2.0-liter Turbo diesel Multijet II with Stop/Start technology. The new, efficient 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine equipped on the new Jeep Cherokee features second generation, Multijet technology developed and patented by Fiat Powertrain. The 2.0-liter turbo diesel is a four valves per cylinder, double overhead camshaft (DOHC) belt driven engine. Fitted with 1600-bar common-rail fuel injection system, solenoid fuel injectors and variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), the new 2.0-liter turbo diesel produces a maximum of 170 hp (127 kW) at 3,750 rpm and torque of 350 N·m (258 lb-ft) at 1,500 rpm in combination with the new nine-speed automatic transmission.

A 140 hp (104 kW) 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine is also offered as a low-output version, with 350 N·m of torque across 1,500 rpm. The low output engine is combined with a manual six-speed gearbox.

The 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine also incorporates “Stop/Start” technology that improves fuel efficiency and reduces CO₂ emissions. The new Jeep Cherokee is the second model in the Jeep lineup to feature the application of this fuel-saving system. Drivers can deactivate the technology via a button on the dashboard and an icon displays in the instrument panel to indicate the Stop/Start status.

In Europe, the 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine with Stop/Start technology is available on the Longitude and Limited trim levels.

The 3.2-liter Pentastar. The new 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 is the first derivative of the renowned 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, and benefits from the same innovations that earned its larger displacement predecessor praise for its efficiency, power and refinement. This contributes to a pleasurable driving experience with reduced noise, vibrations and harshness (NVH) and a high balance of higher specific power output (85 hp per liter) while delivering fuel economy improvements of 30% versus the outgoing V-6 engine. The 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 engine produces 272 hp (203 kW) at 6,500 rpm, 315 N·m (232 lb-ft) of torque at 4,300 rpm and offers towing capacity of 2,200 kg. The 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 engine is available on the Limited and Trailhawk models of the Jeep Cherokee range in Europe.

The 2.4-liter Tigershark. The 16-valve, 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir I-4 is fitted on the new Jeep Cherokee exclusively in Russia and the Middle East. The 2.4-liter engine features MultiAir technology and features the second-generation MultiAir2 system that further enhances combustion control, improves efficiency and reduces exhaust emissions. The 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir I-4 produces 177 hp (132 kW) at 6,400 rpm and 229 N·m (169 lb-ft) of torque at 3,900 rpm.

Segment-first nine-speed transmission. The new Jeep Cherokee is the first mid-size SUV to feature a standard nine-speed automatic transmission. The new gearbox is equipped on the 170 hp (127 kW) 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine and on the gasoline models of the new Cherokee range.

New nine-speed automatic gearbox ensures exceptionally smooth shifts, an extremely wide gear ratio range for optimized acceleration, reduced emissions and improved fuel efficiency. The new transmission also delivers aggressive launches and smooth power delivery at highway speeds.

The new, fully electronic nine-speed automatic, features on-the-fly shift map changing, with manual shifting capability via Electronic Range Select. More than 40 individual shift maps for specific conditions optimize shift quality and shift points, maximizing fuel economy, performance and drivability. To determine the appropriate shift mode, the software takes into account variables, including engine torque gradients, kick-down events, longitudinal and lateral acceleration and grade changes. For improved driving comfort and refinement, additional parameters integrated into the transmission control strategy include: temperature, speed and electronic stability control. The result is automatic shifting, attuned to the performance requirements of almost any driving demand.

The automatic transmission increases vehicle fuel economy through the ratio spread and mechanical efficiency of operating at lower engine revolutions per minute (rpm) in both city and highway environments. The addition of more gear ratios also helps reduce the perceived speed changes normally associated with upshifting and downshifting.

Gear changes are nearly imperceptible due to the evenly spaced gear steps between each gear ratio. Internally, the transmission has four gear sets and six shift elements—multi-disc clutches, dog clutches and brakes. Only three shift elements are open at any time. With fewer open shift elements, drag losses due to multiple parts rotating relative to one another are reduced, improving fuel efficiency.

Architecture. The Compact US Wide (CUS-wide) platform is the basis for the underpinnings of the new Jeep Cherokee. The architecture on which Cherokee is built comprises common, modular and interchangeable components and allows for modularity of the wheelbase, front track, rear track, front overhang, length and width across vehicle lines.

The new Jeep Cherokee’s body structure has a high-strength steel content of roughly 65%. Hot stamped-, high-strength- and ultra-high-strength steel are used to construct a strong, lightweight, solid vehicle architecture.

Safety. Jeep engineers added more than 70 active and passive safety and security features, including an array of innovative systems. Standard safety features on the new Jeep Cherokee consist of seven standard airbags (front seats multistage air bags, side bags, window bags, driver side knee air bag), ESC (Electronic Stability Control) with rollover mitigation (ERM) and ABS with off-road calibration.

To ensure maximum protection, the complete offering of safety features available or optional on the new Jeep Cherokee includes new systems, such as the Forward Collision Warning-Plus, the ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist, the Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus, the Lane Departure Warning-Plus, the Blind Spot Monitoring and the Rear Cross Path Detection.

Forward Collision Warning-Plus detects any traffic-gap changes and in the case of a rapidly approaching obstacle in front of the vehicle activates the brakes and alerts the driver in order to have him or her perform the necessary corrective action.

The ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist feature in the new Jeep Cherokee uses ultrasonic parking sensors on the bumper to find and guide the customer into an available parking space when the driver initiates parking maneuvers. The parking guidance system controls the steering angle automatically; the driver controls the gear position, brake, and accelerator. Parallel parking is possible on either side of the car; during perpendicular parking, the vehicle is backed into the space.

The Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus (ACC), when activated, decreases the vehicle’s pre-set cruise-control speed when closing in on another vehicle in the same lane, or when another vehicle pulls into the same lane. ACC will accelerate to the pre-set speed when the vehicle in front speeds up or moves into another lane. The system will also maintain a driver adjustable distance between the vehicle and the one in front of it and is particularly useful when driving in adverse meteorological conditions or in situations of reduced visibility.

The Lane Departure Warning-Plus system uses a camera-based vision sensor to establish the Jeep Cherokee's position on the road. If an unintentional lane drift occurs, determined by trajectory change and the absence of turn-signal activation, the system will deliver a visual warning and a haptic warning—the subtle introduction of torque from the electric power steering (EPS) system. If the driver unintentionally drifts too far, the system provides a secondary visual warning.

The Blind Spot Monitoring uses dual ultra-wideband radar sensors to aid the driver when changing lanes or if being passed by or passing unseen vehicles. The system notifies the driver of vehicle(s) in their blind spot via illuminated icons on the side-view mirror and with a driver-selected audible chime.

Lastly, the Rear Cross Path (RCP) detection assists the drivers in parking lot situations. This system warns drivers backing out of parking spaces of traffic moving toward their vehicle. It activates any time the vehicle is in Reverse. The driver is notified of vehicle(s) crossing behind the vehicle via illuminated icons on the side-view mirror and with a driver-selected audible chime.