Chrysler Delays 2014 Jeep Cherokee One Month

Fans of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee will have to wait until the kids start summer vacation to buy one. Chrysler told The Detroit Free Press on Thursday that its midsize SUV, slated to hit dealers right about now, won't arrive until the middle of June. But dealers should have plenty of cars by fall, said Mark Chernoby, who heads up engineering at Chrysler.

Chrysler builds the Cherokee in Toledo, Ohio; the automaker said it's smoothing out a few issues common with new-vehicle launches.

"Right now, we are at a point where we have dozens of open issues. It is less than 100," Chernoby told the Free Press. But those represent "the normal" for any vehicle launch, he added, particularly one with a new drivetrain. In particular, the automaker is tinkering with processes along the assembly line and calibrating the new nine-speed automatic.

Related
2014 Jeep Cherokee Video
2014 Jeep Cherokee: Up Close
More Jeep News

Recall Alert: More Than 300,000 Jeep and Ram Vehicles

Chrysler has issued three separate recalls for 301,283 Jeep and Ram brand vehicles to address electrical, airbag and coolant issues, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The first affects 295,345 model-year 2005-10 Jeep Grand Cherokee (models manufactured from Feb. 11, 2004, through March 9, 2010) and 2006-10 Jeep Commander vehicles (models manufactured Jan. 31, 2005, through March 10, 2010). A transfer case electrical failure could make it possible to unintentionally shift the vehicle into Neutral, and the car could roll away. The automaker initiated an investigation after a customer reported that a 2007 Grand Cherokee rolled away after it was remotely started, Chrysler said in a statement. The automaker will notify affected owners starting in June and dealers will install a software update for free.

Most-Watched Videos of the Week

The 2014 Acura MDX held its ground at No. 1 this week on our list of most-watched videos. Acura's redesigned SUV fended off a challenge from the 2014 Subaru Forester, which climbed three places from No. 5 last week to No. 2 this week. Meanwhile, the 2014 Toyota Highlander rejoined the roster at No. 5. Check out what else what popular:

1. 2014 Acura MDX
2. 2014 Subaru Forester
3. 2014 Jeep Cherokee
4. Sports Sedan Challenge: Features
5. 2014 Toyota Highlander

Most-Watched Videos of the Week

Cars.com reviewer Kelsey Mays' critique of the 2014 Acura MDX during the 2013 New York International Auto Show rose to No. 1 this week on our list of most-watched videos. Acura's redesigned SUV, which Mays calls "forgettable," knocked former champ the 2014 Jeep Cherokee down to No. 3. New to the list at No. 2 is our video in which Mays familiarizes viewers with the features of competitors in our $46,000 Sports Sedan Challenge, and at No. 5 is the 2014 Subaru Forester. Check out what else what popular:

1. 2014 Acura MDX
2. Sports Sedan Challenge: Features
3. 2014 Jeep Cherokee
4. 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
5. 2014 Subaru Forester

Most-Watched Videos of the Week

As the 2013 New York International Auto Show winds down this weekend, reflect on what was popular with our roster of most-watched videos. All newcomers to the list are from the nation's most-attended auto show. At No. 1 is the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, returning to production as a Liberty replacement after a dozen-year absence. The new Cherokee's exterior design has been divisive, to say the least, among the public and our own reviewers at Cars.com. See what you think by watching the video below, and check out what else was popular:

1. 2014 Jeep Cherokee
2. 2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
3. 2014 Acura MDX
4. 2014 Chevrolet SS
5. 2014 Toyota Highlander

2014 Jeep Cherokee Video

Yeah, the 2014 Jeep Cherokee — now bowing at the 2013 New York International Auto Show — bears a resemblance to the froggy-faced Nissan Juke. But give Jeep credit for an uncharacteristic departure as it replaces the Liberty with the first Cherokee in a dozen years.

More 2013 New York Auto Show Coverage

Those squinty, high-set LED running lights and low-lying headlights aside, Cars.com reviewer Joe Wiesenfelder observes that the side and rear profiles are as mundane as most SUVs. The automaker keeps things interesting with new innovations: a nine-speed automatic transmission and optional 271-horsepower, 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6. The interior is impressive and tech features abundant, though the claustrophobia-inducing backseat and cargo space fail to honor the "midsize SUV" designation. Watch the video below.

2014 Jeep Cherokee Photo Gallery

The Cherokee is back in the Jeep lineup for the first time in nearly 13 years, and it looks drastically different compared to the tough, boxy appearance of the last generation. Call the styling ugly, unique or — as one of our editors suggested — a revolution.

More 2013 New York Auto Show Coverage

Our gallery shows off the SUV's styling, sure, but we also have shots of the backseats and cargo area. Two areas of the Cherokee Jeep didn't release in photos yesterday.

Cherokee buyers can choose from a selection of four-wheel-drive systems that all feature Jeep's Selec-Terrain, allowing for effortless driving in snow, sand, mud or sport settings. There's even an available locking rear differential for serious traction. Or owners will just take it to the mall.

Check out the photo gallery of Jeep's newest model, the Cherokee, below. Cars.com photos by Evan Sears.

2014 Jeep Cherokee: Up Close

Everyone's been talking about this one since the photos leaked a few weeks ago. It's yet another model that was reflexively labeled "polarizing," which is often code for "ugly." In this case, I can confirm it's legitimately polarizing. Some people, including some vocal Jeep faithful, loathe it — quick to blame it on Jeep's foreign ownership. (The platform was developed by, or at best with, Alfa Romeo, a sister brand under Italy's Fiat.) Other people really like its daring evolution — or let's just call it revolution — of Jeep design. I think I'm ready to commit to being one of them.

More 2013 New York Auto Show Coverage

I got a sneak peek at this thing in progress a few months ago, and I was intrigued but a bit concerned, mainly because of its passing resemblance to the Nissan Juke, which is, ahem, polarizing. Like the Juke, the Cherokee has slit-like high-mounted running lights, and the headlights are lower and larger. However, the Juke's headlights are much larger and accompanied by an erratic collection of elements from the design parts bin.

2014 Jeep Cherokee: More Photos

It's been so long since the last time we saw the Jeep Cherokee that we hardly recognized it upon its return. It's not just the absence, of course. The 2014 Cherokee, returning as a Liberty replacement after a dozen-year hiatus, has obviously had some work done.

Some of the biggest changes are to the Cherokee's futuristic-looking front end with its crimped seven-slot grille, the upper portion of which is raked rearward. Also notable are stacked lighting elements, particularly the high-placed, squinty-looking daytime running lights that are easily mistaken for headlights.

The new Cherokee is set to arrive in dealerships during this year's third quarter. The two-row five-seater will be available with a 184-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder or a 271-hp, 3.2-liter V-6. Jeep says the Cherokee will be able to tow up to 4,500 pounds with the V-6 and deliver Trail Rated capability in the Trailhawk trim. Check out more photos of the Limited and Trailhawk versions below.

2014 Jeep Cherokee at the 2013 New York Auto Show

• Competes with: Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Edge, Toyota RAV4
• Looks like: What the aliens will be driving when they invade Earth
• Drivetrain: 184-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder or 271-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 with nine-speed automatic transmission; front- or four-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: Third quarter of 2013

Cherokee is one of the Jeep brand's best-known names, and it returns to the U.S. with the launch of the 2014 Cherokee, which arrives at dealers in the third quarter of 2013. While the new Cherokee is the replacement for the Liberty SUV in Jeep's lineup, the two models couldn't be more different in terms of design, powertrains, construction and features.

More 2013 New York Auto Show Coverage

The new Cherokee's styling — particularly its front end — represents a radical departure for Jeep design, and one that's bound to be controversial. The upper portion of the seven-slot grille is raked rearward but the design's bigger departure — and risk — is its use of stacked lighting elements. The highest ones look like slender headlights, but they're actually daytime running lights; the headlights are below them, and the fog lights are set even lower in the front bumper. It's all very modern and gives the Cherokee a futuristic look.