Description
The Jeep Cherokee 2.5 was the model that brought Jeep’s legendary off-road pedigree into a new era of practicality, efficiency, and everyday usability. Introduced in the mid-1980s as part of the XJ generation, the 2.5-litre version embodied the core values of the Cherokee lineup — ruggedness, simplicity, and versatility — but with a focus on economy and balance rather than outright power. It became a popular choice among buyers who wanted Jeep capability in a more manageable and affordable package, and over time it earned a reputation as one of the toughest and most durable compact SUVs ever built.
When the Cherokee XJ debuted in 1984, it marked a complete break from traditional Jeep design. Unlike the older full-size Wagoneers and Cherokees, the XJ used a unibody construction instead of a separate ladder frame. This made it lighter, stiffer, and more refined on the road while still maintaining Jeep’s renowned strength off it. The 2.5-litre model played a crucial role in this new generation, offering a balance between fuel efficiency and capability that broadened Jeep’s appeal to a wider audience.
Under the hood was the AMC-designed 150 cubic inch (2,464 cc) inline-four engine, a simple and durable powerplant that produced around 105 horsepower and 183 Nm of torque in its early versions, later increasing slightly with the addition of fuel injection. It wasn’t a fast engine, but it was dependable and easy to service, capable of running for hundreds of thousands of kilometers with routine maintenance. Its torquey nature made it particularly well-suited to off-road driving, where steady power delivery mattered more than speed. The 2.5 engine was paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or, later, a four-speed automatic, and buyers could choose between two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive configurations.
The Cherokee 2.5’s drivetrain options included the Command-Trac part-time 4WD system or, in some versions, the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD setup. Command-Trac allowed the driver to engage four-wheel drive manually when needed, ideal for snow, mud, or gravel, while Selec-Trac offered the convenience of staying in 4WD on all surfaces. The combination of these systems with the light unibody design gave the Cherokee outstanding traction and agility. It could climb, crawl, and traverse rough terrain that most compact SUVs couldn’t dream of handling. Ground clearance was generous, approach and departure angles were excellent, and the solid axles front and rear gave it articulation that rivaled much larger 4x4s.
On the road, the Cherokee 2.5 was composed and surprisingly refined for its size. The lighter engine made it more nimble than its six-cylinder siblings, with better balance and slightly more precise steering. It cruised comfortably at highway speeds and handled city driving easily, its compact dimensions making it practical in tight spaces where full-size SUVs struggled. The suspension, featuring coil springs up front and leaf springs at the rear, offered a firm but compliant ride that blended comfort with control.
The interior of the Cherokee 2.5 reflected Jeep’s move toward greater refinement during the 1980s. Though still rugged and practical, it was well-finished for its class. The upright dashboard was simple and functional, with large instruments and clearly labeled controls. Early models featured vinyl or durable cloth seats and rubber flooring for easy cleaning, while later versions offered improved fabrics, carpeting, and optional amenities such as air conditioning, power windows, and upgraded sound systems. The cabin was spacious enough for five passengers, with generous headroom and a versatile rear cargo area that could be expanded by folding the rear seats flat.
Visually, the XJ Cherokee was a design success. Its boxy, angular shape became one of the most recognizable silhouettes in automotive history — clean, purposeful, and timeless. The 2.5 shared the same body as the more powerful 4.0-litre version, with subtle badging distinguishing it. Its upright stance, trapezoidal wheel arches, and seven-slot grille gave it an unmistakably Jeep character. The proportions were perfect: compact enough for urban use, yet rugged and commanding enough to look at home in the wilderness.
Though not as fast or strong as the six-cylinder Cherokee, the 2.5 earned its respect through dependability and versatility. Off-road, its lighter front end gave it excellent balance and approach angles, making it particularly agile on rocky or uneven ground. Many off-road enthusiasts appreciated the 2.5 for its simplicity — there were fewer parts to break, less heat buildup under load, and easier access for maintenance. It could tackle trails with surprising confidence, its low-range gearing and torquey nature making it feel stronger than its figures suggested.
The 2.5 engine also proved to be one of Jeep’s most reliable powerplants. It used a simple pushrod design with a cast-iron block and head, and with minimal electronics it could be maintained almost anywhere. Later versions with fuel injection improved throttle response, emissions, and cold-start performance, while keeping the same robust architecture. Many owners ran their Cherokees well past 300,000 kilometers with little more than basic servicing — a testament to its durability.
By the early 1990s, as performance expectations grew, the 4.0-litre inline-six became the preferred engine for most buyers, but the 2.5 remained popular among purists and practical owners. It was particularly well-regarded in export markets, where fuel economy and reliability were more important than power. Even today, many enthusiasts appreciate the 2.5 Cherokee for its simplicity and balance, describing it as the “purest” version of the XJ — the one closest to the original idea of a light, efficient, go-anywhere Jeep.
The Jeep Cherokee 2.5 was more than just the entry-level model; it was the foundation of a revolution. It helped define what a compact SUV could be — a vehicle that offered comfort, capability, and character in equal measure. Its design, engineering, and practicality set the standard for decades of 4x4s that followed. In the 2.5, Jeep created a machine that proved power isn’t everything; what matters is reliability, agility, and spirit. It remains one of the clearest expressions of Jeep’s philosophy: simple, strong, and ready for anything.