While this prototype may look like a standard Cherokee at first glance, a closer look at the SUV’s tailgate reveals a telling diesel badge. There is also wiring protruding the the Cherokee’s bodywork, indicating engineers are keeping tabs on the vehicle’s powertrian.
The Cherokee is currently offered with two gas engines – a 2.4L four-cylinder and a 3.2L V6 – but a third, diesel engine options now appears to be a real possibility. It remains unknown what diesel engine might be lurking beneath the hood of this Cherokee, but something from Fiat’s VM Motori division seems likely.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel uses a 3.0L V6 diesel from VM Motori, but that oil burner is probably incompatible with the Cherokee’s layout.
This prototype was spotted just outside of Chrysler Tech Center in Michigan, which could be an indication that it is being developed with U.S. market in mind. At the very least, the Cherokee diesel should be available in European showrooms within the next model year or two.
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