Despite suggestions that the Cherokee could be based on the STLA large platform, the Melfi vehicles are currently the only models in production on this platform.

For the North American market, the Cherokee is expected to be manufactured at Stellantis’ Toluca, Mexico plant, alongside the Compass. The upcoming Cherokee is projected to have a larger footprint and will offer upscale options similar to the Wagoneer trim. Comparing the STLA Large platform to the current CUSW platform, the new Cherokee is expected to have a longer wheelbase, increased vehicle length, and wider width, potentially making it comparable in size to the Dodge Journey.

As for pricing, industry experts speculate that the new Cherokee could have a starting price around $40,000, positioning it competitively in the market. This pricing estimate is close to the cost of the 2023 Cherokee, which is still available on the Jeep website despite production ending in that year. With its enhanced features and updated design, the next-generation Cherokee is set to make a strong impact in the SUV segment.