STUD OR DUD? 2014 Jeep Cherokee Spotted On Assembly Line

We've seen development mules of the next small Jeep crossover/SUV parading around for months. In our minds it was the 2014 Liberty, just wearing an Alfa Romeo Giulietta body but was also a good bit taller. Through these exclusive photos we've learned two things. First, it won't look anything like an Alfa. Second, it won't be a Liberty. This is the 2014 Jeep Cherokee. That's right, the Cherokee is back.

First things first, those headlights. It looks a lot like Jeep is taking a page from the Nissan Juke handbook here. The narrow lights on top are combined with some larger bulbs next to the grille. I don't hate the Juke, so I don't really hate this either. Some may see it as a Jeep that's sucking lemons, but there's nothing wrong with a little boldness. In fact, Car and Driver had already predicted a fairly insane design like this in an earlier rendering. They were super close.



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PLAY - 2/22/2013 1:18:36 PM

+5 Boost

That is a big dud. The side view looks great, but the front is hideous. It is worse than the Acura beak!!!

Henanamani1 - 2/22/2013 2:44:35 PM

+4 Boost

This can't be real

280SE - 2/22/2013 4:19:41 PM

+2 Boost

I agree. This looks like some sort of unofficial knock-off design.

cidflekken - 2/22/2013 2:55:03 PM

0 Boost

The interior looks really nice based on these somewhat blurry photos. I wish there were more originality in the rear 3/4s of the car, but at least it didn't go directly for the Escape/Santa Fe/Murano/Rogue/X3/RAV4 profile route. The front-end is a bit, um, squinty, for me, but it's not as garish as a Murano.

Not sure if "Cherokee" is a misnomer here. I'm sure the car will be trail ready, but it looks too fashionable to carry the "Cherokee" name, based on the history of the trucklet.

JR993 - 2/22/2013 3:35:35 PM

+2 Boost

Ah, I'm not a fan. Proportions of the headlights to the rest of the front end mass is way off. It's something when you think of the time, money and seemingly multiple design reviews that so many duds make it all the way to production.

HughJass - 2/22/2013 3:52:36 PM

0 Boost

Why is it trying to look like a sports car?

pepito66 - 2/22/2013 4:56:56 PM

+2 Boost

Dud for me , lateral side is from the old Santa Fe , ugly , and the front side is not good too , the proportions of the headlights and angle are not correct. Interior is pretty decent .
Dud for me.

gkearns56 - 2/22/2013 5:28:27 PM

+4 Boost

How could anyone even think this was good looking. WTF happened to the front end/headlights area. I hope this is merely some joke. This UGLY Exterior will win take over the UGLY Award crown from the Pontiac Aztec, AMC Pacer and any other loser. WOW - I can't believe this is real. I am laughing; is this the best design they could come up with??

PUGPROUD - 2/22/2013 7:51:03 PM

+1 Boost

While not sure until I see it in person I give FIAT a lot of credit...it seems that they have pointed Chrysler in a direction and left it to them to do it with some imagination and flare across the whole line up of models. Will be fun to see what is next.

ricks0me - 2/22/2013 8:47:38 PM

+3 Boost

I am a Jeep Guy but not for this or the Compass or the Patriot

bfghemicuda - 2/22/2013 9:04:09 PM

+1 Boost

Allpar has some better pics. They are saying these are the offical photos that were released. This is sure different.

CarCrazedinCali - 2/22/2013 9:05:54 PM

+2 Boost

wow, did not see this coming, this is awful, major DUD

pepito66 - 2/22/2013 9:32:47 PM

+2 Boost

Embarrassing Jeep make this year something like this, even Korean copy and paste from Mercedes and BMW has better design but this is an insult , really it is. The lateral side is from old Santa Fe , and he front ....no comment.

TauronB2G - 2/23/2013 1:21:04 AM

+1 Boost

It looks much better in solid colors...that white with black bumpers and trim is hideous. Jalopnik has different pics that make it look a little better.
T

Designer1 - 2/23/2013 2:18:45 PM

+2 Boost

A totally failed design, horrible beyond words!!

gkearns56 - 2/24/2013 12:04:30 PM

+1 Boost

And the Turd Award goes to the: 2014 Jeep Cherokee. "We'd like to thank all the loyal customers who will be suckered in to buying this UGLY piece of crap". "Chrysler also like to thank and can't forget it's dedicated UAW members who were committed to this project during their lunch breaks while in the park.

kingsley - 3/1/2013 2:20:37 AM

+1 Boost

Given the horrid things that make it into metal these days, such as the completely disastrous Nissan Juke, or the horrid but much vaunted Range Rover Evoque with its ugly and impractical bashed in roof, this is really not that bad for a 'fashionable' car. Personally I prefer timeless designs with real elegance, cars that will be classics for all time. We can think of early 50's and 60's Mercedes for instance, most Bentleys, many of the Audi range, the Volkswagen Phaeton, some famous Italian sports cars, etc etc. This is really not that ghastly.