The 2022 Jeep Cherokee may sometimes be overshadowed by its larger sibling the Grand Cherokee, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great SUV. Still, the current Cherokee hasn’t changed much over the years and it’s due for a major update. What can emerge expect from the next generation Jeep Cherokee? It’s going to be “bigger and better,” at least according to the Global President of the Jeep Brand James Morrison. Here’s what else is probably heading for us with the next Jeep Cherokee and when we can expect to see it. 

The next generation Jeep Cherokee will be “bigger and better”

The current iteration of the Jeep Cherokee has been around since 2014, so it makes sense that it is due for an update. The Global President of the Jeep Brand James Morrison told MOTORTREND in an interview that the next Jeep Cherokee will be “bigger and better than ever.”

It won’t be happening anytime soon though. Morrison told MOTORTREND that the new Cherokee will take awhile to debut and when it does, it will have an electric component to it. That’s in line with the way other auto manufacturers are doing things, with many looking toward an electric future.

The Jeep Cherokee has remained largely the same over the years

The Jeep Cherokee has been around for years – decades even – and not much has changed during that time. MOTORTREND points out that the Cherokee first came onto the scene in 1974 and it’s been a small but steadily-selling sport utility vehicle since then. In fact, MOTORTREND also notes that the Cherokee was one of the first to use the term sport utility vehicle when it first appeared.

And yet the Jeep Cherokee sales are way down. Jeep has only sold 3,500 units per month. On top of that, Jeep has been facing the same production delays and problems as other auto manufacturers. Because of that, Jeep has been stopping production at its factory in Belvedere, Illinois as well as laying off workers.

Jeep has a new lineup in the world

We’ve seen some recent changes by Jeep, including the release of the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer and 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. These two large three-row SUVs are both throwbacks to one of the most iconic sport utility vehicles ever as well as brand new behemoths challenging some of the mainstays in the full-size SUV class. Jeep has also added the Grand Cherokee L, a larger version of its popular midsized SUV. 

Jeep also has plans for the future, including a small electric crossover SUV that is expected to be out sometime in 2023, a “new small urban Jeep.” There’s also an electric off-road SUV like the Wrangler and a family-friendly electric SUV due in 2024.

The Jeep Cherokee may live in the Grand Cherokee’s shadow for the time being, but that doesn’t mean it always will. With Jeep’s plans for the future including a turn toward electric vehicles, it’s entirely likely that the Cherokee will get a new face and update and be back at the top.