It has been a while from the last time we caught a prototype of the refreshed 2018 Jeep Cherokee. Today, however, we got a video of the partly camouflaged SUV while it’s cruising somewhere in Los Angeles. Although still covered, the vehicle seems to be ready for its debut. Moreover, we are pretty sure it’s ready because the official introduction is scheduled for the upcoming Los Angeles auto show.
Even though the camouflage on ends points out what’s changed, we believe that the mid-cycle refresh could bring more from a mere cosmetic update. Yes, the ends are just tweaked here and there, but the new crossover will be better from today’s model due to far better equipment and more potent engines.
The standard model will likely use the existing 2.4-liter four, but there will be two optional mills offered. One is the existing 3.2-liter V6, which will reportedly deliver more power than now, while the second unit should be the all-new 300 horsepower strong 2.0-liter Hurricane. All options will use a nine-speed automatic transmission and there will be the usual choice between front- and all-wheel drive. The 2018 Cherokee is rumored to get a Trackhawk badge as well. If that actually happens, we highly doubt it will come right away or even if it comes that it will use the most potent Hellcat engine.
Exterior changes will mostly hit the front end. The SUV should get a larger bumper and restyled grille in the front, but that’s still buried beneath the camouflage. We noticed, however, that the 2018 Jeep Cherokee lacks its usual headlights. Instead of today’s split headlights, the carmaker added lights in one piece only. Plus, we are pretty sure that the glint of prototype’s running lights shines LED. There are certain revisions in the rear as well. Though, the new elements affect taillights and bumper only, while everything else appears to be unchanged.
The refreshed 2018 Cherokee will probably get some updates inside, but we haven’t seen the interior yet. Still, December’s premiere is not too far away, so we should get more info about the interesting crossover in the coming months.
