Not in current production. Jeep’s modern Cherokee lineup is automatic-only, with no factory-available manual transmission. Manual Cherokees exist only in the older XJ-generation models produced from 1984 through 2001.
To understand what this means for today’s buyers, it helps to separate the question into the present reality and the historical context. This article outlines the current transmission options (and the lack of a manual option) and then looks back at the era when Jeep did offer a manual Cherokee, with notes on how that legacy affects enthusiasts and collectors.
Current status of manual transmissions in Cherokees
Here’s a snapshot of what is available today in the Cherokee lineup and what buyers should expect regarding transmissions.
- Factory manual option: None for the current Cherokee (KL generation). Jeep offers only automatic transmissions in the modern lineup.
- Typical transmission tech: Automatic, commonly a multi-speed automatic (recent Cherokee models widely use a nine-speed automatic) behind most engines.
- Market availability: No current market—North American or international—offers a factory-manual Cherokee; enthusiasts seeking a manual must look to older models or alternatives.
In short, if you want a new Cherokee with a clutch pedal, you won’t find one today. The practical path for a manual experience is to explore an older XJ Cherokee or consider alternatives within the Jeep family that were offered with manuals, such as some Wrangler configurations.
Historical note: manual Cherokees in the XJ era
Between 1984 and 2001, the Cherokee XJ did offer manual transmissions for certain engine and trim combinations. The most common pairing was a 5-speed manual behind the 4.0-liter inline-six; some 2.5-liter four-cylinders also had a manual option in various years and markets. As automatics improved and demand shifted, the manual transmission was gradually phased out in favor of automatic options, and by the end of the XJ’s run, most Cherokees sold used or new carried automatics.
Notes on model details
The manual option in the XJ era was not universal across all trims or years. When available, the 4.0L I6 paired with a 5-speed manual (often the AX-15 or similar family) was the typical configuration. Manual choices for the 2.5L four-cylinder appeared in some late-80s to mid-90s models or in specific export markets.
- 4.0L I6 with a 5-speed manual was the most recognized manual pairing on the XJ Cherokee in several markets and years.
- 2.5L four-cylinder variants also appeared with manual transmissions in certain trims/markets.
- As production progressed, automatics became standard, and the manual option largely disappeared from factory offerings by the early 2000s.
What this means for buyers and enthusiasts
For buyers today, the absence of a factory manual in the Cherokee means two practical paths if a manual is essential: seek an older XJ Cherokee with the factory manual and verify its mechanical condition, or consider other Jeep models (such as certain Wranglers) that were offered with manual transmissions. Aftermarket manual swaps for a modern Cherokee would be complex, costly, and could affect reliability and resale value.
Summary
In today’s market, there are no factory-manual Cherokee models. The Cherokee you’ll find on dealer lots or online listings uses an automatic transmission. The only period when a Cherokee offered a factory manual was the XJ-generation (1984–2001), which remains a niche interest for collectors and enthusiasts. For those who insist on a manual, the historical XJ era is the realistic source, while otherwise, shoppers will need to accept an automatic-only Cherokee or explore other Jeep options with manual transmissions.