Latest Jeep Cherokee features rear-axle disconnect

THE 2014 Jeep Cherokee made its first public appearance at the 2013 New York Auto Show this week.
Jeep says the new Cherokee “remains true to the brand while moving it into the next era with a shape that is as efficient as the vehicle and ages gracefully without losing the DNA that makes it a Jeep.”
Two engine choices are available: a 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir 2 Inline-four engine with 184 horsepower and 232 Nm of torque, and a more powerful 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 engine developing 271 horsepower and 324 Nm of peak torque. Both engines are mated to a new nine-speed automatic transmission. The new Cherokee features rear-axle disconnect, which allows the vehicle to switch to front-wheel drive when four-wheel drive is not required, thus improving efficiency.
Inside, the 2014 Cherokee offers high-quality materials, innovative color and material choices, in addition to world-class levels of fit and finish, according to the American brand. Customers will benefit from an LED 3.5-inch grayscale or 7-inch full-color reconfigurable instrument cluster and a standard 5-inch touchscreen multimedia command center or an optional 8.4-inch touchscreen – the largest in the segment.