Should You Take the Jeep XJ Off Road?
True to the nature of most Jeeps, the 1984–2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ kills it off road.
Written by Olivia Rose
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Angled edges, high suspension, a boxy cabin, fearsomely massive tires—the
Jeep
XJ screams ‘80s and is still beloved 11-plus years later. Manufactured from 1984-2001, the Jeep XJ delights classic car lovers and off-roading fanatics alike. Its spacious square frame allows for passenger comfort even with a full car. So invite your friends and get ready for adventures—the Jeep Cherokee XJ is prepared to hit the trails.
Jerry
, the only car ownership super app
, has everything you need to know about the Jeep XJ off-road rating. Learn about its specs, performance, and competitor vehicles, as well as how to save money on car insurance
for your XJ. 
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Can the Jeep XJ go off road?
You bet! The 1984–2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ was built for off-road maneuvering—and it can certainly handle the feat!
But don’t expect the specs for this classic to outperform contemporary cars. The
2022 Jeep Cherokee
bests the Jeep XJ’s off-road rating. Expect to pay around $5,000–$15,000 for a used Jeep Cherokee XJ. The price will vary widely depending on the condition, trim level, and mileage.
The Jeep XJ was originally available with an automatic or manual transmission—but we recommend manual for off-roading fanatics. You’ll have a lot more control when crawling (aka slowly maneuvering over obstacles).
Ground clearance
The Jeep XJ has an approximate ground clearance of 7.3 inches. That’s just passable for an off-roading car. But installing bigger tires is a way to raise your car’s ground clearance for better performance. (More on tires later.)
Torque
At best, the Jeep Cherokee XJ offers 225 pound-feet of torque @ 2,000 rpm (for the 2.5L TurboDiesel VM 425 engine offered in the 1994–2001 models). Meanwhile, the base model of the original 1984 edition had just 132 pound-feet @ 2,800 rpm.
Tires
If your used Jeep Cherokee XJ has its original tires, don’t drive on them! There’s almost no possibility that 11-year-old tires are still good—so let’s take a look at the type of tires you’ll want.
All-terrain tires
are a great pick if you’re driving your Jeep XJ daily. These tires will perform off road, but they won’t be too clunky to handle paved roads with ease. But if your Cherokee XJ is your hardcore weekend-only off-roader, get some off-road tires. These will be noisier on normal roads, but they’ll offer better performance and maneuverability off road.
We also recommend larger tires if you want to raise your ground clearance for better maneuverability.
Drivetrain
The Jeep XJ comes either in 2WD or 4WD depending on the trim you buy.
Fun Fact The 1984–1986 model has a transfer case with a vacuum switch to allow the driver to manually transition between 2WD and 4WD off the cuff.
Angles
Approach angle and departure angle are imperative when assessing a car’s off-roading capabilities. Here’s a look at what those mean:
- Approach angle: The maximum angle at which a vehicle can climb without interference
- Departure angle: The maximum angle at which a vehicle can descend without interference
The Jeep XJ has approach and departure angles of 38º and 31º, respectively. That’s pretty good for off-roading—even better than the contemporary Jeep Cherokee’s angles.
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Start earning nowOff-road rating: Trail Boss
We rated the Jeep XJ using
Jerry’s
super-technical DIRT rating system, broken down in the table below: Rating | Meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
D | Don’t Try It | Vehicles better suited to highway conditions |
I | In a Pinch | Vehicles that can handle off-road conditions in certain circumstances |
R | Rough and Ready | Vehicles designed for casual off-roading |
T | Trail Boss | True off-road vehicles capable of tackling a range of terrain |
No surprises here—the Jeep Cherokee XJ is rated T: Trail Boss—a true off-roading champion. Even though it might not have the power or specs of contemporary off-road-ready vehicles, it’s a classic that still executes its original promise of performance off road.
The best off-road alternatives to the Jeep XJ
Not sure whether the Jeep XJ is the car for you? Let’s take a look at some of the best alternatives to a Cherokee XJ:
Alternative | Model | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Best classic investment | 1987 Ford Bronco XLT | $25,000 (est.) | Another classic, boxy, off-roading monster that will turn heads and keep you riding in style. The Ford Bronco has continued to be popular over the years, so prices are inflated. But if you find one cheap in sketchy condition, you can fix it up yourself and make a decent profit. |
Best contemporary alternative | 2022 Jeep Cherokee | $31,590 | Aesthetically, the 2022 model is not nearly as appealing as the 1984–2001 generation—but the specs outperform the earlier Cherokee XJ. The con? It’s a good deal more expensive. |
Best old-school alternative | 1984 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ-40 | $25,000 (est.) | Still looks cool and classic, but car parts will be easy to come by for the Land Cruiser, making repairs simple and more affordable. |
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How to find affordable car insurance for off-road vehicles
While used cars are sometimes more affordable, finding car insurance for them can be tricky—and it actually might cost you more if your car is in supreme condition.
Thank goodness for
Jerry
! With a quick download of the Jerry app, you can compare the best car insurance
quotes sourced from 55+ providers. It’s the easiest way to find a good deal—and you won’t have to waste a ton of time doing it. Jerry users save over $800 a year on average on car insurance, and it only takes a minute to sign up.
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