Confirming the end of a 49-year production run, a Jeep representative informed The Drive about the discontinuation of the Jeep Cherokee. This marks the conclusion of an era for an SUV that not only played a pivotal role in shaping the identity of Jeep but also revolutionized the automotive industry. This development now raises the challenging question of Jeep’s strategy moving forward in the fiercely competitive midsize SUV market—the segment the automaker insists it won’t be leaving behind.
Back in 1974, the Cherokee commenced its journey as a two-door SUV modeled after the Wagoneer before transitioning to a unibody platform in 1984, marking one of AMC’s final vehicle introductions. It quickly gained immense popularity, with approximately 3 million units manufactured. While production in the U.S. lasted until 2001, licensed versions were being produced in China until 2014. This model set the foundation for the modern unibody SUV, significantly contributing to the widespread success of this body style across the globe. The original Cherokee’s impact cannot be overstated.
2022 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. Jeep
However, all legacies must eventually come to an end. Despite several iterations over the years that failed to match the original’s success (including some sold under the Liberty moniker), the Jeep Cherokee has reached the end of its road. Facing dwindling sales after nearly a decade on the market, Jeep streamlined the 2023 Cherokee’s trim options. On March 1, Stellantis halted production at the Belvidere Assembly plant in Illinois, where the Cherokee was manufactured. This production pause may become permanent as Stellantis prepares to negotiate the plant’s future with the United Auto Workers later this year. While the automaker has expressed its commitment to the segment’s future, there is uncertainty surrounding the branding of its next midsize SUV and its potential arrival date.
The Cherokee’s offspring, the Grand Cherokee, received a refresh for 2022 and continues under the same name, albeit not directly inheriting the lineage of its predecessor. Equipped with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, it aligns with Jeep’s increasingly strong focus on hybrid and electric vehicles. The future of the Grand Cherokee nameplate remains uncertain, as the Cherokee Nation requested Jeep to retire the name in 2021.
UPDATE: This article has been modified to include additional information from Stellantis.
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