The Jeep Cherokee length varies slightly depending on the model year and specific trim level, but generally falls around 182 inches. This article will break down all the essential Cherokee dimensions, helping you understand its footprint and how it fits your needs.
The Jeep Cherokee has long been a popular choice for those seeking a capable and versatile SUV. But before you head to the dealership or click “buy,” it’s crucial to have a solid grasp of its physical attributes. Knowing the Jeep Cherokee exterior length, width, and height is key to determining if it will fit in your garage, navigate tight city streets, or haul your gear. This guide dives deep into every aspect of the Cherokee’s dimensions, offering clarity for potential buyers.
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Fathoming the Jeep Cherokee Exterior Length
The overall length of the Jeep Cherokee is a primary consideration for many drivers. It dictates how easily the vehicle can be parked, maneuvered in tight spaces, and whether it will fit into your existing garage or driveway.
Measuring the Cherokee’s Footprint: Exterior Length by Generation
The Jeep Cherokee length has evolved over its many generations. For the most recent models (KL generation, typically 2014-2023), the exterior length generally hovers around 182.0 inches. This measurement is crucial for parking, especially in urban environments or older parking garages.
Let’s look at some specific examples:
- Jeep Cherokee (KL) Latitude/Longitude/Trailhawk (2014-2023): Approximately 182.0 inches (4623 mm)
- Jeep Cherokee (KL) Limited (2014-2023): Often a similar length, around 182.0 inches (4623 mm)
It’s important to note that minor variations can occur based on specific options or package additions, but the Jeep Cherokee exterior length remains consistent for the core models within this generation.
Deciphering the Cherokee Wheelbase
The wheelbase is another critical dimension. It’s the distance between the center of the front wheels and the center of the rear wheels. A longer wheelbase generally translates to a smoother ride on highways and more interior space, while a shorter wheelbase can contribute to better agility and a tighter turning radius.
- Cherokee Wheelbase (KL Generation): For most KL Cherokees, the wheelbase is 106.5 inches (2705 mm). This moderate wheelbase contributes to a good balance between ride comfort and maneuverability.
This wheelbase measurement plays a significant role in how the Cherokee handles different road conditions and its overall stability.
Gauging the Cherokee’s Width and Height
Beyond its length, the Jeep Cherokee width and Jeep Cherokee height are vital for navigating tight spots, understanding its road presence, and assessing its suitability for various parking situations.
Cherokee Width: Navigating with Confidence
The width of the Cherokee, excluding mirrors, is a key factor in its ability to fit through narrow roads and parking garages.
- Jeep Cherokee Width (KL Generation, excluding mirrors): Typically around 73.0 inches (1855 mm).
- Jeep Cherokee Width (KL Generation, including mirrors): When mirrors are included, the width can extend to approximately 79.1 inches (2009 mm). This is important to remember when maneuvering into tight parking spaces.
This width provides a comfortable interior cabin while remaining manageable on most roads.
Cherokee Height: Clearance and Interior Room
The Jeep Cherokee height impacts its ability to fit under low-clearance obstacles and also contributes to its interior headroom.
- Jeep Cherokee Height (KL Generation): Generally around 66.1 inches (1679 mm) to 67.8 inches (1722 mm) depending on the specific model and any roof-mounted accessories or suspension configurations. The Trailhawk, with its slightly different suspension for off-road capability, might have a marginally different height.
Understanding these external dimensions is crucial for practical usability.
Interpreting the Jeep Cherokee’s Interior Dimensions
While exterior measurements tell us how the Cherokee fits into the world, interior dimensions dictate how comfortable and practical it is for passengers and cargo.
Cherokee Passenger Volume: Room for Everyone
The Cherokee passenger volume determines the overall space available for occupants. A larger passenger volume generally means more comfortable seating, especially for longer journeys.
- Cherokee Passenger Volume (KL Generation): Most KL Cherokees offer a passenger volume of around 90 to 95 cubic feet. This translates to ample legroom and headroom for most adults in both the front and rear seats.
The design of the Cherokee cabin prioritizes passenger comfort within its compact SUV footprint.
Interior Space Breakdown: Legroom, Headroom, and Shoulder Room
Let’s break down the interior space further:
- Front Legroom: Typically around 41.1 inches (1044 mm). This offers plenty of space for taller drivers and front passengers.
- Rear Legroom: Generally about 36.5 inches (927 mm). While sufficient for most, it can feel a bit tighter for adults on longer trips compared to larger SUVs.
- Front Headroom: Around 39.4 inches (1001 mm). This provides a good sense of openness for front occupants.
- Rear Headroom: Usually in the range of 38.5 inches (978 mm). Again, this is comfortable for most passengers.
- Front Shoulder Room: Approximately 57.0 inches (1448 mm).
- Rear Shoulder Room: Around 54.9 inches (1395 mm).
These numbers showcase the Cherokee’s ability to comfortably seat four adults, with a fifth being a squeeze.
Fathoming the Jeep Cherokee Cargo Space
A significant factor for many buyers is the Jeep Cherokee cargo space. Whether you’re hauling groceries, sports equipment, or luggage for a road trip, knowing the cubic footage available is essential.
Cargo Capacity Behind the Rear Seats
When the rear seats are in their upright position, the Cherokee offers a respectable amount of cargo room.
- Jeep Cherokee Cargo Space (Behind Rear Seats): Typically around 24.6 cubic feet (700 liters). This is enough for everyday needs like grocery shopping or carrying a couple of large suitcases.
Expanding the Space: Folding the Rear Seats
For larger items or more extensive hauling needs, folding down the rear seats significantly increases the cargo capacity.
- Jeep Cherokee Cargo Space (With Rear Seats Folded): This figure can jump to approximately 54.9 cubic feet (1555 liters). This expanded space makes the Cherokee surprisingly capable for transporting bulkier items, furniture, or camping gear.
The 60/40 split-folding rear seats offer flexibility, allowing you to carry longer items while still accommodating a passenger in the rear.
Jeep Cherokee Dimensions Compared to the Wrangler
It’s a common question: how does the Jeep Cherokee length compared to Wrangler? While both bear the Jeep name and are capable off-road, their design philosophies and resulting dimensions are quite different.
Cherokee vs. Wrangler: A Size Comparison
The Jeep Wrangler is renowned for its iconic, rugged, and more compact (in some configurations) design, optimized for extreme off-roading. The Cherokee, on the other hand, is a more conventional compact SUV focused on a balance of on-road comfort and trail capability.
Let’s compare the lengths:
- Jeep Cherokee (KL Generation Length): Approximately 182.0 inches
- Jeep Wrangler (JL 2-Door Length): Around 166.5 inches (4229 mm)
- Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (JL 4-Door Length): Approximately 173.4 inches (4404 mm)
- Jeep Wrangler (JK 2-Door Length): Around 163.8 inches (4161 mm)
- Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (JK 4-Door Length): Approximately 173.4 inches (4404 mm)
As you can see, the Jeep Cherokee length is notably longer than both the 2-door and 4-door versions of the Jeep Wrangler. This longer wheelbase and overall length contribute to the Cherokee’s more car-like ride and greater interior space, particularly in the cargo area.
Other Dimension Comparisons
- Width: The Cherokee is generally wider than the Wrangler, especially when considering the Wrangler’s more utilitarian design and often narrower track width.
- Height: The Wrangler, particularly with its more robust suspension and knobbier tires, can sometimes be slightly taller than the Cherokee, giving it a more imposing stance.
The difference in dimensions highlights their intended uses: the Wrangler for extreme off-road adventure with a more compact, agile profile, and the Cherokee for a blend of daily driving comfort and capable adventuring with a more spacious and conventional SUV form factor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is the Jeep Cherokee a large SUV?
A1: No, the Jeep Cherokee is considered a compact SUV. While it offers a good amount of interior space and cargo capacity for its class, it is smaller than mid-size or full-size SUVs.
Q2: Will a Jeep Cherokee fit in my garage?
A2: With a Jeep Cherokee exterior length of around 182 inches and a width of about 73 inches (excluding mirrors), most standard garages should accommodate it. However, it’s always best to measure your garage opening and interior space to be sure.
Q3: How does the Cherokee’s cargo space compare to other compact SUVs?
A3: The Jeep Cherokee cargo space of 24.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats is competitive within the compact SUV segment. Some rivals might offer slightly more, while others offer less. The expanded cargo space with seats folded (around 54.9 cubic feet) is also on par with or exceeds many in its class.
Q4: What is the ground clearance of the Jeep Cherokee?
A4: Ground clearance varies by trim. For instance, the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, designed for more aggressive off-roading, typically boasts a higher ground clearance, often around 8.7 inches (221 mm), compared to standard trims which might be closer to 7.8 inches (198 mm). This higher clearance is crucial for navigating obstacles off-road.
Q5: Does the Jeep Cherokee have a third row?
A5: No, the Jeep Cherokee is a two-row SUV and does not offer a third-row seating option. If you need seating for more than five passengers, you would need to consider larger Jeep models like the Grand Cherokee or Wagoneer.
Q6: Is the Cherokee easier to drive in the city than a larger SUV?
A6: Yes, due to its more compact exterior dimensions, particularly its Jeep Cherokee length and width, it is generally easier to maneuver and park in urban environments compared to larger SUVs. Its turning radius is also quite respectable for its class.
By thoroughly examining the Jeep Cherokee dimensions, from its exterior length and width to its interior passenger volume and cargo space, you can make a well-informed decision about whether this capable compact SUV is the right fit for your lifestyle and needs.