The most beloved years of the Jeep Cherokee are deep in the past, when the original SJ debuted for 1974 as a sportier two-door version of the Wagoneer and the boxy, modern XJ of the late 1980s and 1990s represented core Jeep values of simplicity and ruggedness. The two contemporary Cherokee generations of the 2010s and 2020s have no resemblance to those earlier versions, or to each other. Stir in the confusion of rebranding the U.S.-market Jeep Liberty as the Cherokee in other countries, and what you really have are not four generations of Cherokee, but four totally different vehicles.
After a three-year hiatus, a new Cherokee debuts for 2026 as Jeep's first gas-electric hybrid, not to be confused with the plug-in hybrid 4xe trims of the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler. If you’re shopping for anything earlier than a 2014 Cherokee you’ll be mixing it with Jeep enthusiasts who maintain and regularly use their classic Cherokees, and you’ll be looking at a limited number of models that can command high prices for 20- to 50-year-old vehicles. We'll do our diligence in this buying guide, but head to the forums and Jeep fan clubs for the most detail on classic Cherokee models.
Jeep Cherokee Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Pros and Cons
- Jeep Cherokee Generations
- Jeep Cherokee Fourth Generation (2026-Present)
- Jeep Cherokee Third Generation (2014-2023)
- Jeep Cherokee Second Generation (1984-2001)
- Jeep Cherokee First Generation (1974-1983)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Jeep Cherokee years are the best?
The second generation (1984-2001) is inarguably the best Cherokee for its style, bulletproof powertrains (except the GM V6), and off-road capability. Newer Cherokee models have the name but none of the character that made this vehicle famous.
Which Jeep Cherokee years are the worst?
Early third-generation Cherokee models (2014-2018) had major transmission issues, as evidenced by the 800+ complaints listed for 2014 and 2015 models at carcomplaints.com.
Is a used Jeep Cherokee a good deal?
The Jeep Cherokee can be a good deal depending on the price, condition, and which generation you go for. For the third generation, average prices at the time of writing ranged from $9,000 to $22,000 for 2014-2023 Cherokee models. Given the transmission issues that affect this generation, and the age of previous versions, a thorough test drive is a sensible idea.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Jeep's four-wheel drive capability
- Good styling
- Good value
Cons:
- Poor efficiency
- Some bad engines through the years
- The new model is expensive
Jeep Cherokee Generations
Jeep Cherokee Fourth Generation (2026-Present)
There’s an all-new Jeep Cherokee for 2026, marking the return of a model that was discontinued in 2023. Slotting neatly into the gap between the smaller Jeep Compass and the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee, this time around it’s a hybrid that brings back some of the chunky style from the XJ-series Cherokee. The drivetrain combines a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and two electric motors for 210 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, with standard all-wheel drive. Specs for every new Jeep Cherokee include a digital instrument panel, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 10 years of wireless over-the-air updates, proximity entry, and rain-sensing wipers. Safety features include driver drowsiness detection, a semi-automated highway driving system, front emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, front cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitors, and rear emergency braking.
The 2026 Cherokee is wider, taller, and longer than the previous generation and has more cargo space. As of early 2026, the MSRP starts at $36,995 for the base model, $39,995 for the Laredo, $42,495 for the Limited, and $45,995 for the Overland, including destination charges. Production has moved from Ohio to Mexico and is expected to start in early 2026.
Jeep Cherokee Third Generation (2014-2023)
The third Cherokee for the U.S. saw the Jeep brand move the model in a very different direction. It adopted a softer, crossover body style, with frontal styling that was in many ways ahead of its time. At either side of a modernised version of Jeep’s seven-slot grille are thin LED strips which appear to be headlights, but are actually top-mounted running lamps. The actual headlights are mounted below, with fog lights beneath. The radical look was a major departure, especially since the model name had been retired in the U.S. for more than a decade and this new model was a world away from the rough and tumble 4x4 of old. It quickly became popular, however, for a new generation of buyers who didn't want or need Jeep's noisy, square, and gas-guzzling SUVs but desired some sense of all-weather traction and adventure.
The 2014 Cherokee, which replaced the Liberty, was sleeker and smaller than before, yet Jeep still included a low-range transfer case as optional on Sport, Latitude, and Limited trims, and standard on the Trailhawk, which also included a rear differential lock. These were features that no small crossover in this segment could offer. Even so, with a front-wheel-drive-based drivetrain, and without the solid axles, this Cherokee wasn’t as capable off-road as the old Cherokee. The Trailhawk trim level was the most rugged, but even it wasn't as good as a base Cherokee from 2001.
The chassis for this Cherokee was based on a Fiat design, since Jeep was by this time under ownership of the newly formed Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). The base engine was a harsh and underpowered 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 184 hp and 171 lb-ft of torque, paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy was as high as 31 mpg highway and a 3.2-liter V6 engine with 271 hp and 239 lb-ft of torque was optional.
Standard equipment included LED taillamps, Bluetooth, air conditioning, two USB ports, an aux jack, an SD card reader, and remote keyless entry. Tech features included a 5-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5.0 infotainment software and voice recognition. Standard safety equipment included front knee airbags and rear side airbags, in addition to front side airbags and full-length curtain airbags. Forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitors with cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, and a backup camera were optional only on Limited and Trailhawk trims. 4x4 trims included Selec-Terrain, Jeep's new driving mode selector.
The Latitude added body-colored mirrors and door handles, roof rails, chrome window trim, 17-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped shift knob, and auto up/down front windows. The Limited added 18-inch wheels, heated mirrors with turn signals, dual-zone automatic climate, a 7-inch color display, a backup camera, automatic headlamps, leather upholstery with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, eight-way power driver's seat, an 8.4-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 8.4 and SiriusXM radio, and an alarm.
The Trailhawk was specified like a Latitude, but added red tow hooks, unique 18-inch wheels on white-lettered all-terrain tires, a one-inch lift, revised front and rear bumpers, a Rock mode for the Selec-Terrain, rear locking differential, cloth and leather seats with red stitching, and the Uconnect 8.4 system. An Altitude trim, based on the Latitude, was introduced later in 2014 with gloss black on the grille, roof rails, window trim, lower front fascia, and wheels. Options included navigation with live traffic, HD radio, and on-board apps for Pandora, Aha, Slacker, and iHeartRadio, and a trailer package.
For 2015, auto-stop/start was added for the V6, while the four-cylinder, due to emissions upgrades (fuel cap, fuel tank, air cleaner, and more) now met Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) standards. The backup camera and auto headlamps were now standard on the Latitude and Trailhawk, while additional option packages included ventilated seats on the Trailhawk, forward emergency braking, and rear parking sensors and blind spot monitors as a separate package. For 2016, Jeep added Siri Eyes Free and a customizable menu bar for Uconnect 8.4 systems, as well a modified steering column and front seats for greater comfort.
The 2017 Cherokee made high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps standard on all trims except the Sport, while the High Altitude and Overland were added as new trims. For 2018, the Sport was dropped and the Latitude became the base trim with HID headlamps, alloy wheels, fog lamps, and more. A power liftgate was standard on the Limited, while blind-spot monitoring and rear parking sensors became standard on Limited and Trailhawk models. A new Latitude Plus added former option packages including proximity key, power driver's seat, Uconnect 8.4, and more.
The Cherokee received a refresh for 2019 that replaced the two-part headlights with a conventional one-piece design. A new hood, bumper, fog lamps, and taillamps were also included. A new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque became an option alongside the V6. The Overland added chrome front tow hooks and 19-inch wheels, while other Cherokee trims received new wheel designs. A dual-pane sunroof was a new option, while a 7-inch touchscreen was newly standard, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Altitude trims were dropped. The interior received lighter colors on the lower trim panels, new cloth fabrics, gloss-black trim, and a revised center console with a larger pocket for phones. Cargo space increased to 27 cubic feet due to a 3-inch increase in width in the cargo hold. The nine-speed automatic received a software update.
For 2020, new wheels and colors were introduced across various trims, including Sangria and Spitfire Orange, and Alexa was added to Uconnect 8.4 systems with navigation. For 2021, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, forward emergency braking, and rain-sensing wipers became standard. More standard convenience features were added to each trim, including the new Latitude Lux, which included Nappa leather and other features that had been restricted to the Limited. An 80th Anniversary Edition based on the Latitude Lux with special colors and trim was also available.
For 2022, the 8.4-inch touchscreen and SiriusXM became standard on all trims, the Latitude Lux received more standard features including a power liftgate, and a new X trim borrowed some of the features from the Trailhawk, including the V6 and suspension lift. In its final 2023 model year, the Cherokee gained an Altitude Lux trim and made certain convenience and safety features standard on upper trims.
Average list prices on CarGurus at the time of writing ranged from $9,000 to $22,000 for 2014-2023 Cherokee models.
Jeep Cherokee Second Generation (1984-2001)
Jeep's first foray into modern SUVs came with the XJ-series Cherokee, which featured an angular body, tons of ground clearance, and modern comfort and conveniences. It was also significantly smaller than the unwieldy SJ-series Cherokee, which looked positively ancient by 1983. This new Cherokee used a unibody chassis instead of a body-on-frame, which allowed for a car-like ride, better handling, lower weight, and generous interior space from a smaller footprint. Ford and Chevrolet had just introduced the Bronco II and the S-10 Blazer, so the Cherokee's smaller size, in both two- and four-door styles, was more appropriate in 1984. It was 21 inches shorter, four inches lower, and six inches narrower than the first Cherokee. The Wagoneer became the new luxury trim of the Cherokee, while the Grand Wagoneer remained as Jeep's largest, plushest truck.
The base Cherokee came standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 103 hp, 128 lb-ft of torque, part-time Command-Trac four-wheel drive, a low range, and a four-speed manual transmission. Fuel economy was EPA-estimated at 21 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. Two other engines were available—a 2.1-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder with 85 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.8-liter V6 (a GM engine which also powered the S-10 Blazer) with 110 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual and a three-speed automatic were optional. The latter was available with Selec-Trac, Jeep's full-time four-wheel drive system that used a center differential and did not require switching to two-wheel drive. Nothing was standard beyond a cigarette lighter and vinyl upholstery—not even power steering or a radio. The starting price for a Cherokee two-door was about $10,500. Cargo space was 35.1 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 71.2 when folded.
The Pioneer trim came with an exterior pinstripe, tie-down hooks in the cargo hold, carpeting on the floor, a digital clock, a two-speaker AM radio, extra gauges, a spare tire cover, rear window washer and wiper, and interior lights (dome light, ashtray light, cargo light, and more). The Chief had black decals, contrasting stripes, and other graphics, while the Laredo came with a right-side mirror, stripes on the hood cowl, chrome-accented scuff moldings, fabric on the door panels, delayed power-off headlamps, upgraded front seats with wingbacks, map pockets behind the front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, vent windows on the front doors, variable-ratio power steering, a rear window defroster, a roof rack, intermittent wipers, extra sound insulation, floor mats, and bumper guards. The two Wagoneer trims added power mirrors, FM radio, air conditioning, and other features that were optional on lower trims.
There were no major changes until 1987, when the Cherokee Limited was introduced as the top trim below the Wagoneer. It was offered in dark colors with blacked-out gloss trim, gold wire wheels, gold badging and pinstripes, and a 4.0-liter inline-six that replaced the 2.8-liter V6. It had significant power for the time: 177 hp and 224 lb-ft of torque. A four-speed automatic, a larger fuel tank, and fog lamps were standard, along with thicker carpets, softer pleated leather seats, a six-speaker stereo, and "power everything", including the seats, windows, mirrors, locks, and antenna.
By 1988, an AM/FM radio was standard and new six-spoke white wheels, a sunroof, an off-road package, and the Trac-Lok rear differential were introduced as options. For 1989, Jeep offered optional anti-lock brakes and a standard five-speed manual that replaced the four-speed. The Chief was dropped and replaced by the Sport. Three-point seat belts were added for the rear seat for 1990.
For 1991, the Cherokee added the Briarwood to replace the Wagoneer, though it still came with faux-wood exterior paneling. By this point, the inline-six was making 190 hp and a security alarm was newly available, along with childproof locks for the rear doors. Cupholders were added for 1992, as well as a standard digital clock. The Laredo was now available with leather and the Sport could be had with a sunroof.
Jeep introduced the Grand Cherokee in 1993—a slightly larger and entirely different model that took the Cherokee's ethos and ran with it. To avoid overlap between the two models, Jeep reduced the prices of the Cherokee and reduced the number of trims to three, with Limited replaced by Country. For 1994, the SE was the new base trim. At this point, a right-side mirror was standard, as were side-door beams and a center-high-mounted stop light. A driver's front airbag was standard for 1995, while the SE received reclining front seats. The 1996 model had a retuned inline-six that delivered the same power and torque but at lower revs. The Selec-Trac four-wheel drive was also retuned. All trims came with the heavy-duty battery and alternator that were previously optional, along with intermittent wipers.
The 1997 Cherokee brought a passenger-side front airbag as standard, plus a new interior with reshaped bucket seats, a new two-piece dash with new gauges, new controls, more airflow, a power outlet to replace the cigarette lighter, and an optional eight-speaker Infinity sound system. A new steel tailgate with hidden hinges, along with thinner, restyled taillights, completed the changes. For 1998, Jeep added the Classic trim, which had a monochromatic look, and brought back the Limited trim level. The six-cylinder engine was standard on all trims except the base SE and the Country trim was discontinued. Heated front seats were newly optional for the 1999 model in Limited trim, plus a power passenger seat. Forest Green and Desert Sand were new colors. The Sport received body-colored bumpers and grille. For 2000, Jeep updated the airbags and made an engine immobilizer with an encoded chip on the ignition key an option. In its final 2001 model year—still with sealed-beam headlights and the same chassis and body from 1984—the Cherokee came in two trims, Sport and Limited, and only with the six-cylinder engine.
There are many XJ-series Cherokee models for sale on CarGurus, and prices vary wildly. High-mileage examples are available for $3,000 or less, while well-cared-for vehicles can cost $15,000 or more at a dealership. Many XJ Cherokees have been modified for off-road use, while others appear to be in great, original condition.
Jeep Cherokee First Generation (1974-1983)
The Jeep Cherokee was introduced as a two-door model, and marketed by American Motors as a larger, plusher alternative to the CJ-5. In reality, however, it was a Wagoneer with two fewer doors and had the appearance of a pickup truck with a bed cap. Based on the same Wagoneer that had been in production since 1963, the SJ-series Cherokee was Jeep's push to compete with the Chevrolet Blazer, the Ford Bronco, the GMC Jimmy, and the International Scout without designing an entirely new vehicle. It wasn't all that different in concept from the two-door Wagoneer that was last built for 1967, as Jeep kept the same roof pillars and body dimensions but introduced a new grille (with more slots than Jeep's typical seven) and all kinds of 1970s-fantastic paints and decals.
The Cherokee launched with four engines, one of which was a 6.6-liter V8 that made it faster than any other truck at the time. Most had the 5.9-liter V8 with either two or four carburetors, or a 4.2-liter inline-six. All made between about 110 and 210 horsepower and four-wheel drive and a three-speed manual were standard. Jeep's Quadra-Trac automatic four-wheel drive, a four-speed manual transmission, a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, power front brakes, and air conditioning were the major options.
For 1976, Jeep added the Cherokee Chief trim with a widened track, bigger off-road tires, and fender flares. The four-door debuted for 1977. The Golden Eagle, which had a gold and brown decal package that mimicked the look of a Pontiac Firebird, came out for 1978 with a big bird on the hood. The Limited and Laredo debuted in 1979 and 1980, respectively, featuring upgraded interiors and classier two-tone paint schemes. The V8 was discontinued for 1979.
There are only a handful of Cherokee models from this generation on CarGurus. Prices for nicely restored models can top $20,000.
