Jeep has introduced the 2022 Cherokee and there are significant changes as the lineup has been reduced to just four trims. It’s also the end of the affordable Cherokee era as the model’s base price has climbed from US$ 28,135 to US$ 33,995. Kicking things off is the new Cherokee X, which is far more rugged than previous entry-level variants. It features Trailhawk-esque fender flares, a 25 mm suspension lift, and 17-inch aluminum wheels with a black finish. The model also comes with a graphics package that includes a hood decal.

Moving into the cabin, there’s cloth and vinyl seats with eight-way power adjustment for the driver. Other highlights include air conditioning, a heated leather steering wheel, and an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system. Drivers will also find a six-speaker audio system and a 3.5-inch display in the instrument cluster. On the safety front, there’s Blind-Spot Monitoring, Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking, and Rear Cross Path Detection. The model also sports a rearview camera, park assist, and LaneSense Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist.

 

Power is provided by a 3.2-liter V6 engine that develops 271 hp and 324 Nm of torque. It’s paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission and a standard four-wheel drive system. Customers looking for something less extreme can opt for the Cherokee Latitude Lux, which also begins at US$ 33,995. That’s a US$ 2,185 increase, but the model now comes with additional equipment including a power liftgate, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, and a 7-inch display in the instrument cluster. Other additions include an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a universal garage door opener, a 115-volt power outlet, and an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system.

The Latitude Lux is the only Cherokee to come standard with front-wheel drive and its one of two trims available with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The latter option develops 270 hp and 400 Nm of torque. Rounding out the 2022 lineup is the US$ 37,045 Trailhawk and US$ 38,745 Limited. Jeep didn’t mention changes, but prices have climbed US$ 260 for the Trailhawk and US$ 2,660 for the Limited.  However, the Limited now comes standard with four-wheel drive and that helps to partially explain the increase.