2014 Jeep Cherokee has GCC debut at Dubai Motor Show

The all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee made its official debut at the 2013 Dubai Motor Show, and despite what you may think of its styling, it looks like the most promising compact 4×4 in its class.

The new Jeep Cherokee will offer both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive, with a choice between a 184 hp 2.4-litre “Tigershark” 4-cylinder and a new 271 hp 3.2-litre “Pentastar” V6. A new 9-speed automatic transmission is standard on all models. It features four-wheel-independent suspension.

There are four different versions — Sport, Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk. The last one is the most offroad-capable version, meaning its “Trail Rated” badges are backed up with different bumpers with better approach/departure angles, big red tow-hooks, a Selec-Terrain system with low-range gearing and a locking rear differential. Lesser all-wheel-drive versions can be had with a basic Selec-Terrain system.

Other available features include a park-assist system that gives you directions on how to park into a particular space, an 8.4-inch touchscreen with optional navigation and rear camera, adaptive cruise control with auto-braking, and more.

We spoke to Jeep EMEA head Chris Ellis and Jeep engineer Don Schmansky, who told us that the new model has been tested in our hot weather and modified for the GCC with a bigger a/c condenser, dual 400W cooling fans and more, aside from heat-shields for the exhaust and better rubber seals for the doors. The interior has also been paid attention to, with Fiat’s guidance, and we can confirm that it boasts the best cabin materials in its class, with generous soft-touch surfaces on all doors and a stitched-leatherette dash on top models.

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee is expected to reach showrooms in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other GCC countries in the first few months of next year.

Photos by Salma Sultana, Faisal Khatib & Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury.

Keep track of the latest prices and updates in the Jeep Cherokee buyer guide.