Latest news with #Wagoneer
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
The Iconic Cherokee is Back: See the First Look at the 2026 Hybrid SUV
After 10 years in its U.S. lineup, Jeep discontinued the fifth-generation Cherokee in 2023, leaving a mid-sized void between the subcompact Compass SUV and the bigger Grand Cherokee. Though its departure was noticed, its time out of the spotlight was very short, as Jeep recently revealed that an all-new Cherokee is on the way for the 2026 model year. Although Jeep's parent company, Stellantis, only released two actual photos, a short teaser video, and very limited details ahead of a much more detailed reveal in "late 2025," the publicly available visuals showcase a very modern, but Jeep-esque design through and through. The new 2026 Cherokee is a much-welcome return to form compared to the previous generation, which traded Jeep's signature boxy looks for Fiat-esque design elements. While the last generation's rounded front end divided Jeep fans into two camps, the new Cherokee plays it safe without necessarily compromising or straying from the Jeep school of design. Like most Jeeps, both old and new, the 2026 Cherokee's signature seven-slot grille is front and center, but the first feature of the new Cherokee that the eyes meet is its high hood line and flat-looking front end; a clear departure from the conventional crossover SUV looks of the last iteration. While it shares some design elements with the revamped Compass, the all-electric Wagoneer S, and the larger Grand Cherokee, the new model has a boxier and more conventionally "tough" appearance than the car-like looks of crossover rivals like CR-V, RAV4, and Forester. Pictures of the 2026 Cherokee's rear end are currently not available, but Jeep confirms that the new "reimagined" next-generation Cherokee will have a "new, efficient and powerful hybrid propulsion option," which is instrumental in Jeep maintaining a lineup with "industry-leading ICE propulsion systems, plug-in, hybrid and all-electric offerings." Jeep fans know that the Cherokee pioneered SUVs and modern automobiles. Introduced in 1974 as a smaller alternative to the swanky Wagoneer, the Jeep Cherokee was one of the first vehicles to be advertised formally as a "sports utility vehicle." Though it rode on the same SJ chassis as its Wagoneer big brother, the humble Cherokee proved a popular option for drivers who wanted a step-up from CJs (the predecessor to Wranglers) with features like an enclosed cabin, room for up to six passengers, and more importantly, four doors, which was introduced in 1977. However, the introduction of the second-generation Cherokee (XJ) in 1984 made the boxy Jeep a cult vehicle with a legacy that extended far beyond the 17 years it was in production. The XJ was the first SUV to feature a unibody construction like a modern-day crossover, which made it much lighter and feel much more "car-like" behind the wheel than the heavy truck-based SUVs of the period. As a result, the Cherokee was popular beyond the recreational off-road market, cementing its status as a popular family vehicle and even spawning the bigger Grand Cherokee in 1992. Although Stellantis doesn't explicitly state that the new 2026 Jeep Cherokee drew inspiration from the XJ itself, a teaser video shows the new car superimposed against stock and modified XJs, accompanied by text that reads, "Classic for a Reason." In its release, Stellantis stated that the new "reimagined" Cherokee for next year "respectfully honors its rich history with an innovative eye toward the future as the Jeep brand continues to meet the needs of every driver and every journey." As we saw a few days ago, Stellantis has appointed Antonio Filosa as its new CEO, and I hope he will prioritize fast-tracking this new model when he takes over in June. Having an attractive and competitively priced model in the ever-competitive compact crossover SUV market would help STLA gain some legs in a market dominated by the CR-V, RAV4, Forester, and Rogue. In a similar vein to what I mentioned with the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan, to compete in a crowded, "cookie-cutter" segment of bestsellers is to sell a product with something that takes eyes away from the siren song of Honda, Toyota, Subaru, and Nissan. Volkswagen is going its own way by packing its Tiguan with Audi-levels of luxury features. Still, for Jeep to sell its Cherokees, it needs a special 'X-factor' beyond its rich history and off-road capability if the ordinary 'NPCs' of the car-buying public will fall in love with Jeep again. Perhaps we'll find out in "late 2025." Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
TimesLIVE
5 days ago
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Cherokee returns as Jeep relaunches iconic model
Jeep has confirmed the new sixth-generation Jeep Cherokee is set to be launched in the US later this year to slot between the Compass and Grand Cherokee. The midsized SUV makes a comeback after the fifth generation was discontinued in 2023. Stellantis provided almost no technical information except to say it would feature hybrid power. The company released pictures showing the Cherokee has the brand's latest design cues, as seen on the new Compass, launched earlier this month. Though Jeep said the Cherokee has been reimagined from the ground up, the newcomer has the brand's customary seven-slot grille and rugged shape. 'The all-new Jeep Cherokee headlines our efforts to deliver more product, innovation, choice and standard content to customers than ever before,' said Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf. The Cherokee first appeared in 1974 as a variant of the Wagoneer and evolved from a full-size SUV to a compact SUV and finally into a crossover SUV. For the moment Cherokee is only destined for the North American market, and Stellantis told BusinessLIVE it cannot confirm whether the vehicle will come to SA. In SA, sales of the last-generation Cherokee ended in 2021. Jeep's local line-up comprises the Grand Cherokee large SUV, Wrangler 4x4 and Gladiator double-cab bakkie.
The Citizen
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Boxy and big replaces compact as Jeep debuts all-new Compass
Third generation Compass takes after the Grand Cherokee and despite being earmarked for Europe, will have hybrid and EV powertrain options. Completely different from its predecessor, the Compass now resembles its Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer sibling externally. Image: Jeep Teased sporadically since October last year, Jeep, in the early hours of Tuesday morning (6 May), officially debuted the all-new Compass as its global line-up filler between the Avenger and the Cherokee. The replacement for previous MP generation that went on-sale nine years ago, the third generation Compass makes the transition towards electrification similar to its junior sibling, though combustion engine motivation remains in the form of hybrid assistance. New platform Reportedly aimed at Europe, with production again taking place at the Melfi Plant in Italy, the Compass becomes the latest model to ride on the parent company Stellantis' STLA Medium platform that had originally been developed as an EV-only architecture, but still supports combustion engines. ALSO READ: New direction being prepared as Jeep starts teasing next Compass Dimensionally, the Compass gains on all fronts with an overall length of 4 550 mm, wheelbase of 2 795 mm and width of 1 928 mm. Claimed boot space, therefore, also expands to 550-litres, with EV models offering an additional 34-litres underneath the bonnet. Inside and out Styled to resemble to the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, the Compass' interior takes after that of the Avenger and Cherokee/Grand Cherokee as well with the same steering wheel, but two new additions in the form of a 16-inch Uconnect infotainment system and a 10-inch digital instrument cluster. Interior represents a massive change from the old Compass. Image: Jeep Aside from making extensive use of physical buttons and switchgear, the centre console now houses a rotary gear selector, the wireless smartphone charger and a Wrangler-style toggle selector with a red surround for the Terrain Select off-road system. While exact specification will differ from market to market and also trim grade, Jeep has confirmed the inclusion of Matrix LED headlights, up to 20-inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree surround-view camera system, heated and electric front seats, and Level 2 autonomous safety and driver assistance systems. Hybrid or EV With its mentioned focus on Europe rather than North America, the Compass' powertrain options mirror those of its STLA Medium-underpinned siblings, the Citroën C5 Aircross, Opel Grandland and Peugeot 3008/E-3008. As such, the pair of hybrids consist of a 48-volt mild-hybrid developing 107 kW and a plug-in hybrid outputting a combined 143 kW. No details about the combustion engines or in the latter's case, size of the battery was revealed. Rear continues to incorporate elements from the previous Compass, but also the Avenger. Image: Jeep For the EV models, three options will be offered: a single-motor front-wheel-drive making 155 kW, an unspecified middle variant and the flagship dual-motor all-wheel-drive outputting 275 kW. Regardless of the outputs, all three EVs support DC charging up to 160 kW, which will require a waiting time of 30 minutes from 20-80%. The standard on-board charger produces 22 kW, with the claimed range, for the two-wheel-drive, being 650 km. Not yet South Africa Now available for ordering in Europe, sales only commence around the third quarter of the year with delivers kicking-off in the final quarter. Unsurprisingly, and despite the first two generations having been sold locally, no mentioning of the third generation Compass coming to South Africa has so far been made. ALSO READ: Righting the wrong? Jeep Compass determined to find its True North
Miami Herald
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Shopping for a 2025 Jeep Wagoneer? Here's What Experts Say You Should Look At Instead
It's been three years since the famed Wagoneer name returned following a three-decade hiatus. The 2025 Jeep Wagoneer remains emblematic of those who like living large. Offered in standard and L extended-wheelbase models, the standard Wagoneer measures 215 inches long and 94 inches wide. (We review the extended-length SUVs separately.) Being that sizable, it's no surprise that the Wagoneer offers three rows of seating and 179 cubic feet of passenger space, as well as 26 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 117 cubic feet with rear rows stowed. Riding atop the Ram 1500 pickup's underpinnings, this massive body-on-frame SUV clocks in at about three tons. Moving this mastodon is a 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder powerplant. It provides a smooth 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels or through one of three available 4×4 systems. Towing is rated at 10,000 pounds, depending on the axle ratio. A fully independent suspension is standard, while a Quadra-lift air suspension with semi-active damping and a solid or hollow stabilizer bar is optional. The ground clearance is 8.3 inches with the standard suspension and 10 inches with the air suspension. Piloting this pachyderm is far less intimidating than you might expect, as it feels smaller than it is. Of course, smaller is relative here. The steering is perfectly weighted, and the ride proves refined with the air suspension. Stopping does take time, but it's always controllable and fairly prompt. Not surprisingly, the ride is supple and soft. The instrument panel features a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, and an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front seat passenger. The system comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, Amazon FireTV and Alexa, and a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, so this sucker is connected. It's quite the package, but one that's not without its competition. Here's what else you should consider. Derived from the Chevrolet Silverado pickup platform, the Chevrolet Tahoe is one smooth operator, delivering the power, space, and capability you'd expect. Being a Chevrolet, you won't get the fancier trim you'd get in the costlier GMC Yukon or Cadillac Escalade, but you won't pay their prices either. For 2025, there's a newly-standard 11-inch digital instrument cluster and 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a wireless smartphone charger. Dual rear seat displays and a Bose audio system are optional. The Tahoe offers 176 cubic feet of passenger space, including a surprisingly sizeable third row, while still offering 26 cubic feet of cargo space behind it, expanding to 123 cubic feet. It can carry 330 pounds of stuff on its roof and hold 825 pounds when parked. It also has eight inches of ground clearance. Powertrains are unchanged, with a choice of a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8, 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V-8, and a 305-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel. Notably, the larger V-8 requires premium fuel, while the smaller one doesn't. A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard with either rear- or all-wheel drive. Towing is rated at 8,400 pounds, which is below its competition. GM's Magnetic Ride Control suspension is optional, and very worthwhile as it provides a comfortable ride without undue body motions after hitting a bump. There's body roll in corners, and the steering feels artificial and light, as you'd expect. There's more than sufficient power, with the transmission providing prompt downshifts or staying in gear long enough to provide the power requested. Altogether, it makes for a very satisfying-to-drive, full-size SUV. Despite not being as large as its leviathan rivals, the 2025 Ford Expedition still proves competitive. At 210 inches long, the still-sizeable SUV provides 172 cubic feet of passenger room and 22 cubic feet of cargo volume, expanding to 109 cubic feet with rear rows folded. Ground clearance is 8.7 inches. Its instrument panel features a 24-inch instrument display and a 13.2-inch center-mounted touchscreen that incorporates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, and built-in Google software. Power comes from a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 and 10-speed automatic transmission with rear- or four-wheel drive. It delivers 400 horsepower, although a high-output 440-horsepower version is offered. Its suspension is fully independent, and towing is rated at up to 9,600 pounds. Nevertheless, the Expedition trails its Detroit rivals in driving pleasure, although the Ford nearly matches the Jeep for towing. Still, it lacks the engine choices of the Chevrolet or the indulgent detailing of the Jeep or Nissan. It does still feel quicker than its rivals, and that might matter more to some. Sharing much with its international stablemate, the Nissan Patrol, the Nissan Armada is a body-on-frame SUV that's the same length as the Ford, but four inches wider. Like the Ford, the Nissan comes with a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 delivering 425 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque through a nine-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels or all four. Towing is rated at 8,500 pounds. The Armada shares its major components with the redesigned Infiniti QX80, but it uses regular unleaded fuel rather than premium, which the Infiniti requires. A fully independent suspension is standard, and an air suspension is offered on top trims and is tuned for off-road comfort, which brings out body lean while cornering. Steering is nicely weighted, however. But there are other differences from the Armada as well. The Nissan uses physical buttons, not on-screen controls, for its climate control, drive modes, and other systems. Speaking of screens, the Armada comes with dual 12.3-inch screens for the driver and infotainment systems, growing two inches larger on posher models. There's also standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless charging on all but the base trim. The interior is beautifully crafted, boasting upscale touches we didn't expect in a mainstream SUV. Altogether, it makes for a very competitive full-sizer that too many buyers bypass. Completely redesigned for 2023 with mechanicals borrowed from the Toyota Tundra pickup, the body-on-frame Sequoia is the smallest rig here, at 208 inches long. That doesn't mean it's small, but it should be easier to maneuver in tight spaces. The Sequoia differs in other ways as well. Consider its powertrain: a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 engine mated to an electric motor that generates 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels. Four-wheel drive is optional. Towing is rated as high as 9,520 pounds, depending on model, beating the Chevrolet, Ford, and Nissan, but not the Jeep. Still, the Sequoia is fairly quick, with the hybrid's motor negating any turbo lag. It's also fairly fuel efficient for such a big boy, but light steering and soggy brakes don't make this much of a joy to drive. There are other issues that may have you thinking twice about the Toyota. It's the only vehicle here that uses a solid-axle rear suspension, rather than a more sophisticated independent rear suspension, and the hybrid battery pack gobbles up space. This means a relatively high cabin floor, with only 157 cubic feet of passenger space. Cargo space also trails its competitors at a mere 12 cubic feet, expanding to 89 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. That said, folding the third row doesn't make for a flat load floor, as in its rivals. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 8-inch infotainment touchscreen are standard, with posher trims getting a 14-inch touchscreen with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Unless a top tow rating is your concern, of the vehicles here, we'd opt for the 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe. It offers a range of driveline options and interior features that make it a top full-size SUV. It just edges out the Jeep in our opinion, although the latter offers the most interior space here, which is better than the Chevrolet if that's your priority. The Nissan is a surprisingly strong entry since its redesign, and well worth testing before you decide. We are less enthralled with the Ford, although we love its speediness. The Toyota's hybrid driveline is impressive, and its towing capacity is strong, but its interior packaging noticeably trails its rivals, limiting its practicality and usefulness. In the end, whichever of these you choose depends on what you prioritize in a new SUV. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
At $10,000, Is This Broken 1990 Jeep Grand Wagoneer A Grand Bargain?
According to the seller, today's Nice Price or No Dice Jeep suffers from only a sagging headliner and... a blown engine. Let's see if this woodgrain-clad classic is priced to make us overlook those minor foibles. I think we can all agree that when deciding to join a cult, you should, at the very least, pick one that's fun. That means seeking out those espousing healthy eating habits and comfortable footwear over Kool Aid drinking and orgies involving non-bathing people. It could be conjectured, accurately, I might add, that the owner base of BMW's somewhat experimental electric car, the i3, represents a bit of a cult. Not only do they share an affinity for the funky little car, but they have banded together to support and maintain those cars after BMW not-so-metaphorically kicked them to the curb. At $7,300, the price tag of the 2014 BMW i3 REX we considered yesterday was less of an issue for most of you than that current lack of manufacturer support. Being left behind is no fun, and in the case of the i3, the result was that all it could manage was a narrow 53 percent Nice Price squeaker of a win at even that modest a price. Read more: 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: A Value That Comes At A Price Let me ask you this: do you consider Jeep to be in the vanguard of automotive innovation and societal marketing manipulation? Or has it always been more of a scrappy company looking to expand its appeal beyond a core audience to make an extra buck? Handed off, hot potato-like from manufacturer to manufacturer, Jeep has mostly been a niche player, offering solid but basic 4X4 trucks to people whose asses are immune to being chapped by such plebeian fare. That hasn't stopped the brand from occasionally stepping out of its comfort zone into adjacent markets with models like the boutique Jeepster or carving out entire new niches in the automotive world by going upmarket with the likes of the Wagoneer. Introduced in 1963 and proving enduring enough to carry on through four corporate parents (Kaiser, AMC, Renault, and Chrysler) and a nearly three-decade-long production run, the Wagoneer is considered the first true luxury SUV, combining solid off-road ability with car-like comfort. Long before the likes of Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon arrived to command rich people's easily-earned cash, there was the Wagoneer, followed by the even fancier of pants Grand Wagoneer. Still crude by today's standards, these commodious 4X4s were pretty posh in comparison to their contemporaries, offering such category-leading luxuries as electric seats, leather upholstery, and alloy wheels. The top-of-the-line Grand Wagoneer first appeared in the 1984 model year to replace Wagoneer Limited. The model would serve as the last of the line, with nothing but a few subtle improvements introduced in each ensuing model year following Chrysler's acquisition of the Jeep brand until its final model year in 1991. The new parent even left the old AMC 360 V8 with a two-barrel as the Grand Wagoneer's sole powerplant option, not seeing the value in engineering the truck to take Chrysler's own fuel-injected engine. Chrysler's influence did make those last few years the gold standard for used Grand Wagoneers today. That run is represented by this 1990 edition in blue with a sand interior and the finest vinyl wood money can buy. Not only is this SJ one of the production run's most sought-after, but the seller claims it's been maintained to stay in the game and has seen a number of updates—new exhaust, radiator, alternator, and power steering pump, among them—to keep it on the road. But it's not on the road. Instead, it's in the seller's garage and any new owner will need either a trailer or a AAA membership to get this Grand Wagoneer home. That's owed to a non-functional engine, which the seller says went belly up due to a skipped timing chain. They claim that the damage could be fixed. However, these are interference engines, so rebuilding the engine will likely require more than just a new gear and chain set. The seller's suggestion of an LS swap seems extreme, considering that there are still companies on the market offering remanufactured long blocks for the 360, and that option would be pretty much plug-and-play. The question, of course, is whether the rest of the SJ is even worth the effort. I'd wager that it is. The bodywork does exhibit some dings and dents but is otherwise pretty solid and rust-free. Inside, there's decent upholstery, albeit unmatched front to rear, due to the replacement of the front buckets. According to the ad, the original seats will come with the truck. A big screen stereo with Apple CarPlay has been ensconced in the dash, and as nice of a feature as that is, it looks totally out of place in the old-school space. Lastly, the headliner is doing a droopy-drawers thing, but the seller says if it doesn't bug them, it shouldn't bother us. It's safe to say that the Grand Wagoneer as a model enjoys a significant following, so much so that there has been an entire industry devoted to their restoration and prices that reflect such desirability. This one is nice, has a modest 106,000 miles on the clock, a clean title, and, with its blown engine, is an order of magnitude cheaper than any of those turnkey editions. It's also not broken beyond the capabilities of a driveway wrencher or competent local garage. If the truck were rusted out or needed more than just a heart transplant, it would be an arguably better decision to just walk away. As it stands, we now need to consider the truck's $10,000 asking price to determine if it's actually worth digging in and getting it back on the road. What do you say? Is this Grand Wagoneer worth that $10K asking in light of the additional investment required to experience its luxury to the fullest? Or do the cons outweigh the pros, demanding that the broken Jeep be a better-priced bargain? You decide! Nice Price or No Dice: San Francisco Bay Area, California, Craigslist, or go here if the ad disappears. Help me out with NPOND. Hit me up at robemslie@ and send me a fixed-price tip. Remember to include your commenter handle. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
