The Next Generation Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevrolet vs. Mitsubishi and will there be a Jeep Wrangler (JL) Willys? [Ask Nathan]

    • What will the next Jeep Grand Cherokee be like?
    • Mitsubishi Mirage vs Chevrolet Spark?
    • The next Jeep Wrangler (JL) Willys?

The first question comes from a fan who wants to know what we’ve heard about the next Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Q: What’s the haps Roman and Nathan!??

I am a big Jeep fan and have owned three generations of Grand Cherokee. I love all of the work you’ve done covering the Trackhawk and off road Grand Cherokees. I was wondering if you guys think that this current Grand Cherokee is coming to an end? With all of these special editions, I would bet that its time is coming soon.

One thing I love about the GC is its toughness while it’s still able to off road with the big boys. My son has a Land Rover Discovery II that is about equal to my ’16 75th Anniversary GC. The only difference is that his truck is in the shop constantly. I’ve never had any major issues with any of my GCs and that’s the truth!

You know I bought my 75th GC after watching you and Roman drive one? It’s true and I regret nothing! Love it to bits!

One final thing. Do you think you guys will do another adventurer video series like you did with Motormountain USA? I would love to see a bunch of Jeep vehicles in every extreme climate with your fun twist on it.

Thanks again TFL!

William “Billy” Joe

A: Howdy Billy!

Thanks for the great email! Yes, we are looking at doing some new adventure series in the near future – but it’s all hush-hush until we finalize things. Stay tuned!

As for information about the next generation Jeep Grand Cherokee, here’s what we’ve heard. Remember, some of these points are pure speculation.

The next Jeep Grand Cherokee will (probably) use the Giorgio platform which is already used by the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio.

It’s possible that the next Jeep Grand Cherokee may use the Italian V6s including the one used in the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 used in the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio. Add to that the new 2-liter, 4-cylinder turbo (that’s a mild hybrid) and, possibly, a new Hemi V8.

Jeep is not about to limit the off-road ability of the next generation Jeep Grand Cherokee and that goes for its 4WD systems. We expect a similar setup to the Jeep Wrangler JL’s new automatic system; perhaps for the base 4WD system.

To keep up with some industry standards, we expect to see a much lighter Jeep Grand Cherokee by use of aluminum and light-weight high-strength steel.

While it will look completely different, it should have enough Jeep family resemblance to instantly let you know what it is.

I wish I had more solid information, but it looks like it will be a few years before Jeep begins to tease us regarding the next generation Jeep Grand Cherokee. Let’s hope for the best!

Cheers!

N

This next question comes from a fan who is comparing a Mitsubishi Mirage vs Chevrolet Spark.

2016 Chevrolet Spark front
The 2016 Chevrolet Spark debuted at the New York International Auto Show.

Q: (Via https://www.facebook.com/Nathan-Adlen-239123726112746/) Hi Nathan! Mitsubishi Mirage vs Chevrolet Spark, your call

I want the most fun for my dollar.

A: Hi!

The Chevrolet Spark is a better all-around vehicle. While it’s only a little bit more expensive than the comparably equipped Mirage, it feels higher quality and is more enjoyable to drive.

With that being said, the Mitsubishi Mirage is the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid available in the United States. It’s a simple, no-fuss car that corners well and is the easiest thing to park around. Still, the Chevrolet Spark is more rewarding to drive.

Hope that helps!

N

The last question comes from a Wrangler fan who wants to know if there will be something similar a Jeep Wrangler JL Willys Edition – and if it will be waterproof.

2015 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon Hard Rock

 

Q: Hi guys, I love watching your YouTube videos. Most of all I like that you keep your reviews real. The people buying these are making big investments and need to know that it’s a good one.

Right now I have a 2017 Wrangler Willy’s unlimited. Best vehicle I have ever owned. Nothing I don’t need. All my jeep has is the alpine stereo and power windows and locks. Just a old school works everyday jeep. That works in all weather.

I had a jeep Cherokee trail hawk before this one and had nothing but problems. It was full load with everything. I don’t miss any of it.

Last summer I had the top off running naked as it’s called and got stuck on the rain no roof no doors. So I pulled the plugs out of the floor and drove home and covered the dash. Next day removed the rug let seats dry. Never had any trouble.

This brings me to my questions.
Do you think the new jeep would hold up in a topless rain storm now with all the extras?

Is there going to be a model like the Willy’s I have for the guys that buy Jeeps to get away from all the extras of other new vehicles.

Motor Mountain USA

A: Hi Bryon!

Yes, I know that Jeep will have stripped-down version of the Wrangler JL. Just how stripped-down remains the question, but they are fully aware that their prices are steep and not everyone wants a fully loaded machine. Hopefully, we’ll know more when the 2018 Easter Jeep Safari pops up at the end of March 2018.

As for the new JL’s interior waterproofing… they commented (more than once) that the interior on all models is the result of extreme testing and that they are, indeed “waterproof.” They have drain holes and, as we discovered with the 2018 Jeep Wrangler Sahara we’re testing, water all over the doors’ insides didn’t negatively impact it at all.

That’s not saying much. I mean, we didn’t ford a deep river or anything, but it was a relief that nothing shorted out. Time will tell if there are any weak points inside, but, as the Jeep/FCA folks point out, this is one of the most heavily tested vehicles in their lineup.

Hope that helps and Happy New Year everyone!

N

Speaking of the Wrangler…

Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.

From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.

Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com.