1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited on 2040-cars

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Chrysler recalls small number of 2013-2014 cars and trucks over engine debris

Chrysler is recalling a small number cars over issues with their 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines. The recall, which affects 522 examples of its 2013 Dodge Avenger and Chrysler 200 models, as well as 2014 Jeep Compass and Patriot CUVs has to do with potential debris in the balance shaft bearings.
The abrasive stuff can cause the oil pressure to drop, which could lead to the engine stalling or outright failure. This situation could at best leave drivers stranded and at worst lead to a crash.
Chrysler will begin notifying owners, who will need to report in to have the balance shaft module replaced. All repairs are naturally free of charge. Scroll down for the bulletin from NHTSA.

2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Drivers' Notes Review | Capable, yet costly

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is the refreshed version of a model that debuted back in 2014. It was a controversial model. Opinions were mixed on the styling — especially the front fascia — and some considered it an insult to the Cherokee name. Still, we liked that version so much we spent a full year with one. It proved to be a solid and reliable crossover that racked up more than 27,000 miles in just 12 months. This refreshed model occupies a strange place in Jeep's lineup. The Cherokee is positioned between both the Compass and Grand Cherokee, though it offers less interior space than either one of those. Pricing on the Cherokee falls right on top of those two models, too, meaning shoppers have to look hard to see what the best fit may be for them. The refreshed styling is certainly less polarizing, though it now means the Cherokee is less distinctive. This Trailhawk model is the midsize Cherokee's most rugged variant. It features a beefed-up suspension, more aggressive rubber, new front and rear bumpers, and an enhanced four-wheel drive system. Despite its car-based platform, the Cherokee Trailhawk is still plenty capable, but there is a price to pay for all that capability. Editor-in-chief Greg Migliore: I would not buy this Cherokee. With a sticker of more than 41 grand, it's too expensive. You can get pretty capable Wranglers and pretty nice Grand Cherokees for this price point. But, if you really love the Cherokee, this decked-out Trailhawk Elite is kinda awesome. You get all of the Trailhawk aesthetics and off-road prowess — you just have to pay for it. The Cherokee is in an interesting spot for Jeep. Even with the 2019 refresh, it's still fairly old, with most of the major elements dating to the 2014 relaunch of the Cherokee model. The Compass is arguably a better deal. It's newer in its lifecycle, starts at a lower price point and offers more cargo volume than the Cherokee. That being said, after rolling around town in the Cherokee for a couple nights, I'd probably buy one before I'd buy a Compass. It feels more substantial and more like a Jeep. I like the design. With the smoked grille and exterior trim, meaty wheels and flared fenders, this one looks especially sharp. Besides, the Compass' cargo volume advantage is less than 2 cubic feet. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

2019 Jeep Cherokee First Drive Review | Still the most truck-like crossover SUV

The history of the SUV has been one of ever-increasing refinement, and that arc bends towards carlike forms. It's a trend that even the hardiest of nameplates has succumbed to, including the venerable Cherokee, which for 2014, moved from the solid-axle brick of yore to the shark-nosed, independently suspended crossover of modern-day. That wasn't necessarily a bad thing. We found it to be quite a competitive machine at the time, and one that was plenty capable. But time marches on, and five model years later, Jeep has updated the Cherokee. The polarizing shark nose has been toned down, with all the headlight elements integrated into single units on either side. The hatchback has been revised and now sports a cutout for the license plate. Besides improving the looks at the back, Jeep says it allowed them to expand the rear cargo area to 25.8 cubic feet, an increase of 1.2 cubes, because moving the license plate space allowed them to pull the latch assembly farther out. It should be noted, though, that the Cherokee still doesn't have as much cargo capacity as the new 27.2-cubic-foot Compass. Besides the cosmetic changes, the new Cherokee gets a new engine, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder good for 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque that shares commonality with the Jeep Wrangler and Alfa Romeo Giulia engines. However, it lacks the mild hybrid technology of the Wrangler because of space issues, and it has a cylinder head with two camshafts rather than the Alfa's single-overhead cam design. In addition to the new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, the Cherokee's old naturally aspirated engines, a 2.4-liter four-cylinder (180 hp, 170 lb-ft) and a 3.2-liter V6 (271 hp, 239 lb-ft), carryover unchanged except for the addition of standard engine start-stop functionality. The question is, can mild changes to the Cherokee keep it competitive in a segment where several rivals have been completely redesigned? In terms of capability, the answer is a resounding, "yes," particularly for the Trailhawk, which in turbocharged guise, has even shorter gearing for its low-range four-wheel-drive setting than before at 51.2:1. Like the previous model, the Trailhawk includes different front and rear bumpers for improved clearance and approach and departure angles. It features a set of skid plates and gets a steel oil pan for protection from obstacles, and the rear axle can be locked for additional traction.