Best Car Reviews - Special Purpose Vehicles Jeep Cherokee/Wagoneer 4WD

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Introduction

This review covers the rare 1985–1987 Jeep Cherokee and Wagoneer XJ fitted with the Renault-sourced 2.1-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder and four-wheel drive. The supplied production-year field appears to be a vehicle-category label rather than a year; this diesel configuration was introduced for 1985. It suits classic-Jeep enthusiasts who value compact dimensions, genuine off-road ability and unusual diesel character more than modern refinement.

Design and Exterior Features

The Cherokee/Wagoneer XJ brought a compact, squared-off wagon shape to the Jeep range. Its unibody construction made it lighter and more space-efficient than many older body-on-frame SUVs, while the upright glass area and short overhangs kept it practical on trails. Cherokee versions were generally more rugged in presentation, while Wagoneer versions added a more upscale appearance. This was an all-new XJ-era design rather than a minor update of the earlier full-size Cherokee.

Compact five-door SUV body with a practical upright roofline.
Available two-door and four-door body styles, depending on trim and market.
Part-time Command-Trac four-wheel drive was offered on many diesel examples.
Selec-Trac full-time four-wheel-drive equipment was available on certain versions.
Short overhangs and useful ground clearance support light off-road use.

Interior and Comfort

The cabin is straightforward, functional and unmistakably 1980s. Large windows help outward visibility, the controls are simple, and the wagon body provides useful passenger and cargo space for its footprint. Materials are durable rather than luxurious, and Wagoneer or higher Cherokee trims can feel more welcoming than basic models, but diesel noise, limited insulation and aging seats mean comfort is far behind a modern SUV.

Simple dashboard layout with clear, easy-to-reach controls.
Good visibility from the tall glasshouse and upright seating position.
Useful rear cargo area for camping gear, tools or outdoor equipment.
Available higher trims could add upgraded trim and convenience equipment.
Expect noticeable diesel vibration and road noise at speed.

Performance and Handling

The key engine is the 2.1-litre Renault J8S turbo-diesel inline-four, producing approximately 85 horsepower and 179 Nm of torque in North American 1985 specifications. A five-speed manual and three-speed automatic were available, so the transmission code supplied does not identify one exact version. The manual is the more convincing choice, while the automatic makes the modest power feel considerably slower. Verified period data for the manual 4WD version lists about 8.1 l/100 km combined; a European-cycle figure of 9.8 l/100 km is also published for an early European version. The supplied 14.2878 consumption value has no unit or test cycle, so it should not be treated as a directly comparable official economy figure. Expect relaxed rather than quick acceleration, stable highway cruising within its limits, and capable low-speed traction on loose surfaces.

2.1-litre intercooled Renault turbo-diesel four-cylinder.
Approximately 85 horsepower and 179 Nm of torque in 1985 North American specification.
Five-speed manual or three-speed automatic, depending on configuration.
Part-time or available full-time four-wheel-drive systems.
Manual 4WD fuel economy was reported at roughly 8.1 l/100 km combined in period data.

Technology and Connectivity

This is an analogue-era SUV, not a connected vehicle. There is no factory touchscreen, smartphone integration, navigation or modern driver-assistance suite. Its appeal lies in mechanical simplicity: conventional instruments, basic audio equipment and transfer-case controls that give the driver a direct role in choosing the drivetrain mode. A boost gauge was fitted to some turbo-diesel examples.

Conventional analogue instrument cluster.
Simple factory radio and cassette-era audio options.
Manual transfer-case controls on four-wheel-drive versions.
Boost gauge fitted on certain turbo-diesel models.
No factory smartphone connectivity or modern infotainment system.

Safety Features

Safety equipment reflects the mid-1980s. Seat belts and a strong-for-its-era passenger structure were present, but buyers should not expect airbags, electronic stability control, rear cameras or automatic emergency braking. No modern, directly comparable crash-test rating should be assumed for this rare diesel configuration. A careful pre-purchase inspection of brakes, tyres, steering, suspension, rust and seat-belt condition is more important than any period equipment list.

Front and rear seat-belt systems.
Four-wheel-drive traction can help on low-grip surfaces when used correctly.
No modern airbag or stability-control technology.
No automatic emergency braking, lane support or blind-spot monitoring.
Professional inspection is essential before regular road use.

Pricing and Variants

An original base MSRP for the exact 2.1-litre diesel Cherokee/Wagoneer 4WD configuration is not reliably verified here, and values now depend heavily on condition, rust history, drivetrain choice and parts availability. Cherokee trims included basic, Pioneer, Chief and Laredo variants, while the Wagoneer offered a more upscale interpretation of the same XJ platform. Against period competitors such as the Toyota 4Runner, Isuzu Trooper and Ford Bronco II, the diesel Jeep is far rarer and potentially more difficult to maintain, but it is also a distinctive collector-oriented choice.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Rare factory turbo-diesel Jeep with genuine collector appeal.
Compact size is easier to place on trails and in town than larger classic SUVs.
Useful cargo space and excellent outward visibility.
Real four-wheel-drive capability for poor weather and unpaved roads.
Manual versions can deliver respectable fuel economy for an early 4WD SUV.

Cons

Slow acceleration, especially with the three-speed automatic.
Renault diesel-specific parts can be difficult to source.
Cabin noise, vibration and ride quality feel dated.
No modern active-safety or connectivity equipment.
Age-related corrosion and deferred maintenance can be expensive.

Maintenance and Common Issues

A reliable annual maintenance-cost estimate is not available for this rare diesel model, because repair costs vary sharply by country and specialist-parts availability. Budget more than for a common petrol XJ and prioritize a specialist inspection before purchase. Common owner-reported concerns include turbocharger oil-feed or seal problems, vacuum-pump diaphragm failure, cooling-system faults and overheating, diesel fuel-delivery or injection-pump issues, and difficulty obtaining Renault-specific engine parts. As with any early XJ, inspect thoroughly for body corrosion, worn suspension components, transfer-case operation and neglected fluids.

Rating

Overall rating: 6.2/10. Design: 7.5/10 for its compact, enduringly useful XJ shape. Comfort: 5.5/10. Performance: 5.5/10, with worthwhile low-end diesel torque but limited outright pace. Technology: 3.5/10. Safety: 4.5/10 by modern expectations. It earns its score through character and capability, not convenience.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly divides between enthusiasts who appreciate the unusual diesel XJ and practical buyers who underestimate its age and parts challenge. Well-maintained examples can be charming, economical for their era and rewarding off-road, while neglected vehicles can become specialist restoration projects.

Owners value the rare Renault diesel and distinctive classic-Jeep identity.
Manual-transmission examples are generally preferred for drivability.
Drivers appreciate compact dimensions and four-wheel-drive confidence.
Many report that sourcing engine-specific parts requires patience and research.
Maintenance history and rust condition matter more than odometer mileage alone.

Best Cars in This Category

1985 Toyota 4Runner
1985 Isuzu Trooper
1985 Ford Bronco II
1985 Chevrolet S-10 Blazer
1987 Nissan Pathfinder

Summary

The Jeep Cherokee/Wagoneer 4WD 2.1 turbo-diesel is best suited to an informed classic-SUV enthusiast, especially one with access to diesel expertise and specialist parts sources. Its compact XJ design, usable four-wheel drive and rare factory diesel make it memorable, but slow performance, sparse safety equipment and engine-specific maintenance needs mean it is a passion purchase rather than an easy everyday SUV.