Jeep Cherokee
One of Jeep's longest-running names: it began for 1974 on the full-size SJ body, became the compact unibody XJ for 1984, and returned as the KL crossover from 2014 to 2023. After a two-year break, an all-new hybrid-only Cherokee arrived for 2026.
Generations, newest first
KM
Jeep Cherokee (KM)
Revealed in Brooklyn in August 2025, the new Cherokee brought the name back after a two-year absence with a squared-off, upright body that recalls the XJ, a seven-slot grille, and jerrican-style taillamps. It rides on Stellantis' STLA Large architecture and is sold only as a hybrid: a 1.6 L turbo four and two electric motors make 210 hp, with an estimated 37 mpg combined and no plug. It is longer, wider, and taller than the KL it follows and has about 30 percent more cargo space. A Trailhawk with a two-speed power transfer unit joined for 2027.
1.6 L turbo I4 hybrid
5-door SUV
KL
Jeep Cherokee (KL)
The KL revived the Cherokee name for 2014 after the Liberty, and was the first Jeep on Fiat-derived Compact U.S. Wide architecture. It launched with the first nine-speed automatic in a production vehicle, a rear axle that disconnects when 4x4 isn't needed, and three 4x4 systems, topped by the Trail Rated Trailhawk with a locking rear differential. Early transmission software problems delayed its launch and drew complaints about shift quality. A 2019 refresh brought conventional LED headlamps and a 270 hp 2.0 L turbo, production moved from Toledo to Belvidere in 2017, and the line ended in early 2023.
2.4 L Tigershark MultiAir2 I4 · 3.2 L Pentastar V6 · 2.0 L Hurricane turbo I4 · 2.0 L MultiJet II turbodiesel I4 · and 1 more
5-door SUV
XJ
Jeep Cherokee (XJ)
The XJ Cherokee was AMC's compact replacement for the big SJ Cherokee and the first American off-roader built as a unibody, with the body and frame as one structure. Much lighter and smaller than the SJ, it still offered part-time or full-time four-wheel drive, and the 4.0 L six from 1987 gave it strong performance. Its boxy shape stayed in production for 18 years with one major refresh for 1997. It is credited with starting the compact SUV boom and is still a favourite with off-road builders.
2.5 L AMC I4 (carburetted) · 2.5 L AMC I4 (throttle-body injection) · 2.5 L AMC I4 (multipoint injection) · 2.8 L GM V6 · and 4 more
2-door SUV · 4-door SUV
SJ
Jeep Cherokee (SJ)
AMC revived the two-door SJ body for 1974 as the Cherokee, a sportier, younger-buyer version of the Wagoneer that replaced the Jeepster Commando. It had a reworked roofline with long fixed rear side windows, bucket seats, and the Wagoneer's engines, from the 258 six to the 401 V8, with Quadra-Trac available. The wide-track Chief, with axles three inches wider and flared fenders, gave it a tougher look, and a four-door joined in 1977. Sales peaked in 1978 and collapsed after 1979, and the compact XJ took the Cherokee name for 1984.
4.2 L (258 cu in) AMC I6 · 5.9 L (360 cu in) AMC V8, 2-barrel · 5.9 L (360 cu in) AMC V8, 4-barrel · 6.6 L (401 cu in) AMC V8, 4-barrel
2-door wagon · 4-door wagon (from 1977)