Stellantis Media Site  2016 Jeep® Cherokee: Most Capable Mid-size SUV Sets the Standard for the Segment  Contact: Amy  Delcamp Todd  Goyer  2016 Jeep® Cherokee: Most Capable Mid-size SUV Sets the Standard for the Segment  Best-in-class capability 3.2-liter V-6 engine now available on Cherokee Sport model Three available four-wheel-drive systems that raise the standard for mid-size SUVs Jeep® Selec-Terrain traction control system with up to five customized modes – Auto, Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud and Rock Best-in-class V-6 towing capability – 4,500 pounds Up to a 56:1 crawl ratio for low-range traction Jeep Cherokee is Four Wheeler Magazine’s 2015 Four Wheeler of the Year Fuel economy – up to 31 miles per gallon (mpg) highway Standard Engine Stop-Start technology on 3.2-liter V-6-powered Cherokee models Only mid-size SUV with standard nine-speed automatic transmission Industry-first rear-axle disconnect resulting in reduced energy loss when 4x4 capability isn’t needed; improving fuel efficiency More than 70 available advanced safety and security features August 31, 2015,  Auburn Hills, Mich. - The 2016 Jeep® Cherokee delivers the on-road driving dynamics, features, fuel economy and 4x4 capability that mid-size SUV customers desire. For 2016, the Jeep Cherokee delivers legendary Jeep 4x4 capability, fuel ratings of up to 31 miles per gallon (mpg) highway, superior on-road ride and handling, a segment-exclusive nine-speed automatic transmission, world-class craftsmanship, class-exclusive technology and more than 70 available advanced safety and security features. New for the 2016 model year are Rhino Clear Coat and Light Brownstone exterior colors and driver comfort enhancements to the steering column tilt, instrument cluster and front seats.For 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with the 8.4-inch touchscreen, Uconnect is introducing new features that include the all-new Drag and Drop menu bar, Siri Eyes Free and Do-Not Disturb.   Drag and Drop Menu Bar: Jeep Cherokee owners now have the ability to personalize their touchscreen controls to fit their lifestyle and have one-button access to the features and services they value most. From Travel Link and Yelp to heated or cooled seats, drivers now can simply drag their favorite feature or service icon from the apps menu and move them to their Uconnect system’s main menu bar   Siri Eyes Free: An extension of voice recognition via the voice button on the steering wheel and compatible with an Apple iPhone 4s or later, with Siri Eyes free, drivers can speak natural language voice commands to send text messages, play music, set reminders, place phone calls and access turn-by-turn directions. Driver’s will simply push and hold the voice recognition button on the steering wheel until the Siri screen appears on the 8.4-inch touchscreen and hear the audible tones   Do Not Disturb: Vehicle owners who prefer not be interrupted with phone calls or text messages while driving can choose to turn on the new “Do Not Disturb” and “Reply with Text Message” feature. Located within the Uconnect system’s phone screen, once enabled with a the push of a button or via voice command, the Do Not Disturb icon will route all incoming mobile calls to voicemail and suppress text messages. If the vehicle owner chooses to enable the Do Not Disturb feature, they also have the ability to send a default or customized response once a call or text message is received Jeep 4x4 capabilityThe 2016 Jeep Cherokee provides a choice of three innovative 4x4 systems for best-in-class 4x4 capability in all weather conditions. The Jeep Cherokee is the first mid-size SUV to feature rear-axle disconnect, resulting in reduced energy loss when 4x4 capability isn’t needed – improving fuel efficiency. The rear-axle disconnect seamlessly switches between two- and four-wheel drive for full-time torque management and does not require input from the driver. The Jeep Cherokee offers best-in-class V-6 towing capability of 4,500 pounds. Jeep Active Drive IAvailable on the Cherokee Sport, Latitude and Limited models, Jeep Active Drive I features a single power transfer unit (PTU), which is fully automatic and delivers seamless operation in and out of four-wheel drive at any speed. The system does not require any driver intervention or feedback, delivers yaw correction during dynamic events and improves both understeer and oversteer conditions.Jeep Active Drive IIAvailable on the Cherokee Latitude and Limited models, Jeep Active Drive II includes a two-speed PTU with torque management and low range. The 4-Low mode locks the front and rear drive shafts for low-speed power or towing. Low range provides a 2.92:1 gear reduction. The gear reduction allows for enhanced climbing ability as well outstanding crawl ratios for severe off-road conditions. The 2016 Jeep Cherokee with Jeep Active Drive II gives the off-road adventurer a ride height that is increased by an inch, and a crawl ratio of 56:1 when powered by the 2.4-liter MultiAir2 Tigershark I-4 engine and 47.8:1 when powered by the new 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 engine – up to a 90-percent improvement versus the outgoing model. Jeep Active Drive LockJeep Active Drive Lock includes all the features of Jeep Active Drive II and adds a locking rear differential for superior low-speed power for severe off-road conditions. Jeep Active Drive Lock is standard on all Trailhawk models. All 4x4 systems feature the Jeep brand’s renowned Selec-Terrain traction control system, which allows the driver to choose the on- and off-road setting for optimum performance.  Up to five customized settings are offered: Auto, Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud and Rock. Through the use of algorithms that enable unsurpassed control and capability, Selec-Terrain electronically coordinates and optimizes up to 12 systems on any terrain providing enhanced vehicle control including: drivetrain control module, electronic brake controller, electronic stability control (ESC), transmission controller, powertrain controller and Selec-Speed Control (Hill-ascent and Hill-descent Control). Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk: Trail RatedThe 2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk model exemplifies Jeep 4x4 capability with a distinctive, aggressive look, backed up by Jeep Trail Rated hardware, for the most capable Jeep Cherokee model and the most capable mid-size SUV in the segment. The Trailhawk includes, as standard equipment, aggressive approach and departure angles, complements of the unique front and rear fascias, one-inch factory lift, Jeep Active Drive Lock with locking rear differential, skid plates and signature red tow hooks. The locking rear differential is selectable in any low range terrain mode, but will lock automatically when in certain modes, such as “Rock,” to maximize tractive effort at the tire patch that can support it. The Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk boasts an approach angle of 29.8 degrees, a departure angle of 32.1 degrees and breakover angle of 23.3 degrees. Running ground clearance is 8.7 inches. The 2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk model with the standard off-road package is Trail Rated. The “Trail Rated” badge on the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk indicates that the vehicle is designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation and water fording. Superior on-road performance and fuel efficiencyThe 2016 Jeep Cherokee premium on-road manners and fuel efficiency are a result of a number of efforts by Jeep engineers. Powered by the choice of two engines mated to a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission,the Cherokee delivers the power drivers appreciate on the road without sacrificing fuel efficiency.With highway fuel economy ratings of up to 31 mpg and a driving range on a tank of gasoline of nearly 500 miles, the 2016 Jeep Cherokee delivers drivers a no-compromise ownership experience. Engine Stop-Start (ESS) TechnologyESS technology, which is standard on Cherokees equipped with the 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, increases fuel efficiency by shutting the engine off when the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Amenities (radio, gauges, heating or air conditioning, etc.) continue to operate, making the operation transparent to the driver. The engine restarts automatically when the driver releases the brake, allowing seamless acceleration. ESS is activated automatically and requires no input from the driver. A system disable switch is located on the dash if the operator wishes to suspend the feature. Safety and SecurityThe Jeep Cherokee was engineered with more than 70 available safety and security features.The Cherokee starts with a strong foundation, constructed with 65 percent high-strength steel. Engineers then added both active and passive safety and security features, including ParkSense Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist; Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus; Forward Collision Warning-Plus; LaneSense Departure Warning-Plus; electronic stability control (ESC); electronic roll mitigation; Blind-spot Monitoring; Rear Cross Path detection; ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines, 10 standard air bags and much more. The 2016 Jeep Cherokee competes in the mid-size SUV segment, the largest SUV segment in North America, with more than 2 million sales in 2014. The 2016 Jeep Cherokee boasts numbers that make the difference for the SUV customer who cares about fuel economy and capability in all weather conditions: fuel economy of up to 31 mpg, more than 70 safety and security features, numerous industry and segment “firsts,” a nine-speed automatic transmission, a 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with 271 horsepower and 239 lb.-ft. of torque, a 2.4-liter MultiAir2 Tigershark I-4 engine with 184 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque, nearly 500 miles driving range on a tank of gasoline and three new, innovative 4x4 systems that deliver legendary Jeep capability including crawl ratios of 56:1 with the 2.4-liter engine and 47.8:1 with the 3.2-liter engine. The 2016 Jeep Cherokee is available in four different models in the United States and will arrive in dealer showrooms in the third quarter 2015. Customers can choose from the 2016 Jeep Cherokee Sport, Cherokee Latitude, Cherokee Limited and the rugged, Trail Rated Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. The Jeep Cherokee mid-size SUV will offer consumers 10 different exterior colors from which to choose: Bright White Clear Coat, Brilliant Black Crystal Metallic Clear Coat, Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Deep Cherry Red Crystal Pearl Coat, Light Brownstone Clear Coat, Mango Tango Pearl Coat, Eco Green Pearl Coat, Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat, True Blue Pearl Coat, and Rhino Clear Coat. The Cherokee is built in the United States at FCA US Toledo (Ohio) Assembly Plant.  Jeep BrandBuilt on more than 80 years of legendary heritage, Jeep® is the authentic SUV brand that delivers legendary off-road capability, interior refinement, high-tech features and versatility to people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a broad portfolio of vehicles that continues to provide owners with a sense of safety and security to handle any journey with confidence. Jeep Wave, a premium owner loyalty and customer care program that is available to the entire Jeep 4x4 lineup, is filled with benefits and exclusive perks to deliver Jeep brand owners the utmost care and dedicated 24/7 support. The legendary Jeep brand's off-road capability is enhanced by a global electrification initiative that is transforming 4xe into the new 4x4. All Jeep brand vehicles in North America will offer an electrified variant by 2025.Follow Jeep and company news and video on:Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.comMedia website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.comJeep brand: www.jeep.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/jeep Instagram: www.instagram.com/jeep Twitter: www.twitter.com/jeepLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/jeepYouTube: www.youtube.com/thejeepchannel or https://www.youtube.com/StellantisNA