Although other automakers seem to figure it out, Stellantis continues to face small vehicle production troubles. Recently they’ve ended Jeep Cherokee production.
Stellantis is closing the Belvidere, Illinois plant, which is the location of Cherokee production. This isn’t a surprising move; what’s significant is that it took so long for the company to do this. Other automakers made room for EV production a few years ago when both Ford and GM shut down some facilities around the country. Could this be part of why Stellantis seems to be last to the market with their EVs? Possibly.
How are other automakers able to build EVs?
Before it was Stellantis, FCA faced extreme financial troubles that took a long time to dig out. We’ve seen various smaller models deleted from the FCA brands over several years. When it was time to cut more costs like GM and Ford did, Stellantis didn’t have any small or midsize cars to cut out of the market. That said, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares said the automaker is searching for an answer to building EVs. He stated it costs 40 percent more to build an EV than an ICE vehicle. That said, how are other automakers doing this, but Stellantis is dragging its proverbial heels?
EVs are more expensive; can’t expenses be passed on?
If you told consumers they would have to pay 40 percent more for an electrified version of a vehicle, they would never buy that vehicle. For this reason, it’s impractical for Stellantis to think they could pass the costs onto consumers. That said, the company also doesn’t intend to build EVs at a loss. This led to the Belvidere plant shutting down. This cost-cutting measure could give the automaker some breathing room, but other models might be on the chopping block.
Will we ever see the return of the Jeep Cherokee?
Without any slow-selling sedans to cut out of the market, Stellantis has to go after its small SUV lineup. The company hasn’t said whether or not a sixth generation of the Jeep Cherokee will return to the market, but they haven’t ruled it out. The end of this small SUV isn’t happening suddenly. Last year, Jeep cut many trims from this SUV and, in January, dropped the V6 engine from the mix. This means the end of production isn’t happening in a hurry but slowly.
The end of the gas-powered Cherokee leaves us with questions regarding whether or not a new Jeep Cherokee will be an EV or a hybrid. Where will this new version be made? Will the next Cherokee qualify for the federal EV tax credit?
Has Jeep released any information?
The only thing Jeep has to say about the next generation of the Cherokee is that it’s part of the future plans. We don’t know when it will arrive, but all Jeep brand vehicles will have an electrified version by 2025. This means we’ll see four zero-emissions models across the Jeep lineup. This also hints at the next-generation Cherokee being an EV or hybrid when it does arrive.
Only two trims are left for the Cherokee
The current base version of the Jeep Cherokee is the Altitude Lux trim. This model is the comfort model, while the higher Trailhawk trim is the off-road version. The power for this base model comes from a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine attached to a 9-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain is good for 180 horsepower and decent fuel mileage of 21 city/29 hwy mpg. The Jeep Selec-Terrain system gives you settings for Auto, Snow, Sport, and Sand/Mud as the drive modes.
The rugged Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk takes off-roading to the right level for your drive. This version receives power from a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivers 270 horsepower. This model returns 20 city/26 hwy mpg. The Trailhawk trim includes the Jeep Active Drive Lock AWD system, a 2-speed transfer case, a locking rear differential, a Rock model, and one additional inch of ground clearance.
Both versions of the Cherokee use 17-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, fog lights, and a power liftgate. You’ll also find push-button starting, a 115-volt power outlet, a Uconnect 4C system in the 8.4-inch touchscreen, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, a navigation system, SiriusXM, HD Radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
If you’ve been waiting to buy the Jeep Cherokee, don’t wait too much longer. This SUV will be gone from the market soon.
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