1977 Jeep Cherokee I (SJ) 5-door Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Jeep Cherokee I (SJ) 5-door has a curb weight of approximately 1980 kilograms (about 4,366 pounds), which refers to the weight of the vehicle without passengers or cargo but with all necessary operating consumables such as fuel, oil, and coolant. Its maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is rated at 2400 kilograms (around 5,291 pounds), indicating the maximum total permissible weight of the vehicle including passengers, cargo, and any added load. This weight capacity ensures that the Cherokee SJ can accommodate a considerable payload, contributing to its utility purpose as an SUV, whether for family trips, hauling gear, or light towing tasks.

When the rear seats of the Jeep Cherokee I (SJ) 5-door are folded down, the vehicle offers a generous luggage capacity of 2693 liters (approximately 95.1 cubic feet). This sizeable cargo space is one of the Cherokee SJ’s highlights, enabling drivers to carry bulky items, camping gear, or luggage with considerable ease. Compared to other SUVs from the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Cherokee’s cargo volume is quite competitive, often surpassing many contemporaries in the SUV category. This versatility makes the Cherokee particularly appealing for outdoor enthusiasts and families requiring flexible transport solutions.

The Jeep Cherokee I (SJ) 5-door's dimensions—length between 4620 mm to 4660 mm (182.3 to 183.5 inches), width from 1920 mm to 1940 mm (75.6 to 76.4 inches), and height 1660 mm to 1700 mm (65.4 to 66.9 inches)—make it relatively large for an SUV of its time. Most standard residential garages have an interior width of around 2400 mm (94.5 inches) and a length of approximately 6000 mm (236 inches), so the Cherokee fits comfortably in length and width. Height clearance is usually around 2100–2400 mm (83–94 inches) inside a standard garage, so the Cherokee’s height presents no issue. Therefore, the Cherokee I (SJ) can fit into a standard garage without problems, although drivers should account for mirrors and slight clearance on sides during parking.

The Jeep Cherokee I (SJ) 5-door, produced from 1977 to 1983, was actually the first generation of the Cherokee model line, so it has no direct predecessor under the Cherokee name. However, compared to earlier Jeep Wagoneer models and other Jeep SUVs available at the time, the Cherokee SJ offered a somewhat more compact and sportier option. While the Wagoneer was larger and more station wagon-like, the Cherokee has a slightly shorter length (roughly 4620-4660 mm vs. Wagoneer's approximately 5030 mm), making it more maneuverable. The width and height are fairly similar, but the Cherokee's design prioritized a mix of comfortable on-road driving and capable off-road performance, contributing to its appeal and setting a new standard that helped define later Jeep SUV designs.

Dimensionally, the Jeep Cherokee I (SJ) 5-door holds its own among peers in the late 1970s and early 1980s SUV market segment. With its length around 4620-4660 mm (182.3 - 183.5 in), width near 1920-1940 mm (75.6 - 76.4 in), and height between 1660-1700 mm (65.4 - 66.9 in), it is somewhat smaller than full-size SUVs like the Chevrolet K5 Blazer or Ford Bronco of the time but larger than some compact SUVs. This size balance offered a good combination of interior space and maneuverability, while its robust construction and 4x4 capability gave it an edge in off-roading compared to domestic counterparts. Overall, it catered well to buyers wanting a vehicle both practical for family or utility use and rugged enough for trail adventures.

The Jeep Cherokee I (SJ) 5-door comes equipped with rims sized 7J x 15, paired with tires sized 225/75 R15. These dimensions reflect a fairly tall but relatively narrow tire profile by modern standards, optimized for the SUV’s dual on-road and off-road duties. The 15-inch rims provide a balance between durability suitable for rough terrain and comfort on paved roads. The 225 mm wide tires with a 75% aspect ratio (sidewall height to width) contribute to shock absorption and traction, particularly important given the Cherokee’s off-road heritage. This setup also plays a role in maintaining good ground clearance and sidewall flex, vital for traversing challenging off-road conditions while maintaining safety and stability.

The Jeep Cherokee I (SJ) 5-door has a roof load capacity of up to 150 kilograms (about 331 pounds). This figure represents the maximum distributed weight that can safely be placed on the roof rack without compromising vehicle stability or structural integrity. For users, this capacity is significant because it allows the transportation of bulky or additional gear such as luggage, roof boxes, camping equipment, or sports gear (like bicycles or kayaks). It's essential to stay within this limit to maintain safe handling characteristics and avoid damage to the roof structure.

Thanks to its height ranging from 1660 mm to 1700 mm (65.4 to 66.9 inches), the Jeep Cherokee I (SJ) 5-door offers good interior headroom and comfortable seating positions for occupants. The generous vertical space allows for upright seating posture and easy ingress and egress, which is desirable for an SUV designed for both on-road comfort and off-road utility. This height advantage also contributes to the vehicle’s spacious and airy cabin feeling, enhancing passenger comfort on extended journeys. Furthermore, the elevated seating position typical of the Cherokee improves driver visibility, which is essential for negotiating both urban traffic and rugged terrain.

The Jeep Cherokee I (SJ) 5-door stood out during its production years from 1977 to 1983 as one of the pioneering SUVs offering a blend of rugged off-road capability and more refined on-road comfort. Produced by Jeep, it combined a strong body-on-frame construction, four-wheel drive, and durable mechanical components, making it highly capable in diverse terrains. Its relatively boxy, functional design maximized interior space and provided multiple carrying configurations with foldable rear seats and substantial cargo capacity. These features made it popular not just with off-road enthusiasts but also families and outdoor adventurers, setting a precedent for future SUVs emphasizing versatility. Its success influenced many later Jeep models and competitors to include more passenger-friendly interiors without sacrificing off-road performance.