Car and Truck News is reporting that the 2001 Jeep Cherokee will make its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit during the middle of January. Here's a snippet:

We've been hearing Buzz for the last few months that Jeep® would unveil the next generation Cherokee (codenamed KJ) at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Buzz Watch has just received confirmation that DC will in-fact introduce a KJ based concept vehicle at the Detroit show.

...snip...

...we know that Jeep® will take a new direction with this new SUV. In an effort to reach a wider spectrum of four-wheel drive buyers, the new Cherokee will be aimed squarely at the hot compact SUV segment. An arena currently dominated by small less capable vehicles like the Toyota RAV 4 and Honda CRV.

...snip...

...an inside source at Jeep® assures Buzz Watch that the legendary Jeep® off-road capability will be an important part of the new Cherokee. The same source reports that several KJ test mules successfully negotiated the grueling Rubicon trail this past summer. That said, it's a fact that the vehicle will be biased toward on-road performance. A source whose driven KJ reports that it's probably the best handling Jeep® (on-road) they've ever built.

Be sure to check out the entire article as it goes on to discuss some details of the interior and powertrain of the new Cherokee.