'Alexa, connect to my 2018 Jeep Cherokee Latitude'

The 2018 Jeep Cherokee features Uconnect with the Alexa virtual assistant.
The 2018 Jeep Cherokee features Uconnect with the Alexa virtual assistant. | File photo

The 2018 Jeep Cherokee Latitude will give customers the option to use Amazon’s Alexa virtual assistant to execute certain commands.

The Fremont Motor Co. said the 2018 Cherokee will have an available Tech Connect package with a UConnect feature for Alexa. UConnect will allow users to instruct Alexa to start the vehicle’s engine, lock or unlock the doors, make navigation requests, check fuel levels and check tire pressures.

The Tech Connect package will also include an Amazon Echo Dot voice-controlled device, a three-month family plan subscription to the Amazon Music Unlimited service and a three-month subscription to the Audible audiobook service.

Jeep joins Toyota in the addition of Alexa to new vehicles.

“Our vision for Alexa is that she should be everywhere a customer might need her – at home, in the office, on phones – and in cars,” John Scumniotales, product head for Amazon Alexa Automotive, said.

The 2018 Cherokee with Tech Connect will also feature updates in the exterior design, such as the lower cladding painted in black; a gloss black finish on the chin applique; and 18-inch painted aluminum wheels, among others.