By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos FCA US
The Jeep brand is introducing for 2016 its new Cherokee Overland, expanding the brand’s lineup to deliver consumers a new level of luxury combined with unmatched capability in the mid-size SUV segment.
Exterior
The 2016 Jeep Cherokee Overland has a powerful stance, an aggressive wheel-to-body proportion and a commanding road presence; The rear is highlighted by the contemporary full LED tail lamps, which are an integral part of the rear backlight graphic, making the vehicle look stronger yet harmonious. This shape is the connection between the upper and lower rear as an interlocking graphic statement that brings a unique presence specific to this all-new Cherokee Overland.
In addition, the sides project a fluid tension in surface execution and feature the signature Jeep trapezoidal wheel arches. The rich chrome appearance of the daylight opening shape and execution draws a close relationship to the flagship Jeep Grand Cherokee creating consistency across the Jeep lineup. The diving DLO line with kick-up draws inspiration from the iconic half doors on the Jeep Wrangler. This function of the drop-down DLO allows the driver better visibility while spotting obstacles on the trail, and creates a beautiful form on the road.
For 2016, the new Cherokee Overland model features new body-color fascias with a bright front grille and chin extension, body-color door cladding and wheel flares, new 18-inch fully polished bright aluminum wheels, standard HID bi-xenon headlamps and Overland badge on the lift-gate.
Interior
The interior includes a host of premium enhancements, including a leather-wrapped instrument panel, power front driver and passenger seat with four-way power lumbar, a new Jeep steering wheel with Zebrano high-gloss wood plates, Berber floor mats, standard Nappa leather seats with ventilated/heated front seats, standard Alpine Premium Audio system, Uconnect 8.4AN AM/FM radio with 8.4-in. touchscreen display, Bluetooth, Navigation, HD Radio, SiriusXM Travel Link, SiriusXM Traffic, Uconnect Access Advantage, and standard memory driver’s seat, radio and exterior mirrors.
In addition to the interior and exterior design enhancements and the standard equipment found on the Jeep Cherokee Limited model, the 2016 Jeep Cherokee Overland model adds the following as standard equipment: power liftgate, blind spot monitoring and rear crosspath detection, Parksense rear backup assist system and a premium insulation group.
Performance
Living up to the Overland name, each Jeep Cherokee Overland 4×4 model comes equipped with the Jeep Active Drive II 4×4 system, which includes a two-speed power transfer unit, low range and an industry-first disconnecting rear axle for improved fuel efficiency when 4×4 capability isn’t needed.
The Jeep Active Drive II system features the Jeep brand’s Selec-Terrain traction control system. Selec-Terrain allows the driver, with a push of a button on the Selec-Terrain dial, to choose the on and off road setting for optimum performance. Four customized settings are offered on the new Cherokee Overland model: Auto, Snow, Sport and Sand/Mud.
Selec-Terrain is designed to optimize the four-wheel-drive systems for unsurpassed control and capability. Selec-Terrain electronically coordinates and optimizes up to 12 systems on any terrain providing enhanced vehicle control, including drivetrain control module, electronic brake controller, ESC, transmission controller, powertrain controller and Selec-Speed Control. The system also includes Jeep Selec-Terrain, allowing drivers to choose between four modes, which optimizes the 4×4 system to the driving conditions.
Optional features on the 2016 Cherokee Overland model include, a Heavy Duty Protection skid plates a full-size spare tire and a 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with standard engine stop/start fuel-saving technology, producing 271 horsepower and 239 lb.-ft. of torque.
Summary
Built on 75 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability; The new Cherokee Overland model is a direct response to consumers looking for benchmark 4×4 capability that only Jeep can offer, in a stunning, more luxurious package loaded with premium amenities.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $38,395.00, the one I drove included the Technology Group Package (Full Speed FWD Collision Warning with Active Braking, Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Advanced Brake Assist, Rain Sensitive Windshield Wipers, Automatic High Beam Headlamp Control, Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist), Command View/Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof and a Full Spare Tire, and it came in at $42,775.00 including destination charge. The EPA fuel economy estimates 19 MPG City and 26 MPG Highway.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
