New “Altitude” versions of 2014 Jeeps were launched this morning at the Houston Auto Show. The blacked-out-look Wrangler Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wrangler will appear this spring; the Compass and Patriot Altitude are available now.

Two years ago, Jeep introduced a production-intent concept Grand Cherokee at the Houston Auto Show, and connected with customers to name the model. More than 100,000 entries were submitted by Jeep enthusiasts, with “Altitude” winning.


The Jeep Cherokee Altitude is based on the Latitude, and is available with either engine or drive system. It adds gloss black grille surrounds, roof rails, front fascia lower applique, and badging, with a black daylight opening and eighteen-inch gloss black painted aluminum wheels and a black interior. There are four paint colors for the Cherokee Altitude: black crystal metallic, white, billet silver metallic,  and granite crystal metallic. The list price is $24,995 for front wheel drive, $2,000 more for AWD (plus destination).

The Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude is based on the Laredo, with a V6 and either rear or all wheel drive. Design cues include gloss black bezel inserts for the front grille, fog lamp bezels, lower front fascia applique, badging, rear step pad surround, and 20-inch five-spoke aluminum wheels. The headlamps have black bezels; tail lamps have grey satin gloss bezels; the grille has a platinum chrome  texture; and the car adds bright dual exhaust tips, lower body-color fascias, wheel flares and side cladding, a body color antenna and an SRT-style roof rail.

The interior has black Capri leather seats with perforated suede inserts and black stitching, a leather wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, 8.4-inch Uconnect touch screen , and power sunroof. The Security and Convenience Group is standard, with remote start, auto-dimming rear view mirror, security alarm, 115 volt outlet, universal garage door opener, cargo cover, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, power liftgate, back-up camera, and rear back-up sensors. It is available in billet silver, white, black metallic, Deep Cherry, Granite Crystal, and Maximum Steel. The U.S. MSRP for the 2014 Grand Cherokee is $35,290 for 4x2 models and $37,290 for 4x4 (plus $995 destination).

The Jeep Wrangler Altitudeis based on Sahara, adding a matte black grille with gloss black throats, head lamp rings, Jeep badge, and front and rear bumper appliques. It also has 18-inch seven-spoke aluminum wheels, a body color Freedom Top, and matte black “WRANGLER” decal on the hood. The Dual Top with premium Sunrider soft top is optional.

Inside are black leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with black painted spokes and black stitching, black finish hex bolts, and black painted vent rings and door and instrument panel grab handles. The Wrangler Connectivity Group is included. Colors are Amp’d, black, Granite Crystal, and Hydro Blue. The list price is $31,595 for two-door models and $35,395 for Wrangler Unlimited models (plus $995 destination).

See more photos in our Houston Auto Show coverage .