1974 Jeep Cherokee I (SJ) 3-door Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Jeep Cherokee I (SJ) 3-door has a width spanning from 1920 mm to 2040 mm (75.6 to 80.3 inches). This broad width contributes to a stable stance on both paved roads and rugged terrain, enhancing its off-road driving capabilities. The wider profile provides more cabin space inside without making the vehicle excessively large for typical urban environments. Drivers can expect confident handling and a commanding road presence thanks to its solid width dimensions.

The height of the Jeep Cherokee I (SJ) 3-door ranges between 1660 mm and 1800 mm (65.4 to 70.9 inches). This height ensures good headroom inside the cabin for passengers. The comparatively tall stature also contributes to excellent ground clearance, which is crucial for off-road use. However, the greater height might require extra attention when parking in low-clearance areas such as underground garages or tight urban settings.

The curb weight of the Jeep Cherokee I (SJ) 3-door falls between 1820 kg and 2000 kg (approximately 4012 to 4409 lbs), with a maximum weight capacity ranging from 2170 kg to 2350 kg (4784 to 5181 lbs). The heavier curb weight offers enhanced stability and durability, especially for the demands of off-road driving. However, it also means the vehicle may not accelerate or handle like lighter SUVs, though its sturdy build is a hallmark of Jeep's rugged design philosophy during that period.

When the rear seats of the Jeep Cherokee I (SJ) 3-door are folded down, the SUV offers a spacious luggage capacity of approximately 2693 liters (about 95 cubic feet). This large cargo volume allows owners to transport bulky equipment, camping gear, or larger cargo loads with ease, making it highly practical for both daily use and adventurous outings. This space versatility complements its off-road capability and utility focus.

The Jeep Cherokee SJ 3-door boasts a ride height or ground clearance ranging from 196 mm to 218 mm (7.7 to 8.6 inches). This ample ground clearance allows the vehicle to navigate rough terrains, rocks, and uneven surfaces without damaging its undercarriage. High ground clearance is a key feature for SUVs designed for off-roading, ensuring that the vehicle maintains traction and stability even in challenging conditions, which was a defining characteristic of the Cherokee SJ's rugged design.

Whether the Jeep Cherokee I (SJ) 3-door fits into a standard garage depends on the garage’s size. Standard single-car garages typically have an internal width of around 2.4 meters (8 feet) and length around 5.5 meters (18 feet). Given the Cherokee’s width between 1.92 and 2.04 meters (6.3 to 6.7 feet) and length between 4.6 and 4.75 meters (15.1 to 15.6 feet), it generally fits comfortably in a typical single-car garage. The height, up to 1.8 meters (5.9 feet), should also be well within most garage door heights. However, owners with narrow garage entries or particularly compact spaces should measure carefully.

The Jeep Cherokee I (SJ) 3-door is essentially a shorter, three-door version derived from the full-size Jeep Wagoneer (also SJ chassis) but with a more compact footprint. Compared to the Wagoneer SJ, which was longer and heavier, the Cherokee I (SJ) offered a reduced length (4600-4750 mm vs. approximately 4980 mm for Wagoneer) and slightly narrower width, increasing maneuverability and appealing to buyers wanting Jeep ruggedness with a smaller size. The Cherokee’s lighter curb weight and more compact size made it a distinct and versatile player in Jeep’s lineup, while maintaining the off-road capability and robust construction of the Wagoneer family.

Compared to other SUVs from the late 1970s and early 1980s, such as the Ford Bronco or Chevrolet Blazer of that era, the Jeep Cherokee I (SJ) 3-door was competitively sized, offering a blend of on-road comfort and off-road toughness. Its length (4600-4750 mm or 181-187 inches) was generally similar or slightly longer than these competitors, while the width of up to 2040 mm (80.3 inches) gave it a robust and stable feel. Ground clearance was also on par or better, especially notable with up to 218 mm (8.6 inches), which was suited to off-road conditions. Overall, the Jeep Cherokee I (SJ) stood out for its balance of size and ruggedness among peer vehicles.

The Jeep Cherokee I (SJ) 3-door was equipped with rim sizes primarily ranging from 7J x 15 to 8J x 15. The typical 15-inch rim size allowed for compatibility with larger off-road tires, contributing to the SUV’s capability across diverse terrains. These rims could support higher load capacities and improve traction in off-road conditions, emphasizing the Cherokee’s design focus on durability and rugged use. The robust rim sizes, along with substantial ground clearance, made the SJ Cherokee particularly adept for adventurous driving.