Cherokee-based Jeep Grand Commander spotted in the U.S.

Initially built for the Chinese market, the seven-seater SUV that was based on the prototype of the Jeep Cherokeewas recently spotted in Michigan.

Dubbed as the “Grand Commander,” the three-row vehicle first entered production in 2018 under the Cherokee platform. It is equipped with the Tigershark turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine that makes 231 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, which is not offered with the standard Cherokee sold in the United States. Instead, the American Cherokee carries a 2.4-liter Tigershark that is also available in the Renegade.

But with the Grand Commander being seen in Michigan, could it be that the SUV is finally on its way to U.S. dealerships?

Indeed, there has been a floating rumor since late 2018 that the Grand Commander could be released in the U.S., carrying the Chrysler badge and becoming the successor to the Dodge Journey.

Although it is still yet to be confirmed, the release of the Grand Commander in the U.S. could solve quite a number of problems for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). If the SUV ends up being part of the Chrysler brand, it will be able to expand its lineup and find an alternative to the Pacifica that is slated to be discontinued in 2020. And with the Grand Commander being an alternative to the aging Journey, Dodge will also get to keep the Durango, while it frees Jeep from having to release a model that doesn’t quite fit its brand.

If the Grand Commander does come to the U.S. market, the crossover is expected to be built either at the plant in Belvedere, Illinois, where the Cherokee is also being assembled, or at the Windsor or Toluca factories.

Aside from the Grand Commander, another vehicle expected to soon carry the Chrysler badge is a Dodge Charger spawn, but all remains to be seen for the brand and the entire FCA umbrella.