ON their way to Australia pretty soon will be Jeep’s new Cherokees, showing off some new design and tech features, plus an all-new 2.0-litre direct-injection four-cylinder engine that enhances performance and fuel efficiency.

The mid-sized SUVs come in three different engine offerings mated to an efficient nine-speed transmission and more than 80 safety and security features.

Available in five different trim configurations – Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited, Overland and the Trailhawk, the 2019 US-built Jeep Cherokee, is said to have more interior comfort and convenience, with top ride and handling characteristics via its independent front- and rear-suspension systems with world-class body torsional stiffness.

The new 2.0-litre turbo is just as powerful as the 3.2-litre V6 at 202kW while the 2.4-litre Tigershark MultiAir2 engine generates 134kW.

Enhanced 4WD systems fir the range include Jeep Active Drive II with two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and low-range gear reduction, Active Drive Lock with two-speed PTU, low-range and mechanically locking rear differential and Selec-Terrain traction control with five customised modes – Auto, Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud and Rock.

Fuel economy is said to improve on all powertrains thanks to a weight loss of about 90kg, and improved aerodynamics.

As such, the new Cherokee addresses three areas that matter to crossover buyers: space, Β fuel efficiency and a softening of the earlier model’s lines.