The Jeep Cherokee (KL) 2.0, produced from 2013 to 2017, represented a significant shift for the iconic American brand. This variant, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine producing 140 horsepower, was primarily aimed at the European market where fuel efficiency and lower running costs were highly valued. It occupied a mid-range position within the KL Cherokee lineup, slotting below the more powerful gasoline options and above base-level trims. The KL generation itself was the first Cherokee to utilize a unibody construction, moving away from the body-on-frame design of its predecessor, the XJ.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Jeep |
| Model | Cherokee |
| Generation | Cherokee V (KL) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 (140 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2013 |
| End of production | 2017 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg, 44.1 UK mpg, 15.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.6 l/100 km (51.1 US mpg, 61.4 UK mpg, 21.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg, 18.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 139 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 187 km/h (116.2 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.1 kg/Hp, 76.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.2 kg/Nm, 191.5 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 140 Hp @ 3750 rpm |
| Power per litre | 71.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 1500 rpm (258.15 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | EBT |
| Engine displacement | 1956 cm3 (119.36 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 83 mm (3.27 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 90.4 mm (3.56 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.1 l (4.33 US qt | 3.61 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 6.8 l (7.19 US qt | 5.98 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1828 kg (4030.05 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 591 l (20.87 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1267 l (44.74 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 l (15.85 US gal | 13.2 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1800 kg (3968.32 lbs.) |
| Length | 4623 mm (182.01 in.) |
| Width | 1859 mm (73.19 in.) |
| Height | 1669 mm (65.71 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2699 mm (106.26 in.) |
| Front track | 1586 mm (62.44 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1584 mm (62.36 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 142-151 mm (5.59 – 5.94 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11 m (36.09 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 16.9° |
| Departure angle | 24.5° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 225/60 R17; 225/55 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 17; 7J x 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Cherokee variant is the 1.956-liter (119.36 cubic inches) EBT four-cylinder diesel engine. This engine utilizes a common rail direct injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressure for improved combustion efficiency and reduced emissions. The engine is turbocharged and intercooled, boosting power output and mitigating turbo lag. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, optimizing airflow for enhanced performance. The 6-speed manual transmission was standard, chosen for its efficiency and driver engagement. The engine’s longitudinal mounting allowed for a more balanced weight distribution.
Driving Characteristics
The 140 horsepower and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque provided adequate, though not exhilarating, performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph took around 10.4 seconds, making it competitive with other diesel SUVs in its class. The engine’s peak torque, available from 1500 rpm, provided good low-end grunt, making it suitable for everyday driving and towing. Compared to the higher-output gasoline versions of the Cherokee, this diesel variant prioritized fuel economy over outright speed. The manual transmission offered precise gear changes, but the relatively long gearing emphasized fuel efficiency over rapid acceleration.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 2.0-liter diesel Cherokee typically came with a reasonable level of standard equipment. This included air conditioning, power windows and locks, a basic audio system, and steel wheels with wheel covers. Higher trim levels offered upgrades such as alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system, rear parking sensors, and heated seats. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with leather options available as an upgrade. The dashboard layout was functional and straightforward, prioritizing usability over luxury.
Chassis & Braking
The KL Cherokee’s unibody construction provided a good balance of rigidity and weight savings. The front suspension utilized independent McPherson struts, while the rear featured an independent multi-link setup. This configuration delivered a comfortable ride and predictable handling. Front brakes were ventilated discs, providing ample stopping power, while rear brakes were solid discs. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard. The suspension tuning was geared towards comfort rather than sporty handling, making it well-suited for long journeys.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2.0-liter diesel Cherokee was well-received in Europe, where its fuel efficiency and relatively low running costs were attractive to buyers. Critics praised its comfortable ride and spacious interior. However, some reviewers noted that the engine lacked the refinement of some of its competitors. Compared to the 2.4-liter gasoline engine offered in the Cherokee, the diesel variant offered significantly better fuel economy but less overall power. The diesel also tended to be more expensive to purchase initially. Against rivals like the Volkswagen Tiguan and Ford Kuga, the Cherokee offered a compelling package with its spacious interior and capable chassis.
Legacy
The 2.0-liter diesel Cherokee (KL) has proven to be a relatively reliable vehicle, with the EBT engine generally holding up well over time. Common issues include diesel particulate filter (DPF) problems, particularly on vehicles that primarily see short trips. Regular maintenance, including oil changes and DPF regeneration, is crucial for long-term reliability. Today, these Cherokees can be found on the used car market at attractive prices, offering a practical and fuel-efficient option for those seeking a capable SUV. The KL Cherokee marked a turning point for Jeep, demonstrating its ability to compete in the increasingly popular compact SUV segment with a modern, efficient, and well-rounded vehicle.
