Next Jeep Cherokee could be EV only

Jeep is set to radically reinvent its Jeep Cherokee with an all-new battery-electric architecture that will enable the mid-size SUV to major in both space and capability on- and off-road.

Although not specifically confirmed by Jeep CEO Christian Meunier, the US off-road brand’s global boss acknowledged in an interview with journalists that the ageing Jeep Cherokee was well past its best – and he hinted at an all-electric replacement.

“A lot of Jeep’s products have been recently redesigned, but one that’s been around for a little while now is Cherokee and that’s in a very competitive set of the market,” he said.

“That’s a huge segment in Australia, it’s a huge segment in the US.

“When could we expect to see a replacement for the Cherokee? And is there potential for that to still have petrol engines or would that potentially just go EV? Only it’s the largest segment in the world…

“So that obviously keeps me awake at night!”

Confirming that a new-generation Jeep Cherokee is in development, Meunier also hinted that it could be one of four battery-electric vehicles that will arrive in global markets before 2025.

These include the go-anywhere 2024 Jeep Recon (inspired by the Jeep Wrangler), the all-new Jeep Avenger small SUV and the larger 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S family SUV.

The Jeep Cherokee EV is set to share plenty with the Wagoneer S, sitting on the same Stellantis STLA large platform that has been built to underpin vehicles that measure from 4.7-5.4m long and 1.9-2.0m wide.

No official details have been released concerning the Cherokee replacement, but it’s believed the most expensive versions will come with energy-dense batteries that range from around 100-120kWh and should provide a driving range of up to 700km.

It’s thought the Cherokee will offer significantly less power than the 447kW Wagoneer S, favouring range over performance.

No timescale has been given for its arrival, but a safe bet is the all-electric Cherokee will touch down in 2024 or 2025.

There’s no word if the EV version will be joined by combustion or hybrid powertrains needed to keep the Cherokee relevant in emerging markets or countries such as Australia where battery-electric 4x4 off-roaders are still to take hold.

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