2024 Jeep Wagoneer Carbide 4x4 on 2040-cars

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Are we about to see a real SUV revival?

Now that the marketplace has been oversaturated with cute-utes, crossovers, and CUV coupes, are we about to see a resurgence of real, honest-to-God SUVs? Ummm... maybe. The stars seem to be aligning in that direction, at least that's the sense I'm getting. We know an all-new Jeep Wrangler is only a few auto shows away; and that Jeep is about to introduce a new Grand Cherokee Trailhawk for 2017, in the same rugged spirit of the successful Cherokee and Renegade Trailhawks. Ford has hinted at a neo-Bronco, after showing the concept above in 2014 to wet the mouths of all those Duck Dynasty-types out there. And, and... wait for it... I recently learned that Subaru sent a questionnaire out to some Forester owners asking if they might be interested in an off-road package if it were offered. The items listed were pretty hardcore, serious stuff, such as: integrated tow/recovery hooks, additional ground clearance, more rugged wheels, skid plates, altimeter, front-view off-road camera, improved approach and departure angles, advanced differentials, Inclinometer, full-size spare tire, upgraded off-road suspension components, more aggressive tires, off-road driving mode (engine, transmission, throttle, and steering settings), more rugged styling, low-range gearing, and a more advanced traction management system. Folks that's not my wish list (well, actually it is), but those are words from Subaru, asking if that's what customers would like to see. Need proof? Go to the SubaruForester.org website. It's in a discussion there. So... no promises or guarantees here, and feel free to call me a rumormonger if you like; but the next few years could prove very interesting for those who actually do go off road. If this pans out, remember, you read it here first. Related Video: Image Credit: Ford Ford Jeep Subaru Crossover SUV Off-Road Vehicles open road

Jeep recalling 75,000 Cherokees over air-conditioning lines

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has issued a recall for an estimated 75,364 examples of the Jeep Cherokee in the United States. The problem stems from an air-conditioning line, which may have been installed to close to the exhaust manifold. "Under certain operating conditions," says FCA in the statement below, "this may pose a fire risk." Thus far, however, the company says it is "unaware of any related injuries or accidents." The owners of those 75k Jeeps (as well as another 18,000+ in other markets) can expect to hear from their local dealers to have the problem rectified. However the manufacturer also advises owners to watch out for indicators like air-conditioning loss or a dashboard warning light and contact their dealers if necessary. Related Video: Statement: Air-conditioning System October 27, 2015 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - FCA US LLC is voluntarily recalling an estimated 75,364 U.S.-market SUVs to inspect and replace, as required, their air-conditioning lines, as required. FCA US launched an investigation after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received two customer complaints involving smoke and fire. The Company discovered air-conditioning lines on some vehicles may have been installed in close proximity to their engines' exhaust manifolds; under certain operating conditions, this may pose a fire risk. FCA US is unaware of any related injuries or accidents. The recall is limited to certain 2015 Jeep Cherokees. Additional vehicles are affected in other markets. They include an estimated 7,571 in Canada; 4,018 in Mexico; and 6,942 outside the outside the NAFTA region. Affected customers will be advised when they may schedule service, which FCA US will provide free of charge. . Customers who observe air-conditioning loss or any other concern, such as a dashboard warning light, should contact their dealers. Customers with additional questions may call the FCA US Customer Information Center at 1-800-853-1403.

2019 Jeep Cherokee base model costs less, but other prices jump

Jeep just recently revealed the revised 2019 Cherokee crossover with a milder nose and tail, and even a bit more cargo space. The redesign has also brought new pricing that presents a $300 discount for the base Latitude trim, but sees increases across most of the rest of the trim lines. The destination charge also increased from $1,095 to $1,195. Four-wheel-drive is now a flat $1,500 increase for all models, whereas it varied between trims on the 2018 model. At the base of the Cherokee lineup is the Latitude, which now gets a price of $25,190, and that $300 reduction from the 2018 model carries over to the four-wheel-drive version. Latitude Plus sees a slight jump in price by $300 for the two-wheel- and four-wheel-drive models, with the two-wheel-drive one starting at $27,690. The Limited trim is up by $680 with both drivetrains, with a base price of $31,570 for one with two-wheel-drive. The biggest price increases come on the Trailhawk and Overland models. The Trailhawk soars $2,425 higher than last year's model, for a base price of $34,515. The Overland two-wheel-drive model also sees a big increase of $2,280 to a starting price of $36,275. But if you want four-wheel-drive in your Overland, the difference is a much more reasonable $535, for a base total of $38,970. View 104 Photos The 2019 Jeep Cherokee will be arriving at dealers soon. In addition to front-wheel-drive and two kinds of four-wheel-drive drivetrains, one with a single gear range and another with low range, a selection of three engines will be available. The standard engine on all Latitude, Latitude Plus, and front-wheel-drive Limited is a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter engine with 180 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. All of those trims can have the optional 3.2-liter naturally aspirated V6 making 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque. The aforementioned Latitude Plus and Limited trims also have the new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder available as an option. That engine makes 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The four-wheel-drive Limited, and all Overland and Trailhawk trims have the V6 as a standard engine with the turbo four-cylinder as an option. All engines are coupled to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2019 Jeep Cherokee: Detroit 2018 View 21 Photos Image Credit: Drew Phillips, Jeep Jeep Car Buying Crossover SUV Off-Road Vehicles