Jeep Cherokee 1997–2001 car dimensions: 4255 mm long, 1725 mm wide and 1626 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,519 kg. Braked towing is 2,250 kg.
The cabin has a redesigned instrument panel with dual airbags standard and analog gauges including tachometer on most trims. Manual climate controls with improved airflow are fitted. air conditioning is available on packages or higher grades. Cruise control is optional with steering-wheel buttons. An optional overhead console adds compass, outside temperature and trip computer. No electronic driver aids beyond optional ABS appear.
With the rear seat up the load area holds 962 litres. Tumbling the rear bench expands it to 1869 litres for longer items. The spare sits inside and takes some room. cargo tie-downs are provided.
Standard braked towing is 900 kg. An optional trailer-tow group raises the limit to 2250 kg and requires the automatic transmission. it adds a heavy-duty radiator, auxiliary transmission cooler, wiring harness and hitch provisions.
Payload is listed at 590 kg including occupants and cargo. The optional Up-Country suspension group supplies heavy-duty springs, monotube shocks and increased ride height for tougher work or off-road use.
The cabin has a redesigned instrument panel with dual airbags, better climate controls offering 30 percent more airflow to front and rear, a standard center console with multi-size cupholders, and added sound insulation. Front seats are reclining high-back or low-back buckets with wing pads on Sport and Country trims. power driver's seat and dual power seats are optional, with leather available on Country. The space seats five with good outward vision but tight rear knee room and step-in height.
Fuel tank holds 20 gallons.
EPA fuel economy for 4.0L is 15 city/19-21 hwy depending on drivetrain and transmission.
Dual front airbags standard.
Four-wheel ABS optional on six-cylinder models.
NHTSA frontal crash ratings 3 stars driver and passenger.
The 4.0-liter inline-six delivers strong low-end torque for daily driving and light towing up to the rated maximum, with fuel use in the mid-teens mpg combined. The base 2.5-liter four is adequate only with manual transmission.
Regular oil and filter changes keep the durable engines running well. the redesigned HVAC and electrical systems from 1997 reduce prior noise and reliability issues.
Standard dual airbags and available four-wheel ABS provide the core safety equipment. NHTSA rates the frontal impact at three stars. IIHS moderate-overlap results apply across the generation with controlled dummy movement but noted steering-column rise.
The unibody construction and proven 4WD systems make the Cherokee straightforward to maintain for long-term ownership, with common attention needed on brakes, fuel sending unit, and seals.
Length 4255 mm, Width 1725 mm, Height 1626 mm, Wheelbase 2576 mm (Cherokee 1997–2001)
Sources: manufacturer data, Motor Trend 1997 road test, Wikipedia Jeep Cherokee, Auto123 1997 Sport 4x4.