I’ve got a 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, and I keep hearing people say, ‘That’s not a real Jeep.’ Honestly, it bugs me. Is it just because it’s not a Wrangler? Or maybe they think it can’t off-road, even though I take it off-road almost every day? I don’t hear people saying stuff like, ‘That’s not a real Ford’ or ‘That’s not a real Chevy.’ So what exactly makes a Jeep a ‘real’ Jeep? (By the way, the picture isn’t mine.)
No solid axles.
People love to judge, especially when they don’t know what they’re talking about. Don’t let it get to you. Be proud of your Jeep.
I think it all comes down to whether or not it has solid axles.
If the vehicle is more about comfort and luxury, the die-hard Jeep fans might scoff at it. They prefer something that screams utility.
A ‘real Jeep’ is basically a box with solid axles front and back. But honestly, the Trailhawk Cherokee is underrated for adventures. It’s got a real rear locker, decent protection, short wheelbase, and good towing for its size. I think people look down on it because they miss the old XJs.
I’ve got the same Jeep—a 2017 Cherokee. My cousin’s neighbor has a TJ, and one day I told his kid to get in my Jeep. The kid looked around confused and said, ‘Where is it?’ I pointed to my car, and he just stared at me and asked, ‘How is that a Jeep?’ I said, ‘It says Jeep on it, so just get in.’
@JeepTherapist
That’s so funny! For me, if it says Jeep on it, then it’s a Jeep. It’s really that simple.
Solid axles and body-on-frame construction. That’s what they’re talking about. Unibody with independent suspension feels more like a car than a Jeep to some people.
Gracen said:
Solid axles and body-on-frame construction. That’s what they’re talking about. Unibody with independent suspension feels more like a car than a Jeep to some people.
I thought it was more about ego—like Wrangler drivers don’t want to be lumped in with Cherokee owners. Knowing it’s actually about the build makes it easier to understand.
A friend of mine with a Trailhawk asked me to recommend a Jeep trail, so I picked the easiest one I knew. He called me later saying it was nearly impossible and he almost got stuck. I think people say ‘not a real Jeep’ when a vehicle can’t handle tough trails. If yours does fine, then great! Just know that many non-Wranglers can’t tackle those trails.
@Landry
That makes sense! I bought a Trailhawk knowing it wouldn’t do what a Wrangler can, but I didn’t get why people hated on me for calling it a Jeep when it literally is. Guess it’s just not the ‘typical’ Jeep.
A lot of people think ‘real Jeeps’ stopped being made after 1987. I’m partial to the older ones too, but as long as it does Jeep things, it’s a Jeep. That said, something like a Renegade will never match a Wrangler or an old CJ off-road.
@Darian
That’s kind of where I’m at. My Trailhawk can’t do everything a Wrangler can, but it still handles a lot of Jeep stuff. Honestly, it feels better off-road than it does on the highway.
Some people say a ‘real Jeep’ is one that doesn’t need major repairs before 100k miles.
I saw someone in a Cherokee Trailhawk in Moab tearing it up on Fins n’ Things. It was fun to watch. Don’t let the haters bother you.
Independent suspension and unibody construction tend to disqualify Jeeps for purists. They expect body-on-frame setups with solid axles.