The rise of the modern SUV is closely linked to the arrival of the Jeep Cherokee XJ. This vehicle changed how people saw SUVs, moving them from pure off-road machines to practical cars for everyday life. Before the Cherokee, most SUVs were bulky, hard to drive, and not very useful for families. The Cherokee stood out with its unique design, focusing on user comfort, better space, and smart engineering.
By using new ideas like a unibody structure and offering four doors, the Cherokee set new standards for SUVs. Its blend of good handling, roomy interior, and strong performance made it popular with both car experts and regular drivers. The success of the Cherokee shaped the whole SUV market, making it a key part of automotive history.
Key Takeaways
- The Cherokee XJ sparked the shift toward practical, family-friendly SUVs.
- Innovative design and engineering improved comfort, space, and performance.
- Its impact changed what drivers expect from modern SUVs.
How the Modern SUV Began
Jeep Cherokee Sets a New Standard
The rise of the modern SUV can be traced back to the Jeep Cherokee XJ. Unlike others at the time, this vehicle wasn’t just a scaled-down truck or a simple off-road toy.
Jeep built the XJ to be a practical family car that also handled tough roads. Its unique unibody construction, called the Uni Frame, made it much lighter and more rigid than rivals. Even though it shrank in length and width, it lost only a little interior space. In fact, it could seat five people with easy access thanks to its four doors—rare for SUVs of that period.
A table below shows key differences:
| Feature | Jeep Cherokee XJ | Chevy S10 Blazer | Ford Bronco II |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction | Unibody (Uni Frame) | Body-on-frame | Body-on-frame |
| Number of Doors | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Passenger Capacity | 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo Capacity | High | Moderate | Moderate |
| Weight (approx.) | Under 3,000 lbs | Over 3,600 lbs | Over 3,600 lbs |
The XJ also ditched leaf springs in the front to save space and improve ride comfort, something rarely done for SUVs at the time.
Moving Beyond Off-Road to Everyday Use
The Cherokee marked the shift from niche, off-road vehicles to everyday transportation. Before this, SUVs were mainly for outdoor fans or those who needed to drive through rough terrain. With the Cherokee, the main focus became comfort, smooth driving, and efficiency.
The unibody design made it more fuel efficient during a time when gas prices were high. Unlike many competitors, it offered a comfortable ride that even impressed car magazines. The four-door design and roomy back seat meant families could use it just like a sedan or wagon.
Car reviewers noticed this difference. They praised its handling, calling it even better than some sporty sedans when tested on the skidpad. Off-road fans still found it tough and able to handle rough conditions, while general drivers liked it for shopping, commuting, and trips.
Because of these changes, the Jeep Cherokee became the blueprint for future SUVs: practical for everyday use but still capable when needed.
Breakthroughs in Design and Engineering
Unified Body Structure With Frame Support
via comancheclubThe Cherokee featured a unique unitized body merged with a boxed steel frame around its perimeter, called the Uni-Frame. This setup gave it nearly three times more torsional stiffness than other similar SUVs, like the Blazer, yet the Cherokee weighed 600 pounds less.
Compared to older models, it was built 21 inches shorter and 6 inches narrower than its predecessor, but still offered almost the same interior space—just 10% less. Dropping the old body-on-frame method for a unibody made the SUV lighter, so it weighed under 3,000 pounds. Despite this, it could tow up to 4,200 pounds, which was 1.4 times its own weight.
| Feature | Cherokee (XJ) | Previous Model |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Unibody + Uni-Frame | Body-on-Frame |
| Torsional Stiffness | 3x higher | Lower |
| Weight | <3,000 lb | 4,000+ lb |
| Towing Capacity | 4,200 lb | Less |
Smaller Size With No Loss Of Space
While other makers simply shrank their trucks and ended up with cramped and impractical vehicles, the Cherokee was designed from scratch. Instead of two doors and small cargo areas like its rivals, it offered four doors and plenty of space for five people.
The short front and rear sections allowed for a longer wheelbase, so the back seat could be moved forward, away from the wheel wells. This gave the rear seat enough width for three passengers, making it a true family vehicle. Cargo space was increased even though the SUV was smaller in size, outdoing competitors like the Blazer in capacity.
Benefits of the downsized design:
- Four full-sized doors for easy access
- Full-size rear seat—fits three, not just two
- Bigger cargo area than rivals, despite shorter length
Unique Suspension For Ride And Cargo
The Cherokee kept solid axles for off-road use, but made some important changes. Instead of leaf springs at the front, it used coil springs, which allowed for a shorter front overhang. This freed up more space inside and improved the approach angle for off-road driving.
Leaf springs stayed in the back to protect cargo room. Thanks to adjustable tuning—heavily influenced by Renault—ride quality was smooth and comfortable, even matching or beating some luxury sedans in handling tests. For drivers and passengers, this meant an SUV that was not only capable off-road, but also pleasant on regular roads.
Suspension Highlights:
- Coil springs up front for comfort and space
- Leaf springs in the rear for cargo room
- Solid axles for steady off-road ground clearance
- Award-winning handling and ride quality
Efficiency And Practicality
Cabin Design And Storage
via JcrOffroadThe innovative design made the vehicle shorter and narrower than its predecessor, but with clever use of space, it kept almost the same amount of room inside—only about 10% less. The unibody structure was a key factor, allowing for more efficient use of interior space. With four doors available, it was one of the first compact SUVs to let five people ride comfortably. Back seats could fit three across, and the cargo area was larger than competitors, even those with a longer overall length.
Key Interior Features:
- Room for five with rear seats placed for more passenger comfort
- Larger cargo area compared to similar models
- Easier access due to four-door option
| Model | Cargo Space | Passenger Capacity | Doors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherokee | High | 5 | 4 |
| S10 Blazer | Low | 4 | 2 |
| Bronco 2 | Low | 4 | 2 |
Weight Savings And Performance
The SUV used a unibody construction with a strong steel frame, resulting in a vehicle that was about 1,000 pounds lighter than its earlier version. This also made it stiffer and better at handling. Lighter weight meant the engine didn’t have to work as hard, which improved fuel use and made the car easier to drive every day. The new design helped balance comfort, strong handling, and the ability to handle rough roads.
Performance Benefits:
- Nearly three times stiffer body than some rivals
- 600 pounds lighter than competitors
- Better fuel economy and smoother ride
| Feature | Cherokee | S10 Blazer |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | < 3,000 lbs | +600 lbs |
| Torsional Stiffness | High | Lower |
Hauling Strength
Despite its smaller and lighter build, the SUV kept strong towing ability. It could pull 1.4 times its own weight, starting at 4,200 lbs and increasing as the model developed. The sturdy frame and solid axles worked together to maintain towing reliability. Owners found it easy to use the SUV for everyday needs but also for hauling gear or trailers.
Towing Capability:
- Can tow up to 1.4 times its own weight
- Started with a 4,200 lb towing limit
- Solid axles and strong frame for reliability
Raising the Bar for Everyday Driving
Easy Access with More Doors
Unlike its rivals, the Jeep Cherokee arrived with four doors. This gave people much better access to the back seats and made it simple for three adults to sit in the back, instead of just two. Most other SUVs only had two doors at the time, which made getting in and out a hassle—especially for families.
A quick comparison:
| Feature | Cherokee | S10 Blazer | Bronco 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Doors | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Rear Passenger Spaces | 3 | 2 | 2 |
Focused on Passenger Relaxation and Smooth Rides
The Cherokee’s smart design put comfort at the front. Its unibody frame and careful suspension setup meant the ride was much smoother than in other SUVs. The rear seat felt roomy because it sat in front of the wheel wells, instead of between them.
- Motor Trend described the ride as “astonishing”
- Reviewers said you could travel far without feeling tired
- Cargo space stayed big, even with a comfortable back seat
Improved Steering and Road Feel
The Cherokee was made to handle daily roads, not just tough trails. It gave drivers better control and grip than bigger, older SUVs. Magazines like Car and Driver said it even performed better than some sporty sedans on turns.
- Torsional stiffness was nearly three times higher than a Chevy Blazer
- The unibody design helped the vehicle stay steady during quick moves
- Reviewers enjoyed both cornering and highway driving
This made it easy and safe for anyone to drive, whether on city streets or long road trips.
Public Response and Influence
Positive Reviews from Car Magazines
via RedditAutomotive magazines responded strongly to the launch of the Jeep Cherokee XJ. Motor Trend praised its smooth ride, calling it “astonishing”, and highlighted how it offered comfort usually found in lighter European cars. Car and Driver was impressed by its handling, even noting that the Cherokee outperformed a Mercedes 190E during skid pad tests. Automobile saw it as a redefinition of four-wheel drive vehicles, describing it as more like a car than a truck. In a direct comparison, Motor Trend gave the Cherokee top marks over its rivals, stating it excelled in more areas than any other option.
Reactions from Fans and Off-Roaders
The off-road community quickly accepted the Cherokee XJ due to its solid axles and constant ground clearance. Jeep enthusiasts especially appreciated the new all-wheel drive options, which included a selectable system and the first-ever full-time setup for American SUVs. This mix of comfort and true off-road ability helped bridge the gap between car lovers and four-wheel drive enthusiasts. The Cherokee became respected for both daily driving and rugged use, even winning over skeptics in traditional enthusiast circles.
Honors and Praise within the Industry
The Cherokee XJ received significant recognition in the automotive world. It made history by winning the “4×4 of the Year” title from all three top off-road magazines in the United States. Editors and staffers at respected publications regularly chose the Cherokee for daily tasks and long road trips, as well as for transporting heavy loads like race cars.
Key Industry Achievements
| Award | Year(s) | Given By |
|---|---|---|
| 4×4 of the Year | Multiple | Leading Off-Road Magazines |
| Top of Comparison Tests | 1980s | Motor Trend, Car and Driver |
These recognitions solidified the Cherokee’s status as a standout vehicle in both on-road and off-road categories.
Long-Term Impact and Market Transformation
The Jeep Cherokee XJ changed how people see SUVs. It was one of the first vehicles in its class to use a unibody frame, making it lighter and more rigid than its competitors. This switch helped it become more fuel-efficient and gave it impressive towing strength for its size.
Unlike many other SUVs at the time, the Cherokee XJ offered four doors and a real five-passenger layout. Competitors could only fit two people in the back, but the Cherokee made family transport much easier and more comfortable.
Key Features That Set It Apart:
| Feature | Jeep Cherokee XJ | Typical Rivals |
|---|---|---|
| Body Construction | Unibody/Unitized Frame | Body-on-Frame |
| Number of Doors | Four | Two |
| Weight (Approximate) | Under 3,000 lbs | 3,600+ lbs |
| Interior Volume | Nearly same as larger SUVs | Less interior space |
| Rear Seating | Seats 3 comfortably | Fits 2, tight space |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 4,200 lbs | Less capable |
The Cherokee’s focus was on everyday comfort as well as rugged performance. It was praised for its smooth ride, solid road handling, and even performed well on performance tests against other cars, not just trucks.
The all-wheel drive system also broke new ground. It offered part-time and full-time options, giving people more flexibility for different driving conditions. It won many awards in the off-road world and was recognized as the first compact SUV to give buyers a real choice between on-road comfort and off-road skill.
Enthusiast magazines and car reviewers responded positively. They noted its blend of practicality, handling, and unique style. The XJ Jeep Cherokee design helped move SUVs from specialty off-road vehicles to practical, everyday family transportation.
Lasting Effects Seen Today:
- Inspired other brands to design smaller, more efficient SUVs
- Set the standard for four-door, five-passenger utility vehicles
- Started the trend toward unibody construction in SUVs
- Changed public expectations for how SUVs should look and drive
Now, SUVs are the most common type of vehicle on the road, and many design features first seen in the XJ are routine across the industry. The XJ Cherokee played a key role in this major change.