News Roundup: Sept 2, 2025
- Adam Bernard
- Sep 2
- 4 min read
Check out the video: https://youtu.be/5QfQHO23eT4
Jeep Cherokee
After over a two-year absence, the Cherokee—once the struggling brand’s best-seller—returns to showrooms at the end of this year. Although it shares its STLA Large platform with the new Dodge Charger, the Cherokee retains its transverse FWD/AWD configuration. Visually, it picks up cues from the classic XJ Cherokee from the 1980s, but has grown to within a few inches of the midsize Grand Cherokee—and gained 400 pounds in the process. Jeep claims best-in-class approach and departure angles, which should be even better in the upcoming Trailhawk variant, putting the Cherokee at the top of the segment in off-road capability.
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The new Cherokee will technically start at around $37K, but that variant won’t launch until early next year; the $42K Limited will be the cheapest Cherokee later this year. All Cherokees launch with a new 1.6L turbo L4 dual-motor hybrid—not mild, and not plug-in, making it the first such configuration within Stellantis. Jeep claims 37 mpg combined, comparable to the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CRV hybrids—but Jeep’s mechanical (not electric) AWD gives them a bit of an off-road advantage. The Cherokee comes with a full suite of ADAS technology, but nothing groundbreaking; adaptive cruise control and emergency braking are standard.
The interior is similar to the Wagoneer S, with a nicely integrated (not tacked-on) 12.3” touchscreen. There’s no leather, but other premium and recycled materials; octagonal shapes figure into the steering wheel and start button. Despite the size increase, the Cherokee loses about 2” of rear legroom but adds 30% more cargo space. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are standard along with a ten-year Connect One subscription (with over-the-air update and app connectivity). Although Android-based, the Cherokee’s infotainment uses TomTom for maps and Alexa for voice commands.
WHY IT MATTERS: Jeep has stumbled in recent years due to aging products, rising products, mediocre quality, and portfolio gaps, so the Cherokee is a much-needed product that dealers have been clamoring for. Plus, with the U.S. fate of the just-revealed Compass undetermined and Carlos Tavares’ $25K Jeep EV missing in action, the Cherokee might turn out to be Jeep’s new entry-level vehicle. The new hybrid powertrain is also noteworthy and something that might find its way into other Stellantis products.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Although bigger (and heavier), the new Cherokee’s bolder design, connectivity and safety tech, and hybrid powertrain render it as a reasonably competitive alternative to some of the larger compact SUVs on the market
Opel Corsa Vision GSE
Although Opel is the first German brand to have an EV option for every carline, they just scrapped plans to go all-electric by 2028. That being said, this Corsa concept—designed for the GranTurismo 7 video game—highlights the GSE (“goosebumps, speed, and euphoria”) performance sub-brand and previews the next Corsa due in 2027. Two 476 hp motors generate a combined 800 hp to pull the Corsa to 60 mph in 2.0 seconds, with a boost function adding 80 hp for up to four seconds. The Corsa vision features the latest Vizor front end, with an active aero diffuser and spoiler and front aero curtains. The “detoxed” interior has no screens, but illuminated fabrics concealing warning lights cover the dashboard and doors.
WHY IT MATTERS: Even if it’s not 100% of the brand, EVs will play a big part of Opel going forward—and the Corsa Vision’s interior highlights the brand’s vision of a screenless interior.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Although just a concept, the Corsa Vision could help keep the brand relevant with young video gamers as they get ready to acquire their drivers licenses.
Mahindra’s Visionary EVs
India’s Mahindra & Mahindra revealed four concepts based on a new lightweight monocoque platform—called NU-IQ—that is designed to support EVs along with hybrid and ICE powertrains. It will source future small and compact trucks and SUVs starting in 2027.
The “born iconic” Vision T and NXT are compact Wrangler-inspired vehicles that evolved from 2023’s Thar.E concept (hence the “T”), with long wheelbases, short overhangs, exposed hinges, flat sides, C-pillar-mounted rear door handles, and two full-size spares in the back of the SXT. The interior features a portrait-style touchscreen, toggle switches and overhead console controls, and Mahindra claims both ICE and EV variants will have flat floors.
The Vision S is a future member of the Scorpio family, representing “sporty solidity”, and will be the first of the four concepts making it to production. This small Land Rover-inspired SUV features inverted L front and rear lighting units, roof mounted LEDs, a step ladder on one side behind the C-pillar and a jerry can on the other, and 19” wheels.
Finally, the Vision X (as in XUV) represents “sculptural athleticism”. This rugged SUV coupe features more sculpted surfaces and gloss black accents, with an interior highlighted by a giant curved display.
WHY IT MATTERS: Although not yet a global players, Mahindra is following the Chinese with the ability to develop increasingly sophisticated products at relatively low cost. Any plans to export—or partner with a global legacy automaker—could result in buyers getting access to these affordable, contemporary trucks and SUVs.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Mahindra’s new vehicles both tie into the brand’s heritage and leverage the latest technologies to compete with both legacy automakers and the Chinese startups.
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