The current Jeep Cherokee is either a love it or hate it vehicle due to its design. A key point of contention is the split headlights that cause the front end to look somewhat alien. But new spy shots possibly hint that the split headlights are heading out.

Autoblog obtained a set of spy photos showing off two Cherokee mules. The first one has heavy camouflage on the front and rear ends, hinting that Jeep designers are planning to make significant changes. We can't tell much in the pictures except the hint of the seven-slot grille. The second Cherokee isn't camouflaged but features a different colored bumper with what appears to be radar sensors sitting where the square-shaped main headlights sit. Autoblog thinks it could mean the main headlights could move up, likely merging with the top DRLs. We're not fully sure as we cannot figure what these sensors could be used for - possibly a frontal collision mitigation system?

But it is clear a refresh for the Cherokee is on the horizon. When that will be is up in the air.

Source: Autoblog
Pic Credit: William Maley for Cheers & Gears

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I could easily see them merge this to be in design language to match the rest of the auto lineup. Be interesting to see how much of a change this really becomes.

Remember the original run away successful Cherokee was a brick on wheels that people loved. Will they moving in that direction, or just closer to having like type headlamps like the rest of the family?

If they would normalize the front to be similar to the new Compass and GC, that would help a lot.   The current one looks violently ugly w the headlights so low and the grille bending over the hood, IMO.   Never understood the thinking behind putting the headlights where the fog lights should be.  Just looks awkward.  

Edited May 30, 20178 yr by Cubical-aka-Moltar

With the Compass and Grand Cherokee sharing a theme, I hope they can make the Cherokee continue to stand out, but not nearly as bizarrely as it does now.

3 hours ago, ocnblu said:

With the Compass and Grand Cherokee sharing a theme, I hope they can make the Cherokee continue to stand out, but not nearly as bizarrely as it does now.

Square up that nose to respect the original Cherokee and how awesome they were.

4 hours ago, ocnblu said:

With the Compass and Grand Cherokee sharing a theme, I hope they can make the Cherokee continue to stand out, but not nearly as bizarrely as it does now.

Agreed...looks quite silly now..though it it now finally growing on me.....

Prepare for same sausage, different lengths at Jeep.... Though I can't say I blame them for going with what sells.

1 hour ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Prepare for same sausage, different lengths at Jeep.... Though I can't say I blame them for going with what sells.

Sounds like a party

2 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Prepare for same sausage, different lengths at Jeep.... Though I can't say I blame them for going with what sells.

Sounds like BMW before 2002. Then the 7 series HAD to be different from everything else.

I am betting a front send similar to the GC/Compass and hopefully a more complete looking rear end.