The new Jeep Grand Cherokee will make its European debut next month at the Geneva Auto Show, and it will bring with it two new diesel engine options. With diesel engines growing in popularity here at home though, I’m hopeful that the 2014 Jeep Cherokee diesel will come to America before long as well.
Over in Europe just about every car offers a diesel engine option, and including the Chrysler 300 and Jeep Grand Cherokee, which was the first Jeep to pack an EcoDiesel engine here in America. The smaller 2014 Jeep Cherokee is unlikely to get the 3.0 liter EcoDiesel V6 though, instead lining up a pair of 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbodiesels. These multiport turbodiesels will offer up to 170 horsepower and 258 ft-lbs of torque, though a cheaper 140 horsepower option will also be available.
The diesel engines will come paired with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, though a six-speed manual will be standard on the lower-power engine. Chrysler will also offer the Jeep Cherokee with two gasoline engines in Europe, using the same 2.4 liter Tigershark and 3.6 liter Pentastar V6 that we have here in America. Those wanting fuel economy will definitely opt for the diesel option though, as the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel proved with its 28 MPG highway rating. In the smaller and lighter Cherokee, I wouldn’t be surprised to see close to 40 MPG on the highway.
No mention of plans for an American version of the Jeep Cherokee diesel, though the hope remains strong. Rumor has it that a Jeep Wrangler diesel is also in the works, and Chrysler’s sure to spread the EcoDiesel love throughout the Jeep brand in lieu of hybrids or pure electric vehicles. Americans are warming up to these efficient and torquey oil burners, but is it fast enough for Chrysler execs to bring more diesel engine options on board?
Source: Jeep
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