Jeep Touches On Nostalgia With Two Upcoming Models

Have you been hoping that Jeep would turn away from building a fleet of almost identical compact crossovers and return to its retro roots?  If so, then you are in luck, as the brand is bringing two new models online that harken to its not-so-distant past.

According to a report by the Automotive News, the most interesting of the pair is the new Jeep Grand Wagoneer, which is destined to be a seven-passenger model based on the same platform as the Dodge Durango – which itself shares DNA with the current Jeep Grand Cherokee.  On top of its evocative name, the Grand Wagoneer will finally give Jeep a true high capacity people mover with enough interior space on hand to make owners forget about the cramped confines offered by the now-departed Jeep Commander.  There is as-yet no word on whether the res-kinned Durango will feature upright, boxy Jeep styling or instead move to the more aerodynamic, flowing lines of its Grand Cherokee platform-mate.

The replacement for the Jeep Liberty will be dubbed the ‘Cherokee,’ and although it will ride on the chassis initially designed for the Dodge Dart compact sedan, it seems likely that at least one trail-rated model will be produced.  A fresh V6 engine displacing 3.2 litres will be found under the hood, and the Cherokee could appeal to former Jeep owners who have been alienated by the lack of a reasonably tough, four-wheel drive compact option in the brand’s current line-up (outside of the iconic Wrangler).

Each of these new Jeeps will be offered as 2014 models.