New Jeep Cherokee features nine-speed automatic transmission

(March 28, 2013) NEW YORK — The renowned Cherokee name returns to the Jeep vehicle lineup for the 2014 model year in the form of a mid-sized sport utility vehicle.

Jeep says the all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee completely redefines the mid-size SUV segment, delivering legendary Jeep 4x4 capability, a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission and fuel economy improvements of more than 45 percent (versus the outgoing Liberty model).

Jeep also touts the vehicle's superior on-road ride and handling, a cutting-edge, revolutionary design, world-class craftsmanship, class-exclusive technology and more than 70 advanced safety and security features.



“The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee will be the benchmark for mid-size SUVs with a new level of on-road driving dynamics and fuel economy, while at the same time improving the 4x4 capability that customers expect from Jeep,” said Mike Manley, president and CEO of Jeep Brand.

“Jeep Cherokee boasts a new design, a nine-speed automatic transmission and two advanced engines, class-leading capability from three innovative 4x4 systems, more than 70 safety features, and a host of new technology features.”

The all-new Cherokee provides a choice of three innovative 4x4 systems for best-in-class 4x4 capability in all weather conditions. The Jeep Cherokee is the first mid-size SUV to feature rear-axle disconnect, resulting in reduced energy loss when 4x4 capability isn’t needed, improving fuel efficiency. The rear-axle disconnect seamlessly switches between two- and four-wheel drive for full-time torque management and does not require input from the driver.

The Jeep Cherokee offers best-in-class V-6 towing capability of 4,500 pounds.

The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee features Chrysler Group’s 948TE nine-speed automatic transmission, the first time a nine-speed automatic transmission has been used in the segment and is standard equipment in all models of the new Cherokee. The nine-speed transmission delivers numerous benefits customers will appreciate, including aggressive launches, smooth power delivery at highway speeds and improved fuel efficiency versus a six-speed automatic transmission.

Efficiency and refinement also are hallmarks of Chrysler Group’s 16-valve, 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir 2 I-4 engine, which comes standard in the all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The 2.4-liter Tigershark engine offers up to an estimated 31 mpg highway fuel economy rating, a more than 45-percent improvement versus the outgoing model, and a driving range on a tank of gasoline of nearly 500 miles. The engine produces 184 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque.

Also available is the new 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 engine is the first derivative of the celebrated 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, named one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines three years running. The available new 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 engine benefits from the same innovations that earned its larger displacement predecessor industry–wide acclaim for efficiency, power and refinement.

For the driver, that means a refined driving experience with reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and an exceptional balance of higher specific power output (84.2 horsepower per liter) while delivering fuel economy improvements of 30 percent versus the outgoing V-6 engine. The 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 engine produces 271 horsepower, 239 lb.-ft. of torque and delivers best-in-class V-6 towing of 4,500 pounds.