In today’s smartphone-enfused world, people demand constant connectivity whether they’re sitting in living rooms or in their cars. The 2014 Jeep Cherokee delivers that with the available Uconnect system.
Uconnect builds on base radio capability to provide Jeep drivers with a range of features and options to suit individual needs. Two systems are available on the 2014 Cherokee.
Uconnect 8.4A includes an 8.4-inch center-stack touch screen, and can be upgraded with navigation after the vehicle sale. Voice-recognition technology allows hands-free operation of mobile phones – including texting – as well as access to music.
Speaking of music, there are USB and 3.5-mm auxiliary input ports in the Cherokee’s media console for interfacing with different devices, as well as available SiriusXM Radio, which features an expanded channel lineup for 2014 and new exclusive programming.
Upgrading to the Uconnect 8.4AN system nets the same features, plus standard navigation and expanded connectivity options.
Navigation features 3D imagery of landmarks, city models, and terrain. Directions are given audibly and shown on the TFT instrument cluster display, helping to keep the driver’s attention where it belongs, on the road.
A one-step voice-entry system allows Jeep owners to quickly input an address on the go.
Once the driver knows where he or she is going, there are plenty of options for information and entertainment, including: HD Radio, Sirius XM Radio, SiriusXM TravelLink, and SiriusXM Traffic.
SiriusXM Travel Link provides premium data services, including: local weather and fuel prices, schedules and in-game and final scores for NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NASCAR, golf, college football and basketball, and movie listings for over 4,500 theaters across the United States.
Further travel information is provided by SiriusXM Traffic, which works with the 2014 Jeep Cherokee’s navigation system to display traffic speed and flow information, along with accident information to route drivers around congestion.
The 2014 Jeep Cherokee is also available with Uconnect Access Via Mobile, which was named 2013 Technology of the Year by AOL Autos.
The system is based on an advanced service-delivery platform that facilitates direct communication, including with emergency services in the event of an accident.
Vehicle occupants just need to press the “9-1-1” button on the Jeep Cherokee’s rearview mirror, and they’ll be connected with a local emergency-service dispatcher. Pushing the “Assist” button summons help from Chrysler roadside assistance.
Drivers can also remotely activate the Cherokee’s horn and lights through a smartphone app to deter criminals, or simply locate their vehicles in a crowded parking lot.
Once behind the wheel (and not careening off the road) Jeep Cherokee drivers can access four Internet radio stations: Aha, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and Slacker.
A Uconnect Access-equipped Cherokee can also be turned into a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing the driver to pull over and search for a destination. There’s also a Yelp-based onboard search engine.
All of these features make the 2014 Jeep Cherokee one of the most connected midsize SUVs on the road today. It’s available now with a base price of $23,990 (including destination).
