2019 Jeep Cherokee facelift may get 2.0L hybrid turbo

The Jeep Cherokee KL, which first made its debut at the 2013 New York Auto Show, is about to go under the knife. The mid-size SUV has been spied making rounds with seemingly no intentions of masking its redesigned headlamps, perhaps for obvious reasons (hint: it’s much better looking than before). It bears a closer resemblance to the second-generation Compass and fourth-generation Grand Cherokee.

However, the big news here is the possible addition of a new turbocharged engine. According to a report by the Truth About Cars, documents circulating within the automaker have revealed that a new 2.0 four-cylinder turbo, which made its debut in the all-new Wrangler, will make an appearance once again, confirming earlier speculations of the engine introduction.

The four-pot mill features an eTorque mild hybrid system, pushing out 270 hp and 400 Nm of torque. It’s unclear if this engine will find its way outside of the North American market, seeing that the offering in the Wrangler is currently exclusive to the West. Maybe time will tell.

The same report states that the 2.0 litre turbo will be a range-topping offering if the line-up is to be based solely on engine output. Existing mills start from the base 2.4 litre Tigershark MultiAir 2 four-cylinder unit developing 174 hp and 229 Nm of torque. There’s also the larger 271 hp 3.2 litre Pentastar V6, but the new turbo lump packs 76 Nm more twisting force than the six-pot mill.

In the US, all three engines will be offered concurrently, although details of its drivetrain remains undisclosed. The outgoing Cherokee gets a nine-speed automatic transmission as standard and either Jeep Active Drive I permanent all-wheel drive or an Active Drive Lock system with rear-axle disconnect.

GALLERY: 2019 Jeep Cherokee facelift spyshots

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.