2014 Jeep Cherokee has Industry-First Nine-Speed Auto

Discussing the 2014 Jeep Cherokee is starting to seem more repetitive than an hour of the hokey pokey, but the funny front fascia wearing newby was finally unveiled today on the floor of the 2013 New York Auto Show.

When the car goes on sale late this summer it will be offered with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 184 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 with 271 hp and 239 lb-ft of torque. The four-cylinder option is expected to get up to 31 mpg on the highway while the V6 is expected to be 30 percent more fuel efficient than the outgoing Liberty’s V6.

SEE ALSO: Jeep Cherokee Sales Crucial for Setting Record: Exec

Jeep’s sales are currently passing through a lull — something largely attributed to the Liberty leaving production. Now the brand is hoping the Cherokee will serve as a lynchpin, hoping to topple its 701,626 global unit sales from 2012.

The Cherokee might offer what Jeep needs to do that for at least two reasons. First, it’s shares a platform with the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and the Dodge Dart. That will serve to reduce costs, but it could also help boost global appeal as a capable utility vehicle with a car’s on-road characteristics. Second Jeep is already boasting about its new independent front and rear suspension, increased torsional stiffness, and an exceptionally quiet cabin — all aspects that wil likely bolster broad market appeal.

2013 New York Auto Show Complete Coverage

Even with all that, the Cherokee is also meant to be an off-road ready crossover and the 3.2-liter V6 will offer buyers the power it will need to maintain that ideal.

But what about its drastic design? Is this really a viable replacement for the boxy-like-a-bread-truck Liberty? That has yet to be seen, but if there’s one thing Chrysler is doing very well, it’s staying in the spotlight.

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GALLERY: 2014 Jeep Cherokee live photos

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