2015 Jeep® Cherokee Trailhawk Named 'Four Wheeler of the Year' by Four Wheeler Magazine

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Jan 23, 2015, 07:00 ET

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

The most capable mid-size SUV – the 2015 Jeep® Cherokee – recognized with esteemed award from leading off-road enthusiast magazine
All V-6-powered Jeep Cherokee models feature Engine Stop-start (ESS) technology, an emission-lowering and fuel-saving feature new for 2015
Jeep Cherokee delivers legendary Jeep 4x4 capability, fuel economy ratings of up to 31 miles per gallon, more than 70 advanced safety and security features and best-in-class V-6 towing capability of 4,500 pounds

2015 Jeep Cherokee named Four Wheeler of the Year

The 2015 Jeep® Cherokee Trailhawk – the most capable mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) – has been named "Four Wheeler of the Year" by Four Wheeler magazine. The award is given annually by the editors of the opinion-leading off-road enthusiast magazine.

"The 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk marks the 13th time a Jeep vehicle has earned the prestigious title, Four Wheeler of the Year," said Four Wheeler Editor Christian Hazel. "From our first competition won by the 1974 Jeep Cherokee to the 2013 Jeep Wrangler Moab Edition, the 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk joins the ranks of other off-road-capable Jeep vehicles earning the Four Wheeler of the Year award. The team of seasoned judges appreciated Cherokee Trailhawk's cutting-edge technology, fresh styling, and luxurious interior amenities packed in a vehicle designed for the 21st century that still maintains true off-road capability."

Four Wheeler's jurors conduct a variety of tests over more than 1,000 miles on a variety of terrain, including pavement, gravel, dirt, sand, rocks, mud and snow at elevations ranging from sea level to more than 9,000 feet.

"Winning the prestigious 'Four Wheeler of the Year' award reinforces the fact that the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is unquestionably the most capable mid-size SUV on the planet," said Mike Manley, President and CEO – Jeep Brand. "We are thrilled the influential editors of Four Wheeler magazine recognized Cherokee's benchmark off-road capability, as well as its combination of new engine stop-start technology, exterior styling and interior amenities."

The 2015 Jeep Cherokee delivers legendary Jeep 4x4 capability, a segment-exclusive nine-speed automatic transmission, fuel ratings of up to 31 miles per gallon (mpg) highway, superior on-road ride and handling, world-class craftsmanship, class-exclusive technology and more than 70 advanced safety and security features.

Cherokee is available in four different models in the United States: Cherokee Sport, Cherokee Latitude, Cherokee Limited and the award-winning Cherokee Trailhawk.

Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk: Trail Rated
The 2015 Cherokee Trailhawk exemplifies Jeep 4x4 capability with a distinctive, aggressive look, backed up by Jeep Trail Rated hardware, resulting in the most capable mid-size SUV in the segment. The Trailhawk includes 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 2015 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.

Engine Stop-start technology
The 2015 Jeep® Cherokee debuts engine stop-start (ESS) technology, an emission-lowering and fuel-saving feature on 2015 Jeep Cherokee models powered by the 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 engine.

ESS technology 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.

Starter and battery systems have been upgraded to complement the ESS technology for heavy-duty operation on models equipped with the feature. This includes a high-durability starter housed in a stronger case, heavy-duty flywheel teeth and a more robust starter solenoid. During testing, the new starter was subjected to durability testing cycles more than 2.5 times that of a non-stop-start equipped unit – more than 300,000 on/off cycles. The new battery features 700 amps with absorbed glass mat (AGM) technology.

System voltage is continually monitored through a battery sensor. If the battery's charge is reduced, the vehicle will discontinue stop-start until the battery is recharged to an acceptable level.

Stop-start 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.

The 2015 Jeep Cherokee powered by the 2.4-liter MultiAir2 engine is now a Partial Zero Emission Engine (PZEV) in the 14 states that have adopted California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations. This entails a revised fuel tank, new fuel filler neck, new air cleaner, new engine downpipe, modified vapor purge canister and new fuel cap.

About Four Wheeler
Whether you're looking for the scoop on the latest off-road-capable vehicles straight from the factory floor, want to see what others have done to their rides, read up on the latest tech, or keep up with emerging trends from across the off-road world, Four Wheeler will bring it to you. Four Wheeler gives out two annual awards – Four Wheeler of the Year and Pickup Truck of the Year, and hosts a signature event, the annual Top Truck Challenge. The Four Wheeler Network features off road and 4x4 content from Jp, 4Wheel & Off-Road, Dirt Sports: Off-Road, Peterson's 4Wheel Drive & Sport Utility, Mud Life, and Four Wheeler.

About TEN: The Enthusiast Network
TEN: The Enthusiast Network is the world's premier network of enthusiast brands, such as MOTOR TREND, AUTOMOBILE, HOT ROD, SURFER, TRANSWORLD, and GRINDTV. With more than 50 publications, 60 websites, 50 events, 1,000 branded products, the world's largest automotive VOD channel, and the world's largest action/adventure sports media platform, TEN inspires enthusiasts to pursue their passions. For more information, visit enthusiastnetwork.com.

About Jeep Brand
Built on more than 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left and right-hand drive configurations and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options.

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