Jeep Cherokee Won't Lose Its Styling in Refresh
The Jeep Cherokee’s controversial styling is here to stay.
Speaking to Automotive News, Jeep boss Mike Manley confirmed that the popular SUV’s shape and styling will remain when the model undergoes a refresh in mid-2016. Forgoing the traditional boxy shape that had become a trademark of the Cherokee in the past, Jeep introduced a significantly overhauled model in late 2013 with a polarizing design. Despite all the negative comments on the crossover’s style, it is still Jeep’s top-selling SUV in the U.S. and sales are up 31 percent compared to the same period last year.
SEE ALSO: 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Review
Since its release, the model has been troubled by issues with its transmission, and currently the American automaker is conducting a customer satisfaction campaign to reset the transmission software on early Cherokees, hoping to improve the nine-speed automatic’s operations.
“I think the overall styling, the overall shape, the overall accommodation of that vehicle is spot on,” Jeep’s Mike Manley said. “I don’t think that there’s anything that dramatically needs to change with that vehicle going forward.”
[Source: Automotive News]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Ugly as a snout-nosed Subaru. What would have been wrong with taking the old Cherokee body and updating it like Chevy did with the '69 Camaro? The new-style Cherokee will NEVER sell in the numbers the old one did! I realize opinions vary but really folks, check out production numbers. I worked for a Jeep dealer in the 1980's and we could never get enough product to meet demand.
I own one of the first Cherokee Trailhawks produced and I've had no "Customer Satisfaction Campaign" nor any offer to "reset my transmission". After the transmission recall a few months ago mine stopped downshifting into 2nd gear. When I brought it in for service they actually CHARGED ME to apply the software update to restore 2nd gear.