Like every European Jeep, the new Cherokee is sprouting diesel models and, unlike the Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel, will not be coming to the U.S. Chrysler said it has no plans “as of now” to sell us the Cherokee Diesel (they dropped the “Eco” badge, perhaps since Europeans already know that diesel engines are very efficient).
When the Cherokee Diesel debuts at the Geneva auto show in March, it will arrive with two 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engines derived from those used in Fiat’s commercial van, the Transit Connect-sized Scudo, and the Alfa Romeo Giulietta. Called Multijet II, both diesels deliver a hearty 258 lb-ft of torque (Chrysler didn’t specify the rpm, but in the detuned Scudo, max torque occurs at 2000 rpm). The only difference between the two is horsepower. Cherokee Diesel models with Chrysler’s nine-speed automatic get 170 horsepower, while the six-speed manual (please, don’t get us started) comes with a 140-hp version. When the Cherokee Diesel goes on sale in the second quarter, Continentals can specify oil-burners in either front- or four-wheel drive on Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk trims, but not the entry-level Sport.
Considering that a rear-wheel-drive Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel is EPA-rated at 30 mpg highway, a lighter, front-wheel-drive Cherokee Diesel could easily score in the mid-30s. Mercedes-Benz and Audi apparently see U.S. sales potential for their GLK250 Bluetec and Q5 TDI crossovers, so we see no reason why Jeep can’t certify the Cherokee Diesel model for our market. After all, Jeep is building the Cherokee in Toledo, Ohio.
- First Drive: 2014 Jeep Cherokee 2.4L
- Instrumented Test: 2014 Jeep Cherokee V-6 4×4
- First Drive: 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ecodiesel V-6
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