KL Cherokee received extensive backlash for not being a "proper" Cherokee throughout its nine year production run. Image: Jeep
Having confirmed the arrival of a replacement more than a year ago, Jeep parent company, Stellantis, has started dropping small hints of the tentatively called next generation Cherokee due out next year.
Officially discontinued in March last year after almost five decades due in part to worsening sales brought-on by the change in focus of the less off-road focused KL generation, the Cherokee’s return forms part of a reported three-tier model strategy involving it, the recently launched all-electric Wagoneer S and the incoming Recon EV.
ALSO READ: Jeep reaffirms Cherokee will be replaced, but with what?
Once Jeep’s entry-level offering before being succeeded by the Renegade, the long since discontinued Patriot, still going Compass and in Europe, the Avenger, the claims of the Cherokee possibly going electric has been debunked by recently inducted Jeep CEO, Antonia Filosa.
Confirming the three-model product strategy to US-publication MotorTrend, Filosa, despite not directly referring to the Cherokee by name, admitted that the new product won’t be an EV initially, suggesting it could either be a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) when it debuts.
While likely to ride on one of the predominantly electric-centric STLA platforms, the Cherokee could adopt a similar strategy to the Avenger which offers both electric and hybrid capability, although the latter is represented by a mild-hybrid or conventional hybrid as opposed to the rumoured PHEV.
Highly unlikely is the return of a diesel engine though as per Jeep confirming three years ago that a decision had been taken to focus on electrification rather than prevailing with oil-burners.
Equally as unknown as the powertrain is whether Jeep will use the Cherokee name at all after being accused of racism by an Cherokee tribal group in 2021.
In an interview with Car and Driver at the time, head of the Cherokee Nation, Chuck Hoskin Jr, said while it respects the use of the name as being “well-intended” ever since the original debuted in 1974, “it does not honour us by having our name plastered on the side of a car”.
“The best way to honour us is to learn about our sovereign government, our role in this country, our history, culture and language and have meaningful dialogue with federally recognised tribes on cultural appropriateness,” Hoskin said.
In a subsequent statement to the publication after being informed of Hoskin’s remarks, Jeep stated; “Our vehicle names have been carefully chosen and nurtured over the years to honour and celebrate Native American people for their nobility, prowess and pride.
“We are, more than ever, committed to a respectful and open dialogue with Cherokee Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr”.
For the moment, no details about the “new Cherokee” is known, with the same applying to whether it would be marketed solely in North America or exported as previous generations were.
However, expect information to become apparent over the coming months in preparation for the newcomer’s anticipated reveal in 2025.
NOW READ: Jeep confirms Cherokee replacement, but when, remains unknown
Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.
