Jeep releases pricing and specifications for 2014 Cherokee models with a starting MSRP $400 less than the outgoing Jeep Liberty

2014 Jeep Cherokee prices

Chrysler's Jeep brand has released U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Pricing of its much-anticipated 2014 Cherokee model with the entry-level 4x2 Sport model having a starting price of $23,990 while the 4x4 Sport model will be priced at $25,990 (both prices include a $995 destination charge).

Jeep was quick to note that, in comparison, the new Cherokee's starting price is $400 less than the outgoing 2012 Jeep Liberty model, which started at $24,320 (including destination) for Sport 4x2 models and $26,320 (including destination) for Sport 4x4 models (the actual price difference is $330 dollars as the destination charge was increased from $925 for the Liberty to $995 for the Cherokee).

Cherokee models

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee will be available in four trim levels – Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk. The Sport, Latitude and Limited models will be available in either 4x2 or 4x4 configuration while the Trailhawk will only be available as a 4x4.

Here's how they shake out:

2014 Jeep Cherokee Sport
Starting price: 4x2 $23,990, 4x4 $25,990

The Sport is powered by a 2.4-liter MultiAir2 Tigershark I-4 engine producing 184 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque.

Standard equipment includes, among other things, a drivetrain with rear axle disconnect, black power mirrors and door handles, 5.0-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth phone and streaming audio, USB, SD and auxiliary ports, 3.5-inch full-color, TFT LED center cluster, cloth seats, power windows, 10 air bags, LED tail lamps, projector headlamps, four-wheel ABS, ESC, traction control, Hill-start Assist, electric power steering, cruise, air conditioning, keyless entry, power remote open fuel door and 17-inch steel wheels with all-season tires.

Major options include Jeep Active Drive I 4x4 system, Selec-Terrain drive mode selector (standard on 4x4 vehicles), satellite radio, rear backup camera, 17-inch alloy wheels, Cold Weather and Trailer-tow Group.

2014 Jeep Cherokee Latitude
Starting price: 4x2 $25,490, 4x4 $27,490

Expected to be the volume model, upgrades over the Sport include body color mirrors and door handles, bright trim molding and roof rails, deep tinted glass, fog lamps, one-touch up and down power windows, fold-flat front passenger seat with in-seat storage space, leather-wrapped steering wheel, interior ambient LED lighting, 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, and a compact spare tire.

In addition to the options offered for the Sport model, major options for the Latitude include a 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 engine producing 271 horsepower and 239 lb.-ft. of torque, Jeep Active Drive II 4x4 system, 8.4-inch touchscreen radio, Alpine premium audio system and a panoramic sunroof.

2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited
Starting price: 4x2 $28,990, 4x4 $30,990

To the standard equipment found on the Latitude, Limited models add, among other things, leather heated power seats (8-way driver seat with power lumbar), heated steering wheel, Keyless Enter-N-Go, automatic headlamps, signal mirrors with approach/courtesy lamps, bright lower front and rear fascia trim, 18-inch polished and painted alloy wheels, 8.4-inch touchscreen radio, satellite radio, rear backup camera, remote start, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dim rearview mirror, universal and a leather-wrapped shift knob.

In addition to the options offered for the Latitude model, major options for the Limited include HD radio with navigation, wireless charging pad, Technology Group, Comfort/Convenience Group and Luxury Group.

2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
Starting price: 4x4 $30,490

Jeep calls the Trailhawk "the ultimate expression of off-road ruggedness and performance" so it comes with aggressive approach (29.8 degrees) and departure (32.1 degrees) angles courtesy of unique front and rear fascias plus a one-inch increased ride height with an approach angle of 29.8 degrees.

Running ground clearance is 8.7 inches. The Trailhawk also comes with all the standard equipment of the Latitude model plus off-road wheel flares, red tow hooks, skid plates, off-road suspension, heavy-duty engine cooling and auxiliary transmission oil cooler, Jeep Active Drive Lock 4x4 system with low range and locking rear axle, Selec-Terrain drive mode selector, new Selec-Speed Control with Hill-ascent Control and Hill-descent Control, accent color power mirrors (heated), grille surrounds, lower fascia appliqués and roof rails, black trim moldings, red "Trail Rated" and "Trailhawk" badges, 17-inch alloy wheels with black painted pockets and OWL all-terrain tires, full-size spare tire, unique cloth and leather interior, red accent stitching on instrument panel brow, seats, door armrests, center console lid, shifter boot and console netting, red "Trailhawk" tag on console netting, leather-wrapped shift knob and all-weather slush floor mats.

In addition to the options offered for the Latitude model, major options for the Trailhawk include matte black hood decal, SkySlider open air sunroof, Technology Group, Comfort/Convenience Group and Leather Interior Group.