The Jeep Cherokee XJ was sold from 1984 to 2001.
It’s one of the first real “sport” utility vehicle.
Chip Foose is a well-known designer and fabricator.
This generation Jeep Cherokee is one that FCA should seriously consider revisiting. The current KL iteration is a “racier” interpretation of the Cherokee but it will never be as impactful as the XJ. If FCA wonders what a modern Cherokee really should look like, Chip Foose’s drawing is spot on.
1984 Jeep Cherokee | Photo: Jeep
Foose’s talent for drawings and renderings is now the stuff of legend. He created a name for himself by designing and building his own cars but his fame skyrocketed with the Overhauling show.
For the 10th episode of Hagerty’s Chip Foose draws a car, the challenge of reimagining the XJ Jeep Cherokee is obviously inspired by the 2021 Ford Bronco. What’s most appreciable of the final drawing is that it is immediately recognizable as an XJ.
1985 Jeep Cherokee | Photo: Jeep
The changes, overall, are subtle and are enhanced by flared wheel arches, larger wheels and tires, and a raised suspension. The goal of this render was to maintain and save the Cherokee’s original simple lines, which Foose complements on a few occasions in the video.
If there was ever any doubt that Jeep should bring back the XJ Cherokee, the Bronco and Foose’s drawing certainly put the concerns to rest. In the meantime, watching Chip Foose work his magic is as mesmerizing as ever.
1997 Jeep Cherokee | Photo: Jeep
