Another nostalgic voyage leads to the 2023 Resto-mod concept build. The Jeep Cherokee (SJ), first released in 1974, was a sporty, two-door variant of the Wagoneer with bucket seats, a sports steering wheel, and racy styling meant to appeal to younger, more adventurous drivers.
A year later, the Wide-Track option became available with important upgrades such as external stripes, bigger tyres, 3-inch wider axles, larger front and rear wheel cutouts, Dana 44 front and rear axles, and a more comfortable interior.
This brings us to the present day of our vehicle-obsessed adventure. The Jeep design team set out to recreate the legendary full-size SUV with a modern twist to pay respect to the Jeep Cherokee SJ, a first-of-its-kind vehicle with on- and off-road abilities.
The Jeep Cherokee 4xe idea originated as a 1978 Jeep Cherokee that was lovingly combined with a 2022 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe. The original Jeep Cherokee was designed to push the Jeep Cherokee SJ to new heights of performance, and the same holds true for this concept car.
The original body has been significantly changed, and the exterior combines original proportions with a vibrant, clearly 1970s-themed rainbow paint job. While the Jeep Cherokee 1978 4xe concept first resembles a vintage Jeep Cherokee SJ, it has evolved into a contemporary, electric off-road performance.
The Jeep Cherokee 1978 4xe concept is powered by the innovative Jeep Wrangler 4xe powertrain, which combines two electric motors, a high-voltage battery pack, and a high-tech 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine to give a unique on- and off-road experience. An eight-speed automatic transmission coupled with a 4:1 transfer case provides ample power to 37-inch tyres wrapped around bespoke 17-inch "slotted mag" type rims.
The unique interior of the Jeep Cherokee 1978 4xe concept has low-back bucket seats covered in leather. The back bench seat has been replaced with a four-point safety cage, and the rear storage box now contains a full-size spare tyre in case the route becomes too difficult.
