Europe’s 2019 Jeep Cherokee Gains New 150 PS 2.2L Diesel

While the facelifted 2019 Jeep Cherokee is already on sale in North America, the compact SUV is only now arriving in Europe. As usual, there are some changes compared to the US-spec model, particularly in the engine compartment.

While the models sold in the United States are offered exclusively with gasoline engines, European-spec 2019 Jeep Cherokees also get two 2.2-liter MultiJet II four-cylinder diesel powertrains.

New entry-level 2.2-liter MultiJet II diesel with 150 PS

Replacing the previously-available 140 PS 2.0-liter unit, the entry-level version delivers 150 PS (148 hp) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque in combination with a six-speed manual gearbox. Customers can have it with standard FWD or optional AWD.

The higher-powered 2.2-liter MultiJet II unit produces 195 PS (192 hp) and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) of torque in combination with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine can be had in a 4×2 configuration (a first for the Cherokee) or as a 4×4 vehicle (with 4WD Low two-speed PTU available as an option). Both diesel engines are Euro 6D-Temp compliant.

Wrangler-sourced 270 PS 2.0-liter turbo-four also on the menu

From the first quarter of 2019, European customers will also be able to order their Cherokee with a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine sourced from the new Wrangler. Rated at 270 PS (266 hp) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque, the unit will be paired with the nine-speed auto and will be offered in 4×4 configuration only. As with the oil burners, it will come with Stop/Start (ESS) as standard.

In specific markets outside Europe (such as Russia, the Middle East, and Africa), the 2019 Cherokee can be had with either the 177 PS (175 hp) 2.4-liter Tigershark inline-four or the 272 PS (268-hp) 3.2-liter Pentastar V6. Both engines are linked to the upgraded TorqueFlite nine-speed auto, which offers a manual mode with paddle shifters (a first for the Cherokee).

Three AWD systems available

As with its North American counterpart, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee sold in Europe offers a choice of three all-wheel-drive systems and rear-axle disconnect technology. There’s the redesigned Jeep Active Drive I automatic four-wheel-drive system, the Jeep Active Drive II that adds a selectable 4WD Low gear change mode with 2.91:1 gear reduction and Hill-descent Control, and the Jeep Active Drive Lock.

The latter is exclusive to the Trailhawk trim and adds a locking rear differential and Selec-Speed Control. All Cherokee 4×4 systems feature the Selec-Terrain traction control system with four modes (Auto, Snow, Sport, and Sand/Mud) — Trailhawk models also offer a fifth mode called Rock.

New face, increased cargo room and more safety kit

There’s not much to talk about as far as the design is concerned, as the EU-spec model looks very much the same as the 2019 Cherokee sold in the US. The most important exterior update is the front end that ditches the bug-eye headlamps for more conventional units (full-LED as standard).

Inside, the SUV features a refreshed center console with additional space for smartphones and the fourth-generation Uconnect infotainment system with either 5.0-, 7.0- or 8.4-inch touchscreens. There’s also a reconfigurable instrument cluster that features standard 3.5-inch grayscale or optional 7-inch full-color displays. Finally, cargo capacity has gained 70 liters for a total of 570 liters up to the parcel shelf.

All 2019 Cherokees sold in Europe bring generous standard safety equipment. Assistance systems include a rearview camera, Active Forward Collision Warning-Plus with Pedestrian Emergency Braking, Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Path Detection, LaneSense Lane Departure Warning-Plus, Advanced Brake Assist, and Active Speed Limiter.

The facelifted Cherokee will arrive in European dealerships starting this month, first in Longitude, Limited and Overland trim. The Sport and Trailhawk models will follow in 2019.