Put on your detective hat, we have a Cherokee case to investigate. It looks like this Jeep SUV is facing numbered days again. While wearing an iconic nameplate, interest is slowly waning.
Is the Jeep Cherokee being discontinued?
No, it hasn’t been discontinued yet. However, it may go into hibernation or take an extended vacation when production draws to a close. Other models and options are being cut, limiting options for buyers.
shared that this could be the last year for the current generation Cherokee after a moderate 10-year run. Production of the 2023 Cherokee may end in February, so expect inventory to be limited.
Cherokee production began at the Illinois Belvedere plant in 2017. In February, the aircraft will go idle, but it will not shut down. Additionally, there have been significant layoffs at the plant due to reduced production.
You may remember when the Jeep Cherokee was discontinued in 2001 and replaced by the Jeep Liberty. Then it came back in 2013. Now, the Cherokee could be replaced by something new again!
The Cherokee is facing declining sales and needs a major overhaul to get back on track. In 2022, it sold 40,332 units. That’s a 55 percent decrease from 2021, when Jeep relocated 89,126 Cherokee models.
What 2023 Cherokee trims are available?
There are only two models available. You can opt for the Cherokee Altitude Lux 4×4 or the Trailhawk 4×4. Each of the front-wheel models was dropped, including the Cherokee X and Cherokee Limited.
The Altitude Lux adds touches of luxury with 17-inch gloss black wheels, black grille surrounds, black accents and darkened badging. The interior features Nappa leather heated seats with black upholstery and black trim.
With the Trailhawk, you get off-road tires, an off-road tuned suspension, wheel arch extensions, tow hooks, skid plates, an improved 4×4 system, a rear diff lock, and black hood decals.
The 2023 Cherokee has an 8.4-inch infotianment screen, 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, heated seats, adaptive cruise control, heated steering wheel, parking sensors and park assist.
The Altitude Lux is powered by the standard 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine with 180PS and 179Nm of torque. The Trailhawk features a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Also, the 3.2-litre V6 engine with 271 hp and 239 Nm of torque was dropped.
Will Stellantis make a new Cherokee?
It is possible that 2023 could be the last. However, some rumors suggest that the Cherokee name still clings to life. Internal documents suggest that the next generation Cherokee or its replacement could be manufactured at the Toluca, Mexico plant.
Jim Morrison, Head of Jeep Brand North America, shared that the next generation Cherokee will be bigger and better than ever. This provides a glimmer of hope. Plus, the new Cherokee could be electric.
It may borrow from the new Jeep Avenger EV, which isn’t offered in America. Say tune in for the latest updates as the future of the Cherokee hangs in the balance. We may receive more updates once the plant shuts down in February.
