Jeep brand boss Mike Manley has indicated the Cherokee will retain the bold and controversial styling theme when it comes time for its mid-cycle nip/tuck next year.
The ‘sour-face’ squinted headlights and curled grille caused many a dropped-jaw upon release, but Jeep’s gamble has clearly paid off, with a solid 4927 sales to date this year in Australia. It is the seventh-best seller in the tough segment.
In its home country in the USA, the Cherokee is the segment leader, with a 31 per cent sales increase compared with last year. It’s easy to see why Jeep wants to stick with the evidently winning formula. In an Automotive News report, Manley said,
“I think the overall styling, the overall shape, the overall accommodation of that vehicle is spot on. I don’t think that there’s anything that dramatically needs to change with that vehicle going forward.”
It was slow out of the gates due to a software glitch with the new nine-speed automatic gearbox. The company has since started to rectify the issues and is currently conducting a customer satisfaction campaign in the US to iron out any further wrinkles.
As for the facelift, due in mid-2016, the Cherokee is expected to undergo minor powertrain improvements potentially bringing improved efficiency. It might also introduce an update for the Uconnect in-car interface to incorporate even more connectivity and app options.
I love Jeeps. The Cherokee is my primary vehicle from their line up right now… I want one so very much someday…