New Active-Drive II 4x4 system installed on new Jeep Cherokee.

The Active-Drive II 4x4 system, Forward Collision warning with low speed stop function and high speed crash mitigation, new shaped integrated dual exhausts, and two special order options are among a raft of updates introduced this week to the Jeep Cherokee range.

Coming into effect from early November, the Model Year changes offer more features and equipment, although pricing across the Cherokee line-up remains unchanged. The range starts at £25,495 OTR for the 2.0 Longitude 140 Manual FWD.

Active-Drive II, which is only available on Limited trim, automatic transmission cars, offers additional off-road performance for the legendary Cherokee 4x4, and can be operated using the enhanced Selec-Terrain dial inside the car.

Launched in time for the winter weather ahead, Active-Drive II adds Hill-Descent control, a 2.92:1 “low range” gear-set for greater control and torque in off-road or extreme situations, and a neutral mode, which disconnects the rear axle to assist, for example, in flat towing.

The Active-Drive II Jeep Cherokee Limited Automatic 170 hp version will cost £37,195 OTR.

The optional ADG Safety technology group, available on Limited automatic versions also gets updated Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with a low-speed stop function (up to 12mph) and high-speed crash mitigation. The system prefills the brakes, presents audible and visual warnings and ‘brake jerk’ to alert the driver, and assists with emergency stopping if the driver is not braking hard enough.

Visually, all automatic versions of Cherokee will feature rectangular integrated exhausts, a development which enhances the car’s appearance from the rear.

Two new special order options are also offered: ‘Cold Weather group’ (Limited trim only) including all-season floor mats and heated steering wheel, and ‘Safety and Security group’ – bi-xenon light sensitive headlamps, headlamp washer, and rain sensitive windscreen wipers. 

These visibility assisting features are already standard on the Limited trim.

“Following on from the successful launch into the UK of new Jeep Cherokee, I am delighted with these further enhancements to the car,” says Damien Dally, head of brand, Jeep UK. “They are another example of how we continually try to enhance our class-defining models, and I am sure customers will be delighted with the changes we have made.”