Jeep named its Cherokee model after the largest North American tribe of the same name. Inspired by the Wagoneer, Cherokee was created to cater to the younger generation, similar to Jeepster Commando. The Cherokee was the first vehicle ever to use the term ‘Sports Utility Vehicle’ in its description, which led to the production of the modern SUV. Jeep was a pioneer in replacing station wagons with everyday utility SUVs that provided greater comfort and efficiency. Cherokee has evolved over the years to transform from a full-size truck to a unibody crossover seen on the streets today with advanced technology and engineering.
The Cherokee has long established itself as a household name in and out of America which led to the rise of SUVs worldwide. Jeep took things to a new level with every new generation in terms of class and luxury with the Cherokee.
First Of Its Kind: First Generation Cherokee SJ (1974-1983)
The first Cherokee SJ was a two-door model and was a slight shift from the cars usually produced by Jeep. It took inspiration for its design from the Wagoneer, which ran between 1963 and 1967. It had a similar window set-up and pillars as a four-door car but with a sportier body design. The Cherokee SJ was equipped with strong engine options- a standard 258 ci six-cylinder engine with a modest 100 HP.
Other options included a V8 360 ci engine that gave 175 HP for two barrels and 195 HP for four, which was the largest engine displacement in a Jeep. Awarded the ‘Four Wheeler Of The Year’ by Four Wheeler magazine during its debut year in 1974, Cherokee SJ was the first utility vehicle to embody off-road ruggedness with top-notch passenger luxury.
Rise Of The SUVs: Second Generation Cherokee XJ (1984-2001)
As the first modern compact utility sports vehicle, Cherokee XJ was an instant hit with the masses. Possessing all-terrain capabilities, the XJ was way ahead of its time. One of the most eye-catching aspects of the Cherokee XJ was the design itself. The boxy structure was constructed with a lightweight unibody that dropped about 1,000 pounds of weight from its predecessor.
Jeep equipped the XJ with their best design, a 4.0-liter six-cylinder that produced 190 HP and 225 lb-ft of torque. With an impressive and durable engine, the XJ could easily run past 200,000 miles. During its 18 years of production, two and four-door options were made available. Believed to be in the ‘20 Greatest Cars Of All Time’, the Cherokee created several competitors during its run, including the Ford Explorer.
A Petite And Bubbly SUV: Third Generation Cherokee KJ (2001-2013)
With a toy-like look, the Cherokee KJ sported a slightly different design. It was also known as Liberty, missing the signature flat edges. A taller build gave the KJ a bubbly appearance. As the first SUV in the Cherokee lineup to use the Powertech engine, the KJ did not disappoint. With an option between 2.4-liter and 3.7-liter V6 engines, it gave out 150 HP and 210 HP, respectively.
Cherokee KJ garnered a reputation as the smallest four-door Jeep SUV after its release. Equipped with a Rack and Pinion steering, the SUV offered a smooth riding experience. The two-wheel and four-wheel drive options offered effortless navigation on any terrain. When it was first introduced in 2001, its sales were dwindling, although they doubled within a year and remained steady during its entire production.
A Safe Family Ride: Fourth Generation Cherokee KK (2008-2014)
Under the name Jeep Liberty, Cherokee KK was launched with several upgrades. Cherokee KK was put back into the mid-size segment as a family-friendly SUV. KK eliminated the four-cylinder engine and only went forward with the mighty V6. The engineers at Jeep sharpened every edge, a stark contrast from the soft KJ. KK featured a muscular front and cubic rear end.
The SUV was not built for aerodynamics. However, this ensured that there was plenty of passenger and cargo space. Being a family SUV, Jeep ensured that top-of-the-line safety features were added to the vehicle. The Cherokee KK came stocked with ABS, traction control, brake assist, electronic stability control, and roll traction.
A Cherokee With Dashing Looks: Fifth Generation Cherokee KL (2015-Present)
Co-developed by Chrysler and Fiat, the Cherokee KL was first unveiled at the New York Motor Show in 2015. Jeep finally went back to its original name, Cherokee, with the KL model. KL was redesigned to give a more luxurious look to the SUV with 45% better fuel efficiency than any of its predecessors.
As an everyday adventure SUV, the Cherokee KL-Generation evolved over the years. The 2021 Cherokee KL is packed with a 2.0-liter turbocharged unit and a V6 3.2-liter Pentastar, which is more powerful than a V8 from the seventies. Additionally, the KL weighs a thousand pounds less than the original Cherokee SJ. An array of improved driving aids, infotainment, and amenities add to the comfort and style that rack up the price up to $26,510for the latest model.
With almost half a century of continued popularity and improvement, Jeep has created a legacy with the Cherokee. With new modifications for every iteration, it is no surprise that the 2021 Cherokee is one of the most elegant and awe-inspiring crossover vehicles in the market.
As the first-ever crossover vehicle in the automobile industry, Jeep Cherokee set the trend for creating impressive SUVs for all types of terrains. The Jeep Cherokee is set to make a comeback in 2022 with a sleeker body and several alterations to create yet another generation of the SUV that stands apart from the ordinary.