Premium Cherokee Overland added to lineup for 2016

Jeep is responding to increased customer demand for its Cherokee midsize crossover by adding a premium trim level in the Overland.

With Canadian sales up 41 per cent in 2015, the Cherokee's second full year on the market after a 13-year hiatus, the folks at Jeep are bringing a new model to dealer lots that sheds the rugged looks while retaining the rugged ability.

Styled in the same fashion as the more expensive Grand Cherokee, the Cherokee Overland features body-colour door cladding and wheel arch flares, and 18-inch polished aluminum wheels, separating it from the rest of the Cherokee pack, particularly the Cherokee Trailhawk.

Jeep says the Cherokee Overland's interior is inspired by that of the Grand Cherokee Overland, and includes a leather-wrapped instrument panel, heated and ventilated power front driver and passenger seats with four-way power lumbar support, full Nappa leather seating surfaces throughout, a steering wheel decked out in high-gloss wood trim, polished door sill plates, a standard Alpine audio system, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation. Uconnect 8.4 NAV AM/FM radio with 8.4-in.

Other standard features on the Cherokee Overland include a power liftgate, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, a rearview camera, and a "premium insulation group."

Driving the wheels is the Jeep Active Drive II four-wheel drive system, which includes a two-speed transfer case, and a disconnecting rear axle, as well as Jeep's Selec-Terrain traction control system.

"Selec-Terrain is designed to optimize the four-wheel-drive systems for unsurpassed control and capability," according to Jeep, and tailors traction to a host of conditions, including snow, sand and mud.

Optional equipment on the 2016 Cherokee Overland includes: Skid plates and full-size spare tire; a 3.2-litre Pentastar V6 engine; Jeep's Technology Group, which includes Advanced Brake Assist, auto high beam headlamp control, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, parallel and perpendicular park assist, and adaptive cruise control; and a sunroof, among others.

Pricing was not immediately available, but expect it to start around $40,000.