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2019 SUVs

Refreshed Jeep Cherokee Includes New Turbo Engine

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Updated Jeep Cherokee delivers style and performance.

2019 Jeep Cherokee
2019 Jeep Cherokee in Trailhawk and Limited garb.

Ever since its 2014 return, the Jeep Cherokee has established and maintained a strong beachhead in the highly competitive small-to-midsize SUV segment. Notwithstanding its polarizing front fascia, the Cherokee has successfully played on both its name and rugged off-road capabilities to stand out. For 2019, an updated Cherokee arrives, delivering a refreshed nose and a new turbo engine to go with it.

NAIAS2018 Jeep Cherokee Debut

Jeep introduced the 2019 Cherokee at the North American International Auto Show in January, two months after debuting the all-new 2018 Jeep Wrangler in Los Angeles. Together, the two models should help Jeep stabilize sales after the automaker trimmed fleet sales by 60 percent in 2017, resulting in a double-digit loss in the US market. Overall, Jeep global sales rose in 2017.

The refreshed Jeep, now entering its sixth model year brings with it a much more pleasing and streamlined front end, aligning with the style of the smaller Compass and larger Grand Cherokee. Instead of delivering separate lighting elements for the headlamps and daytime running lights, the updated fascia includes both in one assembly. The recognizable seven-vertical-slat Jeep grille is also present as are new fog lights and a new hood.

2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk.
The water-fording Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk.

Three Engines, Including a New Turbo

But what’s new under the hood may excite Jeep fans the most. Specifically, an available 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque expands the engine lineup from two to three.

The new engine comes with start-stop technology and joins the standard 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque as well as the 3.2-liter V6, generating 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission works alongside all three engines; front-wheel drive comes standard, while all- or four-wheel drive can also be had.

2019 Jeep Cherokee
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee offers room for five.

Charting the Changes

Other changes include exterior, interior and tech updates, such as the following:

2019 Jeep Cherokee turbo engine
The Cherokee’s new turbo engine.

Redesigned liftgate. The Cherokee’s lightweight composite liftgate features an integrated light bar with a better positioned release handle. Also, a handsfree option automatically opens same when an individual performs a kicking motion underneath with a key fob in hand.

Multiple wheel choices. You’ll find five wheel choices with the 2019 Cherokee, including 19-inch premium polished aluminum wheel on Overland models.

Enhanced Active Drive I system. Jeep calls its three “Active Drive” systems “four-wheel drive,” but what you’re getting is an enhanced all-wheel drive system that mimics some of the capabilities of four-wheel drive. The base Active Drive I system features the latest rear drive module, weighing less for improved performance and fuel efficiency. You still have your choice of Active Drive II and Active Drive Lock, the latter with a mechanical locking rear differential.

Refreshed center console. Jeep updated the center console to move the media center rearward along with an enlarged front storage pocket, USB port and available 115-volt outlet. The interior also benefits from a pair of new color themes, depending on the trim. Three updated UConnect infotainment systems are also available, including one with navigation.

2019 Jeep Cherokee
The 2019 Cherokee’s center console offers a fresh design.

Prices and Availability

Jeep has yet to announce pricing for the 2019 Cherokee available in Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited, Overland and Trailhawk grades. That will soon change as the refreshed model arrives in Jeep showrooms later this quarter. Indeed, production is already underway at Jeep’s Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Illinois.

The Cherokee’s competitive set includes the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Toyota RAV4, Chevrolet Equinox, Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan Rogue, Dodge Journey, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Outback and the Kia Sportage. All models offer standard front-wheel drive with available all-wheel drive except for the Subaru with full-time all-wheel drive.

2019 Jeep Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee is the most capable off-roader in the segment.

See Also — One Week With the 2017 Jeep New Compass

Photos copyright Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.

Subaru Ascent: LA Auto Show Reveal

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Ascent: All-new turbocharged 2.4-liter BOXER engine for Subaru’s largest model.

2019 Subaru Ascent
2019 Subaru Ascent Limited.

The 2019 Subaru Ascent made has made its debut at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, the largest model ever produced by this once niche Japanese automaker. Available in seven- or eight-passenger configurations, the all-wheel drive 2019 Ascent should keep Subaru shoppers searching for a large, family model from running to the competition.

Taking on the Competition

Not since the Tribeca has Subaru yielded a model so roomy. This time, the automaker modified its “Subaru Global Platform” to build an SUV packed with the latest technologies, safety features, and capped by a Subaru-first 5,000-pound towing capacity.

Going big was something Subaru had to do, but we weren’t sure how they would do it. The new model sits on a 113.8-inch wheelbase, easily within the range of competing models such as the Toyota Highlander (109.8 inches), Chevrolet Traverse (118.9 inches), Honda Pilot (111 inches), and the Ford Explorer (112.8 inches).

2019 Subaru Ascent

2019 Subaru Ascent Highlights

As for the 2019 Ascent, it goes beyond the familiar Subaru design language to include such features as rear doors that pivot by 75 degrees for ease of access to the second- and third rows. Shoppers can opt for either second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat, the latter enabling the Ascent to carry eight people.

You’ll also find a 153.5 cubic foot interior and generous cargo space. Indeed, standard cargo space measures 19.6 cubic feet behind the third row, more than 40 cubic feet behind the second row and nearly 72 cubic feet with both the second- and third-row seats folded.

Four grades are available: Ascent, Premium, Limited and Touring. The roomy cabin also features such standard amenities as three-zone climate control, second-row reading lights, available third-row lights, power adjustable front seats with lumbar support, 19 standard cup and bottle holders, eight USB charging ports, and an available 120-volt power outlet.

Under the hood, Subaru introduces a new engine — a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder BOXER engine. BOXER engines come with horizontally-opposed cylinders, a layout common to Subaru and Porsche models. The new engine features a combination of high compression, direct fuel injection, a twin-scroll turbocharger and intercooler, and a valve control system to produce 260 horsepower at 5,600 RPMs and 277 pound-feet of torque across a 2,000 to 4,800 RPM range. Working alongside the engine is a continuously variable automatic transmission with an eight-step manual mode by means of the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

2019 Subaru Ascent

2019 Subaru Ascent

In-Vehicle Technologies

As the largest Subaru model, the 2019 Ascent also offers a complete suite of technologies. A 6.5-inch multimedia system on base models gives way to an eight-inch system with available navigation elsewhere. Moreover, the system supplies smartphone integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Aha and Pandora, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and satellite radio.

Further, you’ll find a Subaru first: in-car WiFi connectivity with high-speed LTE. Also, the Subaru STARLINK connected car services are included, bringing with it emergency assistance, enhanced roadside assistance, and available stolen vehicle recovery and related services.

Subaru supplies a long list of standard safety technologies under its EyeSight Driver Assist Technology umbrella. Specifically, automatic pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure and sway warning, pre-collision throttle management, and an available heads-up display. Other available safety technologies include reverse automatic braking, front view monitor, smart rear view mirror with expanded sight lines, and various lighting upgrades.

2019 Subaru Ascent

Pricing and Release Date

The 2019 Ascent arrives next summer, therefore pricing information wasn’t shared. Typically, manufacturers release such information just ahead of a new model’s release date. That said, we expect well-equipped models to cost about $40,000, which is the usual price point for competing models.

To sum up, the 2019 Ascent completes Subaru’s product line, giving customers every reason to stay with the brand, while likely ensuring that this once niche automaker continues its decade-long growth spurt.

2019 Subaru Ascent

See Also — Out and Back With the Subaru Outback

Photos copyright Subaru of America, Inc. All rights reserved.