Jeep Cherokee Upland Concept Previews a More Rugged Family SUV
Jeep shows off a few more surprises at the annual Easter Jeep Safari, including this potential preview of a production Cherokee Trailhawk.
Jeep wasn't done showing off its various wares at this year's Easter Jeep Safari. In between beefy Grand Wagoneers and a classic XJ Cherokees, the brand showed off this camo-wrapped Jeep Cherokee Upland. The tweaked take on the recently reborn Cherokee signals what we could see in dealerships soon, likely wearing the Trailhawk badge.
There isn't a whole lot of info on this one, even if it does look far closer to production than the typical EJS vehicle. Up front, there's an "off-road-spec" bumper that addresses one of areas we quickly called out on our Cherokee first drive: a jutting chin. The new look should provide better approach angles for those looking to tackle some trails, and includes integrated tow hooks. There are tow hooks out back as well, and some very cool-looking 18-inch wheels wrapped up in suitably chunky, 31.5-inch Falken Wildpeak all-terrain rubber. The concept also carries a new roof rack system.
At launch, the Cherokee is available with just one powerplant: a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid setup. It's a totally acceptable powertrain for the RAV4 class, but we suspect there are those out there looking for a more suitable replacement for the outgoing Cherokee, which had an available low 4-Lo mode. The 2026 Grand Cherokee's powerful new Hurricane turbo-four is earmarked for the Cherokee; it seems likely it will be that engine that finds its way under the hood of a future Trailhawk.
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Kyle began his automotive obsession before he even started school, courtesy of a remote control Porsche and various LEGO sets. He later studied advertising and graphic design at Humber College, which led him to writing about cars (both real and digital). He is now a proud member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), where he was the Journalist of the Year runner-up for 2021.
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