Jeep Cherokee/Wagoneer 4WD
17.8 MPG The 1989 Jeep Cherokee/Wagoneer 4WD is EPA-rated at 17.8 MPG combined (16 city / 20.8 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 843 gallons, $2697 a year in fuel, or $0.180 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1984–1989 run it averages 18.8 MPG, falling by 1.1 MPG over 5 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.140 | $1404 | $2107 | $2809 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.169 | $1685 | $2528 | $3371 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.180 | $1798 | $2697 | $3596 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.197 | $1966 | $2949 | $3933 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.225 | $2247 | $3371 | $4494 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.253 | $2528 | $3792 | $5056 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.281 | $2809 | $4213 | $5618 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 17.8 MPG | 16 | 20.8 | $3520 | 501 | 5 |
| 1988 | 18.4 MPG | 16.8 | 21.4 | $3410 | 487 | 5 |
| 1987 | 19.5 MPG | 18.2 | 22.2 | $3350 | 472 | 6 |
| 1986 | 19.3 MPG | 17.9 | 21.6 | $3379 | 477 | 7 |
| 1984 | 18.9 MPG | 17.3 | 21.1 | $3318 | 475 | 11 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 43 special purpose vehicles models tracked here, the Jeep Cherokee/Wagoneer 4WD ranks 20 on current figures, against a class average of 17.6 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Buick Coachbuilder Wagon (18), Ford Windstar FWD Van (18), Mazda MPV (18), Mercury Villager FWD Van (18), Chrysler Town and Country 2WD (18.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 501 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 7.5 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Jeep Cherokee/Wagoneer 4WD get?
The 1989 Jeep Cherokee/Wagoneer 4WD is rated at 17.8 MPG combined by the EPA — 16 city and 20.8 highway. Across all 5 model years in the database it averages 18.8 MPG, ranging from 16 to 25 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Jeep Cherokee/Wagoneer 4WD cost in fuel per year?
At 17.8 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 843 gallons — roughly $2697 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.180 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 1989 model is $3520.
Has the Jeep Cherokee/Wagoneer 4WD become more efficient over time?
No — it has actually gone backwards, from 18.9 MPG in 1984 to 17.8 in 1989. That usually reflects the model growing heavier, more powerful, or moving upmarket rather than the engineering getting worse.
Is the Jeep Cherokee/Wagoneer 4WD efficient for its class?
It ranks 20 of 43 in the Special Purpose Vehicles class on current figures, against a class average of 17.6 MPG. That is 0.2 better than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.