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Photo of a Jeep Cherokee

Jeep Cherokee

The XJ cut about 544 kg from the SJ, yet kept 90% of its interior space.1

Researched October 29, 2026 from 31 sources

Also called

  • disposable heroThe XJ's low purchase price inspired the nickname.2

At a glance

0150300
85–271 hpPower
07.515
6.6–12 s0–60 mph
0100200
174–193 km/hTop speed
0250500
179–460 N·mTorque
01,2502,500
1,315–2,168 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.157910121314

Engine
SJ: 4.2 L I6, 5.9/6.6 L V8; XJ: 4.0 L I6; 2026: 1.6 L turbo hybrid356
Layout
Front engine; 1974–2013 RWD/4WD; 2014–2023 FWD/4WD; 2026 4WD3
Gearbox
XJ: 4/5-speed manuals, 3/4-speed autos; 2026: planetary eCVT111
Built at
1974–1983: Toledo Complex, US; 2017–2023: Belvidere Assembly, US610
Units built
XJ through 2001: about 2.8 million4

The story

Cherokee began as a sporty two-door Wagoneer for younger buyers. The AMC/Renault-developed XJ then combined a unibody with solid axles, giving the family a compact new direction.1345

1974: A two-door Wagoneer for younger buyers19741984: XJ: unibody, solid axles, two 4WD systems19841989: Evan Evans takes Class 6 on hand controls19892002: Liberty in America, Cherokee abroad20022008: KK opens up with Sky Slider20082014: The first SUV with a nine-speed automatic20142021: Cherokee Nation asks for a name change20212023: Belvidere builds the last KL20232026: Hybrid revival: 210 hp, standard 4WD2026 Jeep Wagoneer (SJ): 1963–1991SJJeep Cherokee (SJ): 1974–1983SJJeep Cherokee (XJ): 1984–2001 (U.S.)XJJeep Cherokee / Liberty (KJ): 2002–2007KJJeep Cherokee / Liberty (KK): 2008–2012KKJeep Cherokee (KL): 2014–2023KLJeep Cherokee (KM): 2026–present 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones134569101520
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1963–1991Jeep Wagoneer (SJ)
1974–1983Jeep Cherokee (SJ)
1984–2001 (U.S.)Jeep Cherokee (XJ)
2002–2007Jeep Cherokee / Liberty (KJ)
2008–2012Jeep Cherokee / Liberty (KK)
2014–2023Jeep Cherokee (KL)
2026–presentJeep Cherokee (KM)
1974A two-door Wagoneer for younger buyers
1984XJ: unibody, solid axles, two 4WD systems
1989Evan Evans takes Class 6 on hand controls
2002Liberty in America, Cherokee abroad
2008KK opens up with Sky Slider
2014The first SUV with a nine-speed automatic
2021Cherokee Nation asks for a name change
2023Belvidere builds the last KL
2026Hybrid revival: 210 hp, standard 4WD
  1. 1974

    A two-door Wagoneer for younger buyers

    The full-size SJ reworks the Wagoneer's two-door formula for younger buyers. Its 1974 brochure uses the term 'sport utility vehicle'.36

  2. 1984

    XJ: unibody, solid axles, two 4WD systems

    The XJ combines a unibody with solid axles. Command-Trac offers part-time 4WD; Selec-Trac permits full-time highway use.157

  3. 1989

    Evan Evans takes Class 6 on hand controls

    Evan Evans returns after paralysis, driving with hand controls three days after hospital discharge to help secure the Class 6 title.8

  4. 2002

    Liberty in America, Cherokee abroad

    For 2002, the KJ brings Jeep's first rack-and-pinion steering and a new North American name: Liberty. Other markets keep Cherokee.3

  5. 2008

    KK opens up with Sky Slider

    The 2008 redesign brings boxier lines and the Sky Slider fabric roof above both rows. In North America, the KK still wears the Liberty name.9

  6. 2014

    The first SUV with a nine-speed automatic

    For 2014, the North American Cherokee returns as a crossover on a Chrysler/Fiat platform, bringing the SUV's first nine-speed automatic.310

  7. 2021

    Cherokee Nation asks for a name change

    Principal chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. asks Jeep to retire the name. Stellantis later says it is open to dropping it and holds talks with the Cherokee Nation.3

  8. 2023

    Belvidere builds the last KL

    Belvidere Assembly stops building the Cherokee on February 28, ending the KL generation.10

  9. 2026

    Hybrid revival: 210 hp, standard 4WD

    The 2026 KM returns with a 1.6 L turbo hybrid, eCVT and standard 4WD: 210 hp, 37 mpg EPA combined and up to 1,588 kg towing.311

Every generation

  • Jeep Wagoneer
    SJ1963–1991
  • Jeep Cherokee
    SJ1974–1983
  • Jeep Cherokee
    XJ1984–2001 (U.S.)
  • Jeep Cherokee / Liberty
    KJ2002–2007
  • Jeep Cherokee / Liberty
    KK2008–2012
  • Jeep Cherokee
    KL2014–2023
  • Jeep Cherokee
    KM2026–present

Power over the years

From 215 hp to 271 hp in 36 years.

0100200300 19801990200020102020 hp 1978 · 215 hp · SJ 401 V8: final year1984 · 100 hp · XJ 2.5 four-cylinder1987 · 173 hp · XJ 4.0 Renix1988 · 177 hp · XJ 4.0 Renix1991 · 190 hp · XJ 4.0 High Output1998 · 125 hp · XJ SE: fifth in compact-SUV comparison2001 · 190 hp · XJ Sport 4.0: coil ignition, six only2002 · 210 hp · KJ 3.7 PowerTech V62008 · 174 hp · KK 2.8 CRD2014 · 271 hp · KL 3.2 Pentastar V62019 · 270 hp · 2.0 Hurricane turbo2026 · 210 hp · KM 1.6 turbo hybrid, combined 271 hp KL 3.2 Pentastar V6 215 hp SJ 401 V8: final year
135671011121415
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1978215SJ 401 V8: final year
1984100XJ 2.5 four-cylinder
1987173XJ 4.0 Renix
1988177XJ 4.0 Renix
1991190XJ 4.0 High Output
1998125XJ SE: fifth in compact-SUV comparison
2001190XJ Sport 4.0: coil ignition, six only
2002210KJ 3.7 PowerTech V6
2008174KK 2.8 CRD
2014271KL 3.2 Pentastar V6
20192702.0 Hurricane turbo
2026210KM 1.6 turbo hybrid, combined

Versions

9 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    XJ Base / Pioneer / Chief / SE / Sport / Limited / Orvis

  • Standard

    KJ Sport / Limited CRD

    2005–2006

    160 hp

  • Standard

    KL Sport / Latitude / Limited / Overland

  • Standard

    KM hybrid: base / Laredo / Limited / Overland

    2026

    210 hp
  • XJ Wagoneer Limited

    Standard

    XJ Wagoneer Limited

    1984–1990

  • KL Trailhawk

    Performance

    KL Trailhawk

    2014–2023

  • SJ Golden Eagle / Golden Hawk / Laredo

    Special

    SJ Golden Eagle / Golden Hawk / Laredo

  • KK Jet / Arctic / 70th Anniversary

    Special

    KK Jet / Arctic / 70th Anniversary

  • KL Altitude / 75th / 80th Anniversary

    Special

    KL Altitude / 75th / 80th Anniversary

How to spot one

Look for

  • SJ two-door: one long fixed rear side window and a broad rear roof pillar.3
  • XJ: boxy body, vertical grille and nearly square wheel openings.17
  • KJ is rounded with a rear-door spare; KK is boxier and moves the spare underneath.12
  • Early KL: thin running lights above separate headlights recessed into the bumper.1013
  • KM: the hybrid-era Cherokee returns to a squared-off, boxy silhouette.311

Year by year

  1. 1979 SJ

    Square headlights, a protruding grille with horizontal slats, and one-piece aluminum bumpers create the 'pig nose' front.20

  2. 1997–2001 XJ

    Smoother nose, new taillights and door moldings, steel instead of fiberglass liftgate, and new dash; two- and four-door bodies continue.1

  3. 2005 KJ

    Restyling arrives; Renegade and Rocky Mountain Edition get a flat hood and taller grille.15

  4. 2008 KK

    Boxier corners and an upright seven-slot grille replace rounded KJ styling; the rear-door spare moves beneath the body.12

  5. 2019–2023 KL

    Split-level lights give way to larger headlamps with integrated turn signals; new bumpers and LED taillights also mark the facelift.1013

  6. 2026 KM

    An all-new, boxier body is longer than the 2023 car; this generation uses a hybrid drivetrain.311

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Jeep Cherokee
    Cherokee
    Photo of a Jeep Grand Cherokee
    Jeep Grand Cherokee

    Jeep Grand Cherokee

    The XJ Cherokee is the smaller, narrow-bodied box; the Grand Cherokee is the larger model.1314

  • Jeep Wagoneer (SJ)

    SJ two-door Cherokee has one long rear side window and a broad rear pillar; the earlier two-door Wagoneer kept the four-door window arrangement.320

  • Photo of a Jeep Cherokee
    Cherokee
    Photo of a Dodge Nitro
    Dodge Nitro

    Dodge Nitro

    Look for the KK Cherokee's upright seven-slot grille and prominent wheel arches when the boxy bodies look alike.12

Against its rivals

  • Kia Sportage (1998)

    Cherokee vs Kia Sportage (1998)

    Quarter-mile lower is better

    Cherokee18.6 s
    Kia Sportage (1998)19.1 s
    14
  • Toyota RAV4 (1998)

    Cherokee vs Toyota RAV4 (1998)

    Price as tested lower is better

    Cherokee$19,725
    Toyota RAV4 (1998)$22,575
    14
  • Subaru Forester

    Cherokee vs Subaru Forester

    Cargo, rear seat folded

    Cherokee54.7 ft³
    Subaru Forester76.1 ft³
    19
  • Honda CR-V Hybrid

    Cherokee vs Honda CR-V Hybrid

    0–96.6 km/h lower is better

    Cherokee8.5 s
    Honda CR-V Hybrid7.1 s
    16

Prices

Value today $8.0K–$20.0K4

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K 200020052010201520202025 Value today: $8,000–$20,000 1998 · $18,615 · US SE, base1998 · $19,725 · US SE, as tested2019 · $25,190 · US Latitude FWD, base2019 · $26,690 · US Latitude 4x4, base2019 · $34,515 · US Trailhawk, base2026 · $36,995 · US base 4x42026 · $39,995 · US Laredo 4x4, base2026 · $41,995 · US Limited 4x4, base2026 · $44,995 · US Overland 4x4, base2026 · $46,585 · US Overland 4x4, as tested 2013 · $14,025 · 1978 Chief, 53,131 miles shown, Auburn Spring2023 · $27,000 · 1999 Sport 4x4, 44,000 miles, Bring a Trailer2023 · $6,200 · 1998 Limited 4x4, 134,000 miles, Bring a Trailer2023 · $9,800 · 1990 Pioneer 4x4, 70,000 miles, Bring a Trailer2024 · $10,551 · 2000 Cherokee Classic, 106k miles, BaT2025 · $17,000 · 2001 Cherokee Limited, 85k miles, BaT2025 · $19,500 · 1975 Cherokee Chief, 401ci V8, 69k miles shown, BaT2026 · $11,250 · 1980 Chief, ~27k miles shown, BaT2026 · $24,000 · 1998 Sport, 86k miles, BaT2026 · $21,123 · 1989 Limited, 53k miles shown, BaT $27.0K Bring a Trailer, 2023
51113141625262728293031
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1998Price when new$18,615US SE, base
1998Price when new$19,725US SE, as tested
2019Price when new$25,190US Latitude FWD, base
2019Price when new$26,690US Latitude 4x4, base
2019Price when new$34,515US Trailhawk, base
2026Price when new$36,995US base 4x4
2026Price when new$39,995US Laredo 4x4, base
2026Price when new$41,995US Limited 4x4, base
2026Price when new$44,995US Overland 4x4, base
2026Price when new$46,585US Overland 4x4, as tested
2013Auction sale$14,0251978 Chief, 53,131 miles shown, Auburn Spring
2023Auction sale$27,0001999 Sport 4x4, 44,000 miles, Bring a Trailer
2023Auction sale$6,2001998 Limited 4x4, 134,000 miles, Bring a Trailer
2023Auction sale$9,8001990 Pioneer 4x4, 70,000 miles, Bring a Trailer
2024Auction sale$10,5512000 Cherokee Classic, 106k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$17,0002001 Cherokee Limited, 85k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$19,5001975 Cherokee Chief, 401ci V8, 69k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$11,2501980 Chief, ~27k miles shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$24,0001998 Sport, 86k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$21,1231989 Limited, 53k miles shown, BaT
2026Value today$8,000–$20,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 9 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “6.6 liters: Jeep's biggest factory engine”
    • “Hand controls secured the 1989 Class 6 title”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 7 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 31 sources
  1. Jeep Cherokee (XJ) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. Buyer's Guide: How To Buy The Perfect Jeep Cherokee XJ offroadxtreme.com
  3. Jeep Cherokee - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. Jeep Cherokee XJ buying guide, history and review - Octane Magazine octane-magazine.com
  5. What To Buy: 1984–2001 Jeep Cherokee caranddriver.com
  6. Jeep Cherokee (SJ) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  7. 1984 Jeep Cherokee Reimagines the 4x4 for a New Age caranddriver.com
  8. ORMHOF - Legends Live at the Hall of Fame - Evan Evans ormhof.org
  9. Jeep Liberty (KK) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  10. Jeep Cherokee (KL) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  11. Driven: 2026 Jeep Cherokee Puts Its Gains in the Powertrain caranddriver.com
  12. 2008 JEEP KK CHEROKEE REVIEW - JUST 4X4S just4x4s.com.au
  13. 2019 Jeep Cherokee First Drive: New Face, New Engine caranddriver.com
  14. Little Land Bruisers: 1998 Compact SUVs Compared caranddriver.com
  15. Jeep Liberty (KJ) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  16. Once More, with Hybrid: 2026 Jeep Cherokee Overland Tested caranddriver.com
  17. 2014-2022 Jeep Cherokee: pros and cons, common problems samarins.com
  18. International Full Size Jeep Association ifsja.org
  19. 2021 Jeep Cherokee Review | Pricing, Trims & Photos - TRUECar truecar.com
  20. Jeep Wagoneer (SJ) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  21. Ford GT And Jeep Cherokee Engineering Legend Roy Lunn Dies At 92 jalopnik.com
  22. The Jeep Cherokee Was a Movie Star in 1985 | The ClassicCars.com Journal journal.classiccars.com
  23. Calvin Booth - SCORE International score-international.com
  24. Cherokee Nation's Chief Says 'It's Time' Jeep Stops Using Name caranddriver.com
  25. 1978 Jeep Cherokee | Auburn Spring 2013 | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  26. No Reserve: 1980 Jeep Cherokee Chief 4x4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $11,250 on January 27, 2026 (Lot #227,902) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  27. No Reserve: 1998 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4x4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $24,000 on February 7, 2026 (Lot #229,197) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  28. 1989 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4x4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $21,123 on February 9, 2026 (Lot #229,395) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. 2001 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4×4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $17,000 on October 26, 2025 (Lot #216,627) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. 401-Powered 1975 Jeep Cherokee Chief 4x4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $19,500 on August 13, 2025 (Lot #205,004) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. Original-Owner 2000 Jeep Cherokee Classic 4x4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $10,551 on September 11, 2024 (Lot #162,209) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • offroadxtreme.com
  • octane-magazine.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • ormhof.org
  • just4x4s.com.au
  • samarins.com
  • ifsja.org
  • truecar.com
  • jalopnik.com
  • journal.classiccars.com
  • score-international.com
  • rmsothebys.com
  • bringatrailer.com

Photo credits

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