The Jeep KL Cherokee has retired, but a new model is coming – expect electric power

After a whopping nine-year run, reports from the US suggest the plug has been pulled on the fifth-generation KL Jeep Cherokee.

Reportedly confirmed to US outlet The Drive, it seems the catalyst for the Cherokee's demise – if indeed true – was Stellantis's decision to idle its Belvidere, Illinois manufacturing plant.

In late October 2022, it was announced that production of right-hand-drive KL Jeep Cherokees had ended, with fewer than 40 examples left unsold in Australia at the time. Then, in December, all Cherokee production was paused to compensate for supply issues.

Production continued for North American and South Korean markets, however sales had slowed and ranges had been trimmed significantly, with the final US 2023 model range comprising of just two variants.

6

It's not the end for the Cherokee badge, however. Today's news adds further credence to reports of a new era for one of the most iconic nameplates in American motoring – but, for now, and for the first time in 49 years, there is no Jeep Cherokee.

In a cryptic response to its request for comment, Jeep's American mothership told The Drive:

"We have plans for that important vehicle in that important segment. Details will be revealed in due time."

An electric Cherokee? Seems likely.

Speaking with Wheels Media today, a spokesperson for Jeep in Australia said:

"The Jeep brand is fully committed to expanding its presence in the mid-size SUV segment, one of the largest in the world. The brand recently announced the introduction of two new fully electric, mid-size SUVs that will begin production in 2024.

"We will make an announcement regarding the next generation Jeep Cherokee in due course. All Jeep brand vehicles will offer an electrified variant by 2025 including four zero-emission vehicles in North America and in Europe."

6

49 Years of Cherokee

The Jeep Cherokee made its domestic debut in 1974 as a sportier two-door counterpart to the then AMC-owned and built Jeep Wagoneer with its innovative QuadraTrac fulltime four-wheel-drive system.

These Jeeps are ostensibly one of the earliest pioneers for the 'SUV' segment, with 'Sports Utility Vehicle' first appearing in Jeep's 1974 model-year brochure.

6

There's an Australian manufacturing connection, too, as these first-generation SJ Cherokees were assembled from CKD (complete knockdown kits) in Brisbane from 1981 until 1985.

Over the years, and the various changes in corporate ownership, Jeep's faithful Cherokee remained, but always evolved. Through almost half a century, it morphed from a rugged ladder-frame four-by-four, into smaller, urban-oriented unibody SUV through the Daimler-Chrysler era.

6

In 2021, the Cherokee Nation asked Jeep to stop using its name for its vehicles, but the automaker has yet to show any acknowledgement of the 18th century indigenous population's request.

Jeep has yet to officially announce a follow-up for the Cherokee, though comments from US executives suggest something is in the works. Perhaps we'll hear news next month at the New York Auto Show.

Stay tuned for more news as it happens.

6