2026 Jeep Cherokee vs the classic XJ: old badge, new SUV
The 2026 Jeep Cherokee vs the classic XJ is a matchup that feels almost unfair, yet interesting. The badge means something different now, softer around the edges but still trying to hang onto that grit. The old XJ was square, simple, and built like a stubborn idea. The new one’s all comfort and tech, but maybe somewhere in there, a bit of the old spirit hides.
Ford Bronco
The Bronco made a comeback that Jeep probably noticed. It’s loud, rough, sometimes childish in the best way. Feels more like how SUVs used to be, before things got all touchscreen and refined. You can still feel the dirt when you drive one.
Toyota 4Runner
Still old-school, and that’s why people love it. It creaks, it leans, but it’s honest about what it is. Compared to the new Cherokee, it’s outdated but in a charming way. Almost feels like the XJ would’ve nodded in approval.
Land Rover Defender
There’s something about the Defender that straddles both worlds. Tough image, soft heart. It’s capable, no doubt, but it feels almost too calculated about its ruggedness. The Cherokee’s more approachable, but less memorable somehow.
Subaru Outback
Not the same kind of SUV, but it fits the pattern. The Outback replaced rugged boxiness with calm practicality. It’s more country road than rock trail. Feels aligned with where the Cherokee’s gone, even if it doesn’t say it loud.
Chevrolet Blazer
Another old badge turned suburban. Once a beast, now a crossover dressed for the mall. It drives fine, actually pretty nice, but doesn’t dig its tires into anything wild. Jeep fans see it and quietly shake their heads.
Nissan Pathfinder
The Pathfinder shares the same fate really. Used to be a truck thing, now it’s a people carrier. The Cherokee’s modern version kind of mirrors that story. They both traded toughness for manners, and that’s not always bad, just different.
Honda Passport
This one’s caught in between. It wants to be adventurous but keeps the family happy first. You could argue it’s what modern buyers actually want, and maybe Jeep was just being realistic. Still, a small part misses the rougher edges.
GMC Acadia
Feels clean, almost too polite. The Acadia doesn’t pretend to be what it’s not, though. It’s neatly built, comfortable, dependable. In that sense, it’s exactly what most folks want and everything the XJ never cared about being.
Dodge Durango
You forget it exists until you drive one. Then you realize it’s way heavier and meaner than the crossovers it hangs around with now. There’s still some muscle left in it, something the Cherokee could use a bit more of.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The big brother that grew up faster. It’s more refined now, full of luxury touches the old Jeeps never knew. But every so often, when you hit a bad road, you can feel a trace of that XJ stubbornness still there, buried under the leather.
