Jeep Cherokee 2018 revealed

Jeep has unveiled its updated Cherokee medium SUV ahead of its public debut at the Detroit motor show next month, shedding the divisive styling of the current model.

Due in Australian showrooms around the middle of 2018, the new Cherokee has replaced the split-headlight and daytime running light set-up with a softer, more rounded design that bears a closer resemblance to its Grand Cherokee and Compass siblings.

The signature seven-slot grille remains, as do the foglights embedded in the front bumper, while the lower bumper has been simplified.

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Off-road-focused Trailhawk variants are expected to retain more muscular styling, with the inclusion of tow hooks, black cladding on the bumpers and wheelarches, all-terrain tyres and an increased ride height.

While Jeep has been tight-lipped, more details are sure to come at the North American International Auto Show next month.

At the rear, the numberplate has been moved to the tailgate for a more streamlined rear bumper, while the tail-light design has also been tweaked slightly.

Changes to the inside seem minimal, with the Cherokee seemingly retaining the same multimedia system, steering wheel, climate control cluster and instrumentation as before.

While Jeep has been tight-lipped about information regarding the new Cherokee, more details are sure to come to light when it is revealed in full at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit next month.

Currently, the local Cherokee line-up consists of four trim levels and two engine choices, starting with the two-wheel drive Sport from $35,950 plus on-roads, which is teamed to a 130kW/229Nm 2.4-litre, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine.

Despite the current Cherokee being designed to stand out from the crowd, it has struggled for sales in 2017.

It still remains the second-best selling model in Jeep’s line-up.

The other engine choice is a 200kW/315Nm 3.2-litre Pentastar V6, which powers the all-wheel drive Longitude, Limited and Trailhawk variants, which range from $41,450 to $49,950.

Initially Jeep offered the Cherokee with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 125kW/350Nm, but has since been discontinued.

There is also the possibility the Cherokee could be offered with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four, but given the engine was ruled out for Australian versions of the all-new Wrangler due late next year, its local future is uncertain.

Despite the current Cherokee being designed to stand out in the crowded sub-$60,000 medium SUV segment, it has struggled for sales in 2017 with 990 units sold with one month left in the year, representing a 47.1 per cent drop over 2016.

It still remains the second-best selling model in Jeep’s line-up behind the Grand Cherokee (4919) and ahead of the Wrangler (948) and Renegade (672).