Four New Jeep SUVs Coming By 2021
When you’re healthy and hot you go for more and so Jeep is adding more models and redesigning some of their most popular ones. And they’re coming in 2020 as 2021 Jeeps. FCA has already said it’s investing over $4.5 billion in plant renovations alone. Here’s what to expect later in 2020 from Jeep via Automotive News:
1. Jeep Large CUV
Though unnamed at this point this new large crossover will probably be just below Jeep Wagoneer. It will have three-row seating and be gas-powered, but also have a hybrid version. In its gun sights are rival models like the Ford Explorer, Honda Pilot, and Toyota Highlander. We can even tell you it will be made at the Mack Assembly Complex in Detroit, which has been idle since 2012.
2. Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer
Jeep is bringing back the Wagoneer and its higher trim-level Grand Wagoneer. This will be Jeep’s premium SUV so it will have three-row seating. Its competition is the GMC Yukon and Lincoln Navigator. This is a body-on-frame SUV and will start assembly in early 2021 so expect it to be available mid-year.
The Wagoneer has been planned since Jeep first announced its development at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show. That’s almost nine years ago! Expect a plug-in hybrid version. The original Wagoneer was produced from 1963-1993 and has to be considered the first SUV. When the Grand Wagoneer made its debut in 1984 the first luxury SUV was born.
3. Grand Cherokee
Expect this redesign to start showing up at dealerships in early 2021. Later in the year, a plug-in hybrid will be available for the first time. From spy photos of development vehicles, we can tell it will be on a longer wheelbase than the current models, with more cargo space too. That’s because it will be built on the longer Alfa Romeo platform found under the Stelvio SUV and Giulia sedan.
Because of the unnamed model slotted between the coming Wagoneer and Grand Cherokee having three-row seating it looked like FCA wanted to keep the Grand Cherokee as two-row seating, but conflicting reports leave this a bit up in the air. Leaked plans include the Grand Cherokee keeping a V8 engine. The current Grand Cherokee will have hung around for nine years by the time it’s replaced.
4. Jeep Cherokee
Jeep’s compact CUV got a much-needed new nose and rear for 2019 and technology upgrades for 2020 but expect a completely redesigned Cherokee by 2021.
Overall FCA will be investing over $4.5 billion to upgrade several plants including $1.6 for the Mack Assembly Complex in southeastern Michigan. Across from the Mack Complex, the Jefferson North Assembly Plant will receive almost $1 billion to upgrade for manufacturing both the Dodge Durango and next-generation Grand Cherokee. FCA is also investing $35 million for community improvements for neighborhoods surrounding these massive plants.
Jeep sales for the first half of 2019 have been down about 8%, but Grand Cherokee sales have risen almost 13% in the same period. Grand Cherokee is Jeep’s best-selling vehicle so far in 2019.