Sound the alarm. The Jeep Cherokee could be in trouble! The 2022 Jeep Cherokee struggles to stay afloat as sales decline and industry supply changes impact production. Something needs to happen to increase Cherokee demand. 

The 2022 Jeep Cherokee is struggling 

We don’t want the 2022 Jeep Cherokee to go under. The Cherokee is a crucial Jeep moniker that’s not ready to bite the dust. However, according to Motor Trend, the Cherokee may face serious trouble. 

Jeep Cherokee sales dropped by 34.4 percent year-over-year in 2021. Only about 89,000 units were moved. This is a drastic decrease in sales, especially compared to the 239,437 Cherokee models that were sold in 2018. 

It’s possible that the Cherokee is too old to succeed. However, most vehicles have a shelf life of about six to 10 years before being completely modeled or replaced by a new option. The current Cherokee generation is only nine years old. 

Why are Cherokee sales tanking? 

It’s possible that the 2022 Jeep Cherokee is a victim of the ongoing semiconductor chip shortage and other supply chain issues. 

Most auto manufacturers have been conserving their chip supply for their most popular and most profitable options. Some chips are being placed in new vehicles instead of older options. 

If Stellantis is saving its chip supply for higher demand options, then the chips are probably going to the Jeep Wrangler. As a result, there might be fewer Cherokee models available for people to buy. 

Also, it’s unclear if Stellantis is working to save the Jeep Cherokee with fresh updates. The Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois, where the Cherokee is built, is facing layoffs. Back in November, the plant faced 400 layoffs. 

The second shift was cut, and 98 additional employees were laid off at the Sterling Stamping Plant in Detroit this week. However, it’s currently unclear how many positions will be cut this time. 

Reportedly, the reductions were achieved via a combination of retirement packages offered to eligible UAW-represented employees. Layoffs included hourly and salaried staff. But if the factory is slated to be remodeled to build electric vehicles, won’t the employees be needed?

What’s new for the 2022 Cherokee?

Not much has changed for the 2022 Jeep Cherokee. A few cheaper trim levels were dropped, so it now starts at about $29,995. Also, a new X model trim level was introduced to spice things up. 

The Jeep Cherokee X includes a 1.0-inch suspension lift, beefier all-terrain tires, and the V6 powertrain. It includes unique interior insets and exterior graphics to set it apart. Plus, the 7.0-inch unit was replaced by an 8.4-inch unit. 

If you opt for the Latitude Lux trim, you get a 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 115-volt power outlet, and a few more goodies. 

Things have been quiet, but the 2023 Jeep Cherokee may be redesigned. It could look similar to the new Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Wagoneer. If it rides on the same platform as the new Grand Cherokee, then it will provide a much sportier performance. 

Of course, rumors about a 4xe powertrain are in the mix, along with complete electrification. But we will have to wait and learn more. Hopefully, the Cherokee will make a strong comeback.