Building a Jeep can’t be an easy task. Mixing 67 years of brand DNA with all the modern practicalities and technologies demanded by SUV buyers is no simple feat. But Jeep has built a reputation on being rugged and uncompromising in both the vehicles it produces and its attitude towards gaining success in a segment that was once a niche but is now brutally competitive. To combat the competition Jeep has a solid range of off-road inspired vehicles to cater for a variety of needs. Sitting in the NZ line-up between the top dog Grand Cherokee and the pureblood Wrangler is the Cherokee Sport. This mid-size model is currently in its second generation and with a recent facelift is set to continue its assault on the NZ market. Car and SUV got some seat time in the revised Cherokee to see if it’s well positioned to invade the consciousness of Kiwi car buyers.

Little has changed in terms of looks for the updated Cherokee, much of the chrome work has now given way to colour-coded paint cutting down the visual bling. Our test vehicle looked smartly uniformed with door handles, roof rails, mirrors and even the iconic 7-slot grille finished in black. Wide wheel arches, a high waist and distinctive angular lines give the Cherokee a bulky presence while continuing Jeep family styling traits. A chunky front bumper and indicator lights built into the guards create a squared jaw look while at the rear it’s more about function with vertical jeweled lights and a split tail gate. Standard wheels are 5-spoke alloys which are good looking rims but at 16-inches don’t really fill out the arches. Overall, the Cherokee has a boxy charm that’s distinctly Jeep and appears well screwed together.

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