Engine

Modern 2.8 CRD Engine Leads Powertrain Range

Powerful engines with plentiful "low-end" torque and wide power bands are Jeep brand hallmarks, and both Jeep Cherokee and Cherokee Renegade come with a choice of power units that exemplify this philosophy. Three engines are available to buyers of the newest Cherokee and Cherokee Renegade models.

Leading the range is a modern 2.8-litre common-rail diesel (CRD) engine. With its variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) and rapid throttle response, this engine enables the Jeep Cherokee to claim best-in-class torque of 400 Nm (295 lb.-ft.) at 1,800 rpm, towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg (7,700 lbs.) and driving range of 725 kilometres (450 miles).

The all-new 2.8 VGT CRD power unit, introduced in 2004, is a four-cylinder in-line, 16-valve turbocharged power unit that delivers 9 percent more power and 11 percent more torque as compared with the previous 2.8-litre engine, while bringing many noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) improvements. Maximum power is 120 kW (163 hp DIN) at 3,800 rpm.

The 2.8 VGT CRD engine is mated as standard to an NSG370 six-speed manual gearbox. Made in Germany, with hard-finished gears for improved gear-change quality and better NVH, this unit has a lower first gear for quicker take-off from standstill and brisker initial acceleration and a higher top (sixth) gear for reduced revs, lower noise and better fuel economy when cruising at speed.

Optional for this engine is the 545RFE five-speed automatic transmission. This unit offers fully automatic selection of gears. It is shared with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and recent improvements include quieter operation when shifting between Park and Drive, and the fitting of a turbine damper to enhance NVH performance.

Two Petrol Engines Complete the Range

The choice of a 3.7-litre V-6 petrol power unit or a four-cylinder 2.4-litre petrol unit complete the three-engine range for Jeep Cherokee.

The 3.7-litre PowerTech V-6 features numerous improvements made in 2004 that enhance fuel economy, improve NHV and reduce operating noise, especially at idle. Maximum power for this engine is 150 kW (204 hp DIN) at 5,200 rpm, while 307 Nm (226 lb.-ft.) of torque is generated at 3,700 rpm. The standard transmission for the 3.7-litre engine is the 42RLE four-speed automatic transmission with automatic variable line pressure adjustment to enhance fuel economy.

The 2.4-litre I-4 petrol engine produces a maximum of 108 kW (147 hp DIN) at 5,200 rpm and torque of 215 Nm (159 lb.-ft.) at 4,000 rpm. The standard transmission for Jeep Cherokee models powered by the 2.4L petrol engine is the NSG370 six-speed manual gearbox.

A choice of the 3.7-litre V-6 or the 2.8 VGT CRD units is offered to Jeep Cherokee Limited and Renegade customers, while buyers of the Cherokee Sport are offered a third unit as standard - the 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol - with the 3.7-litre V-6 and 2.8 VGT CRD as options.

The combination of engines with enhanced fuel economy, together with a 77.6-litre (20.5 U.S. gallon) fuel tank, gives increased range for all Jeep Cherokee models.