Jeep prices 2014 Cherokee

Jeep has announced pricing for its all-new Cherokee SUV. The Cherokee will replace the Liberty as Jeep's mid-size offering for the 2014 model year.

The entry-level 2014 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4x2 will carry a MSRP of $23,990 (including a $995 destination charge), undercutting the outgoing base model Liberty by $400.

Although labeled as the Cherokee's entry-level model, the Sport comes well equipped with features like a 5-inch touchscreen media center, Bluetooth connectivity, a 3.5-inch LED screen located in the gauge cluster, 10 air bags and LED taillights.

Stepping up to the 4x4 version of the Cherokee Sport will add $2,000 to the SUV's base price. Both models are powered by a 184-horsepower version of Chrysler's 2.4L Tigershark four-cylinder, capable of returning up to 31mpg on the highway.

The mid-level Cherokee Latitude 4x2 will arrive on dealer lots with a base price of $25,490, or $27,490 for a 4x4 example. In addition to the Sport's standard features, the Latitude tacks on body-colored side mirrors and door handles, roof rails, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, ambient LED interior lighting and 17-inch alloy wheels. Optional upgrades include an 8.4-inch touchscreen Uconnect radio, a panoramic sunroof and Chrysler's new 3.2L Pentastar V6, rated at 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque.

Prices for the range-topping Cherokee Limited 4x2 will start at $28,990, with 4x4 examples commanding $30,990. All Cherokee Limited models include a leather interior, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, keyless entry, automatic headlights, a 7-inch reconfigurable instrument cluster, 8.4-inch touchscreen radio, a backup camera and 18-inch wheels.

Limited models come standard with a 2.4L engine, but can be upgraded to a 3.2L V6.

For those interested in taking their Cherokee off-road, Jeep will also offer the $30,490 Trailhawk 4x4.

Based on the Latitude trim of the Cherokee, the Trailhawk adds off-road features like wheel flares, red tow hooks, skid plates, an up-rated suspension suspension with a one-inch lift, heavy-duty engine cooling and auxiliary transmission oil cooler, and Jeep's Active Drive Lock 4x4 system with low range and locking rear axle. The Trailhawk package also includes Hill-ascent Control and Hill-descent Control.

Thanks to those upgrades, the Trailhawk boasts a 29.8 degree approach angle, 32.1 degree departure angle, and a ground clearance of 8.7 inches.

The Trailhawk can be spec'd out with a 3.2L V6, but comes standard with a four-banger.

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee will hit dealer lots during the third quarter of this year.

Jeep announces two recalls covering 620,000 vehicles worldwide

Chrysler's Jeep brand has announced two separate recalls covering about 435,400 vehicles in the United States. The recalls come just days after Jeep declined the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's request for the automaker to recall 2.7 million vehicles over fire concerns.

In the first of the two safety campaigns, Jeep is recalling 254,400 Jeep Patriot and Compass SUVs from the 2010-12 model years in the U.S. Jeep says the SUVs may have a fault in their sensor-activated restraint systems that prevent the vehicles' seatbelt pre-tensioners and side-curtain airbags from functioning properly during a slow-developing rollover accident.

Chrysler will remedy the problem by updating the SUVs' software.

No injuries or accidents have been linked to the recall, which covers an additional 45,400 vehicles in Canada and another 109,400 SUVs outside of the NAFTA region.

The second recall covers 181,000 Wrangler SUVs sold in the U.S. during the 2012 and 2013 model years. In those vehicles a component of the power steering system may rub against an transmission oil cooler line, which could eventually cause a leak. Chrysler will fix the problem by installing a protective sleeve.

The Wrangler recall also includes 18,400 vehicles in Canada, 3,300 SUVs in Mexico and 18,400 units in other global markets.