Jeep developing 2WD SUV

With the US brand muscling in on the fastest-growing global segment, Jeep’s global head Mike Manley says the nature of compact SUVs means the company has to have a two-wheel drive variant to compete on price and allow for the fact many people don’t take their cars off-road.

Being a Jeep, there will also be all-wheel drive and “Trail-rated” four-wheel drive versions. “We’ve been very clear in saying that within each of the segment Jeep operates in, we need to have to have segment-leading (4WD) capability and that ties back to the DNA of the Wrangler,” Manley says.

He says the aim is to build a vehicle that is essentially a mini Grand Cherokee; combining a modern, hi-tech interior with the robust body that is still capable of taking its occupants wherever they dare drive it. 

“When you get into smaller segments, they will not have the capability, for example, of the Grand Cherokee. But within their segment one vehicle will be Trail-rated had have class-leading capability."

He says the as-yet-unnamed vehicle is based on a Fiat-derived architecture, but “it will undergo significant development to turn it into a Jeep.” Manley notes the Compass and Patriot models have already proven two-wheel drive Jeeps have popular appeal. “On those vehicles, we’re 51 per cent two-wheel drive (in the US),” he says.

“That figure will go up for this car because we know that two-wheel drive tends to dominate sales with smaller SUVs. “So I’m looking for a very versatile, mod, fun interior that’s (still) going to be robust enough for those people who take their vehicle off-road.” 

“The Grand Cherokee has been an exceptional product for us and this vehicle will continue that approach.”