Jeep Cherokee Returns in Sleeker Form at New York Auto Show

NATICK, Mass., April 15, 2013 — The Jeep Cherokee has been out of production for more than a decade, but that will change this spring when the nameplate is revived to replace the outgoing Jeep Liberty midsize SUV. Unveiled at the New York International Auto Show in late March, the 2014 Jeep Cherokee is a departure from generations past, featuring sleeker design lines and impressive fuel economy. However, Jeep claims that the new Cherokee will still feature the leading capability that fans of past versions came to love.

The first production vehicle available with the all-new 3.2-liter Pentastar engine, the 2014 Jeep Cherokee boasts a segment-leading V6 towing capacity of 4,500 pounds. Buyers can also choose a 2.4-liter Tigershark four-cylinder that is estimated by Jeep to return 31 mpg on the highway, which would be an improvement of more than 45 percent compared to the EPA rating of the current Jeep Liberty. Some of the Cherokee's efficiency gains come from its aggressive-yet-aerodynamic exterior, which is set apart by a more contoured version of Jeep's signature seven-slot grille, as well as angled headlight slits that replace the brand's usual circular headlamps.

"The new Jeep Cherokee still lives up to its legendary name when it comes to all-conditions capability, but now it has the style and fuel efficiency to draw in modern commuters," said Richard Gill, owner of Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, a Natick, Massachusetts Jeep dealership. "The 2014 Cherokee will be just as comfortable driving down Newbury Street as it will be navigating bumpy gravel roads in the White Mountains."

Jeep has also packed its new Cherokee with advanced in-car technology to shore up its appeal to today's buyers. A full-color seven-inch LED instrument cluster displays real-time driving information, while an available 8.4-inch color touchscreen for the Uconnect Access infotainment system controls Bluetooth connectivity, navigation and music streaming through apps like Pandora and iHeartRadio. Drivers can also opt for new active-safety technologies, including Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus, Forward Collision Warning-Plus, Lane Departure Warning-Plus and ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist.

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee will be produced at the same Toledo, Ohio, plant as the iconic Jeep Wrangler, which has seen a boost in popularity since it received a new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine for the 2012 model year. To keep up with increased demand for the Wrangler, Jeep hired 200 new workers at the Ohio facility on April 1. U.S. buyers took home 12,901 Wrangler models last month, marking the utility vehicle's best March sales since 2007.

"The current Jeep Wrangler offers an incredible mix of performance and efficiency thanks to its new Pentastar engine, and it is proving highly attractive to buyers," added Gill. "Throw in the fact that the new Cherokee has the potential to become the brand's best seller after it goes on sale later this year, and there could be many more new hires at Jeep's Toledo plant in the future."

About Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram:
Family-owned Brigham-Gill Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram has been helping Metro West drivers find new and used Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge and Ram vehicles for the past 45 years. They also provide expert auto service and OEM Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep parts, all backed up by their friendly, professional staff. Check out their wide selection of new and pre-owned cars, trucks and SUVs at www.brighamgillmotorcars.com, or stop by their dealership, located at 817 Worcester Road (Route 9) in Natick, Massachusetts. You can reach them by phone at 877-881-6196 or like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/brighamgill to get the latest Jeep, Chrysler, Ram and Dodge news.