2015 Jeep Cherokee gets new 2.2 Multijet diesel engine with more power and improved economy

The new Jeep Cherokee has been given a new 2.2 litre Multijet diesel engine for 2015, offering much improved power, and better economy, compared to the old engine.

The new Jeep Cherokee is FCA’s answer to cars like the new Land Rover Discovery Sport and the BMW X3, but with its rather arthritic, noisy and unappealing 2.0 litre diesel engine it was hard to love, even if it has a price advantage.

But Jeep are hoping that the arrival of a new diesel engine for the Cherokee – a 2.2-litre MultiJet engine with either 197bhp or 182bhp depending on the model you opt for – should redress the performance and quality issues potentially putting buyers off.

The 197bhp variant of the new engine is only available the Cherokee Limited – where it’s mated to a nine-speed auto box and Active Drive II with a two-speed power transfer box – with the 182bhp version available on the Cherokee Longitude and Longitude+ with Active Drive I.

The new engine peps up performance somewhat, with 0-62mph in 8.5 seconds (8.8 seconds for the 182bhp version) despite which economy improves slightly to 49.6mpg (46.3 if you have Active Drive II).

Jeep has also improved the spec of the 2015 Cherokee, with all models now coming with electric tailgate, auto lights and wipers and electric seats.

There’s no doubt the new diesel engine in the Cherokee makes it far more competitive, but the price of £37,995 for the 2.2 MultiJet II 200 hp Limited 4WD automatic makes it much the same price as the Land Rover Discovery Sport HSE SD4.

Which does make the Jeep Cherokee a bit of a tough sell, even if it is now more appealing.