How we researched this guide
We compared six accessories chosen for the Jeep Cherokee only — KL cross bars, a KL lift kit, KL and XJ trailer hitches, KL floor liners and an XJ steel roof rack — against maker and dealer documents from BrightLines, Rough Country, CURT, WeatherTech and ARB. Every fitment names its Cherokee generation, because in this guide “Cherokee” covers two unrelated vehicles: the KL (2014–2023) and the XJ (1984–2001). No pick here fits the Grand Cherokee, and no Grand Cherokee part is recommended.
For ownership, we reviewed Cherokee owner coverage — KL lift owner reports, XJ build write-ups and Cherokee roof-rack roundups — paraphrased and linked in each review. We do not test accessories and print no prices. Two picks are sold on Amazon in a verified Cherokee fitment; where a pick is not, the review says so and puts a labelled alternative button under it. Browse the parent off-road vehicle parts archive and our dedicated off-road bumpers guide for the armour side of a Cherokee build.
The 30-second answer
Start by naming your Cherokee. KL owners (2014–2023): buy the BrightLines Aero Cross Bars for roof cargo, the Rough Country 2in Lift Kit for clearance and bigger tyres, the CURT 13172 hitch for towing, and the WeatherTech FloorLiner to save the carpets. XJ owners (1984–2001): the CURT 13084 hitch and the ARB steel roof rack are your two picks — KL parts do not fit your Jeep. For pulling power itself, see our Jeep winch guide.
Top Pick: Best KL Roof Bars
BrightLines Aero Cross Bars
Best if your KL Cherokee needs to carry up top: vehicle-specific aero bars for the 2014–2023 Cherokee, rated by the maker at 150 lb, clamp-on, at just 7.63 lb for the pair. This is a KL part — it does not fit the XJ or the Grand Cherokee.
Best KL Lift for Bigger Tyres
Rough Country 2in Lift Kit 60400
Best if your KL sits too low for the tyres you want: front strut spacers and rear coil spacers lift and level the 2014–2023 KL, with brake-line and ABS relocation built in. Maker exclusions matter — no 2019+ Trailhawk, no Active Drive Lock (see its review).
No Amazon listing for the 60400 kit in the KL fitment could be verified. The Amazon-sold KL upgrade in this guide is the BrightLines bars below.
Check Price: BrightLines Aero Cross Bars (Amazon alternative)
Best KL Hitch for Towing and Carriers
CURT Class 3 Hitch 13172
Best if your KL needs to tow or carry on a receiver: a concealed-body Class 3 with a 2 in receiver, rated by CURT at 5,000 lb GTW — remembering your Cherokee’s own tow rating always governs. Sold through dealers in this fitment (see its review).
CURT sells the 13172 through dealers; no Amazon listing in the KL fitment could be verified. The Amazon-sold KL upgrade in this guide is the BrightLines bars below.
Check Price: BrightLines Aero Cross Bars (Amazon alternative)
Best XJ Hitch for Towing and Recovery Mounts
CURT Class 3 Hitch 13084
Best if your XJ Cherokee (1984–2001) needs a real rear receiver: a concealed-body Class 3, 2 in receiver, rated by CURT at 5,000 lb GTW and 500 lb tongue weight. XJ only — nothing on this hitch fits a KL.
Best KL Floor Protection
WeatherTech FloorLiner 448331
Best if your KL’s carpets take mud, snow and dogs: laser-measured DigitalFit liners for the 2015–2023 KL front row, with channels that carry mess to a reservoir. Sold through retailers in this fitment (see its review).
No Amazon listing for the 448331 liner in the KL fitment could be verified. The Amazon-sold KL upgrade in this guide is the BrightLines bars below.
Check Price: BrightLines Aero Cross Bars (Amazon alternative)
Best XJ Roof Rack for Heavy Loads
ARB Steel Roof Rack 3800030M
Best if your XJ needs a steel platform, not bars: a 43 x 49 in steel rack with a mesh floor, built for the XJ roof. Sold through off-road dealers (see its review); your XJ’s own roof-load limit governs what rides on it.
ARB sells this rack through off-road dealers; no Amazon listing could be verified. The Amazon-sold XJ accessory in this guide is the CURT XJ hitch below.
Quick compare: the six Cherokee picks at a glance
| Product | Cherokee fitment | Type | Key rating / size | Warranty | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BrightLines Aero Cross Bars | KL 2014–2023 only | Roof cross bars | 150 lb load capacity (maker) | Not published | Check Price |
| Rough Country 2in Lift Kit 60400 | KL 2014–2023, exclusions apply | Spacer lift kit | 2 in lift; up to 32 in tyres with trimming (maker) | Lifetime Replacement Guarantee | Check Price |
| CURT Class 3 Hitch 13172 | KL (2014–2021 per retailer) | Trailer hitch, 2 in receiver | 5,000 lb GTW / 750 lb TW (hitch rating) | Limited lifetime | Check Price |
| CURT Class 3 Hitch 13084 | XJ only (select years) | Trailer hitch, 2 in receiver | 5,000 lb GTW / 500 lb TW (hitch rating) | Not published in sources reviewed | Check Price |
| WeatherTech FloorLiner 448331 | KL 2015–2023, front row | Floor liners | Laser-measured DigitalFit, HDTE | Not published | Check Price |
| ARB Steel Roof Rack 3800030M | XJ only (1984–2001) | Steel roof rack, mesh floor | 43 x 49 in platform | Not published | Check Price |
Alternative buttons in this table match the reviews: the lift, KL hitch and liner rows point at the BrightLines listing, and the ARB rack row at the CURT XJ hitch listing — those four picks have no verified Amazon listing in their Cherokee fitment. Hitch ratings are the hitches’ ratings; your Cherokee’s own tow rating always governs.
Jeep Cherokee accessory finder
Tell us which Cherokee you own — KL (2014–2023) or XJ (1984–2001) — and what you want to do. Every result points at one of the six accessories in this guide, with the button we verified for it (or its labelled alternative).
How to choose accessories for your Jeep Cherokee
Generation first: KL is not XJ, and neither is Grand Cherokee
Three different vehicles answer to similar names. The KL (2014–2023) is a unibody crossover with independent suspension; the XJ (1984–2001) is a solid-axle SUV with rear leaf springs; the Grand Cherokee is a larger vehicle again. Almost nothing swaps between them. Every pick in this guide names its generation, and the finder above will not route an XJ owner to a KL part.
Fitment splits inside the KL: drive system and trim
KL parts split again by equipment. The Rough Country lift excludes 2019+ Trailhawks, Active Drive Lock models, the 2022 Cherokee X and Cherokees on aftermarket struts. Roof bars need factory side rails. The WeatherTech liner starts at 2015, not 2014. Read the exclusion line before the headline fitment — on a KL, the exclusions are where orders go wrong.
Ratings belong to the part, limits belong to the vehicle
A hitch rated at 5,000 lb does not give a Cherokee a 5,000 lb tow rating; CURT itself says never to exceed the lowest-rated component. The same logic caps roof loads: bars rated at 150 lb still answer to the roof limit in your owner’s manual. Buy to the part’s rating, drive to the vehicle’s limit.
Weight and payload: accessories spend it too
Steel racks, hitches and bigger tyres all draw on the same payload. The BrightLines bars weigh 7.63 lb; a steel XJ rack and a Class 3 hitch weigh considerably more, before any cargo. Add the accessory weights first, then load what is left — and re-check tyre load ratings if a lift leads to heavier rubber.
Bolt-on versus permanent: keep the Cherokee reversible
Every pick here bolts or clamps on: bars clamp to rails, the lift uses spacers, hitches use vehicle-specific mounting, liners drop in. That matters on a KL still under finance or warranty questions, and on an XJ whose next owner may want it stock. Cutting and drilling are not required by any pick in this guide.
Plan the build order: receiver and roof before electrics
A receiver and roof bars unlock carriers, racks and cargo space immediately, with no wiring. Lights, winches and dual batteries come later and draw on the electrical system. If recovery is the goal, work through our Wrangler winch guide for the Jeep pattern, then the Cherokee-specific notes in the installation section below.
Which Cherokee do you own? KL, XJ and the Grand Cherokee trap
| Vehicle | Years | What defines it | Accessories in this guide | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherokee KL | 2014–2023 | Unibody crossover, independent suspension; Trailhawk sits about 1 in taller with Active Drive Lock available | BrightLines bars, Rough Country lift, CURT 13172 hitch, WeatherTech liner | Maker fitment listings; KL lift owner coverage |
| Cherokee XJ | 1984–2001 | Solid axles, rear leaf springs, boxy body; a different parts universe from the KL | CURT 13084 hitch, ARB steel roof rack | CURT XJ fitment listing; ARB XJ rack listing |
| Grand Cherokee (WK / WK2 / WL) | Separate model line | Larger, heavier vehicle sharing only the Cherokee name | None — no pick in this guide fits it, and its parts fit neither Cherokee | Maker fitment listings (each pick checked against Grand Cherokee fitments) |
| KL wheel and tyre data point | 2014–2023 | 5×110 bolt pattern in Rough Country fitment data; lift-kit tyre info centres on 245/70R17 | Use it when the lift leads to a tyre change | Rough Country 60400 listings |
If a listing just says “Cherokee” with no years, treat it as unverified until the years name your generation. The same discipline applies at the front of the Jeep: our JK winch guide, TJ winch guide and Gladiator winch guide each stay inside one generation for the same reason.
Jeep Cherokee accessories by budget
| Tier | What you get | Example pick from this guide |
|---|---|---|
| Starter protection | Laser-measured floor liners that save carpets from day one | WeatherTech FloorLiner 448331 (KL) |
| Carry more | Roof bars or a steel platform for cargo the cabin cannot take | BrightLines Aero Cross Bars (KL) / ARB Steel Rack (XJ) |
| Tow and haul | A Class 3 receiver for trailers, carriers and bike racks | CURT 13172 (KL) / CURT 13084 (XJ) |
| Trail stance | A 2 in lift, level stance and room for bigger tyres | Rough Country 2in Lift Kit 60400 (KL) |
Money follows steel and engineering. Liners are moulded polymer; bars are extruded aluminium; hitches are welded, tested steel; the lift is the only pick that changes how the vehicle drives, which is why its exclusions and its alignment bill belong in the budget from the start.
Types of Jeep Cherokee accessories compared
| Type | What it does | Pros | Cons | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roof bars and racks | Carries cargo above the cabin | Frees the cabin; suits boxes, kayaks and tents within limits | Raises height and wind noise; vehicle roof limit governs | KL bars (BrightLines) and XJ platform (ARB) |
| Spacer lift kit | Raises ride height on strut and coil spacers | Bolt-on, keeps factory struts, levels stance | Exclusions by trim and drive system; alignment required | KL clearance and tyres (Rough Country 60400) |
| Receiver hitch | Adds towing and hitch-carrier mounting | Vehicle-specific fit; doubles as a carrier mount | Hitch rating is not the vehicle tow rating | KL (CURT 13172) and XJ (CURT 13084) |
| Floor liners | Lines footwells with a moulded tray | Contains mud, snow and spills; lifts out to clean | Front-row part here; no cargo liner in this guide | KL daily and trail use (WeatherTech) |
Detailed reviews of the best Jeep Cherokee accessories
Each review follows the same order — why it earns its award, maker specs, fit and best use, pros and watch-outs, paraphrased owner reports, who should skip it, and what to pair it with. Each button names the Cherokee fitment we verified, and each alternative button is labelled as one.
Top Pick: BrightLines Aero Cross Bars
Top Pick: Best KL Roof Bars
Why the BrightLines Aero Cross Bars is our pick
Roof bars are the first accessory most KL owners actually use weekly, and the BrightLines set is the one with a verified Cherokee listing behind it: vehicle-specific fit for the 2014–2023 KL, a 150 lb maker load rating, clamp-on mounting over the factory rails, and an aero profile that keeps wind noise down on the highway miles a KL spends most of its life on.
BrightLines Aero Cross Bars key specs
- Type: roof cross bars (front and rear pair)
- Fitment: Jeep Cherokee KL 2014–2023, vehicle-specific fit
- Load capacity: 150 lb (maker listing)
- Mounting: clamp-on to factory side rails
- Part number: BL154140
- UPC: 810366030326
- Item weight: 7.63 lb for the set (listing)
- Colour: black
- Requires: factory side rails fitted
- Does not fit: Cherokee XJ or Grand Cherokee
- Warranty: Not published in the sources reviewed
BrightLines Aero Cross Bars: fits and best for
The listing fits Cherokee KL models from 2014 to 2023 with factory side rails — Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited, North, Trailhawk and High Altitude trims are the rail-equipped KLs owners fit these to. It suits KL owners carrying a cargo box, kayaks, skis or a basket, who want bars that come off in minutes between trips.
BrightLines Aero Cross Bars pros and watch-outs
Pros
- Verified Cherokee KL listing with part number and UPC
- 150 lb maker rating covers boxes and boats for this class
- Aero profile suits a highway-driven crossover
- Light at 7.63 lb, so payload cost is minimal
- Clamp-on fit keeps the roof reversible
Watch-outs
- Needs factory side rails — bare-roof KLs need a different system
- Vehicle roof limit in the manual may be lower than 150 lb
- KL only: no use to XJ or Grand Cherokee owners
- Warranty is not published in the sources reviewed
BrightLines Aero Cross Bars: what owners report
Cherokee roof-rack roundup coverage names the BrightLines Aero its editor’s pick for the Cherokee, customised to fit the KL and rated to 150 lb (Off Road Gear Lab Cherokee roof rack roundup).
The same KL coverage notes owners of Cherokee cross bars generally wanting clearer front/rear labelling during fitting — check the bar markings before the first clamp (Off Road Gear Lab Cherokee cross bar coverage).
BrightLines Aero Cross Bars: who should not buy
Skip it if your KL has no factory side rails, or if your Cherokee is an XJ — your roof takes the ARB platform below, not rail bars.
BrightLines Aero Cross Bars: pair it with
Pair it with a lockable cargo box or basket sized to the 150 lb system limit; our rooftop cargo box guide and roof rack system guide cover the carriers that sit on bars like these.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you. Verified fitment: part BL154140, Jeep Cherokee KL 2014–2023 with factory side rails only.
Tip: fit the front bar first and measure both bars’ positions twice; equal spacing is what keeps a loaded box quiet at speed.
Best KL Lift for Bigger Tyres: Rough Country 2in Lift Kit 60400
Best KL Lift for Bigger Tyres
Why the Rough Country 2in Lift Kit 60400 is our pick
The KL has no solid-axle lift market; the realistic route is a spacer lift, and the 60400 is the documented one: front lower strut spacers, rear coil spacers, and the detail that matters — brake-line and ABS relocation built into the strut spacer, so factory lines stay routed safely instead of stretched. Rough Country backs it with its Lifetime Replacement Guarantee.
Rough Country 2in Lift Kit 60400 key specs
- Type: spacer lift kit, bolt-on
- Fitment: Jeep Cherokee KL 2014–2023, 2WD and 4WD
- Front: lower strut spacers with brake-line and ABS relocation built in
- Rear: coil spacers
- Effect: lifts and levels the vehicle (maker copy)
- Tyres: up to 32 in with some trimming on select platforms (maker copy)
- Tyre info in listings: 245/70R17 on 17×7, 5×110
- Estimated install time: 3–4 hours (retailer copy)
- Part number: 60400
- Exclusions: 2019+ Trailhawk, 2022 Cherokee X, aftermarket struts, Active Drive Lock
- Warranty: Lifetime Replacement Guarantee
Rough Country 2in Lift Kit 60400: fits and best for
The kit fits KL Cherokees from 2014 to 2023 in 2WD and 4WD, with the exclusions doing the real work: 2019 and newer Trailhawks, Active Drive Lock models, the 2022 Cherokee X and any KL on aftermarket struts are out. AD1 models run up to a 245/70R17 per maker tyre notes. It suits KL owners who want clearance and a level stance without replacing the factory struts.
Rough Country 2in Lift Kit 60400 pros and watch-outs
Pros
- Documented part number with full exclusion list published
- Brake-line and ABS relocation designed in, not improvised
- Keeps factory struts, so ride hardware stays matched
- Levels the KL as it lifts it
- Lifetime Replacement Guarantee behind the kit
Watch-outs
- Exclusions remove exactly the trims keenest to lift (2019+ Trailhawk)
- 32 in tyres need trimming, per the maker’s own copy
- Alignment after fitting is mandatory, not optional
- No verified Amazon listing in this fitment — dealer route
Rough Country 2in Lift Kit 60400: what owners report
A KL owner fitting a 2 in lift with 245/70R17 tyres reports tighter steering feel, a less car-like stance and clearance that made a real difference on a Nova Scotia trip — fitted by a dealer, with an alignment, which is the pattern to copy (SunCruiser Media KL lift owner report).
Early KL lift coverage documents why spacer systems are the KL route at all: unibody construction and independent suspension rule out the XJ-style kits (Jalopnik KL lift report).
Rough Country 2in Lift Kit 60400: who should not buy
Skip it if your KL is a 2019+ Trailhawk or runs Active Drive Lock — the maker excludes your Jeep; the MFC Offroad 2 in kit is the Trailhawk route owners research instead (named without specs or a button; none were verified for this guide).
Rough Country 2in Lift Kit 60400: pair it with
Pair it with the tyre change it exists for: our all-terrain tyre guide covers the 245/70R17 class, and the suspension context sits in our suspension lift kit guide.
This kit is sold through Rough Country dealers rather than on a verifiable Amazon listing, so the button below is the closest KL upgrade sold on Amazon in this guide. The review above is for the named product itself.
Check Price: BrightLines Aero Cross Bars (Amazon alternative)
We may earn a commission at no cost to you. Fitment note: part 60400, Jeep Cherokee KL 2014–2023, excluding 2019+ Trailhawk, 2022 Cherokee X, Active Drive Lock and aftermarket-strut models. The button below is the labelled Amazon alternative, not this product’s listing.
Tip: book the alignment with the fitting, not after the first tyre-wear scare; KL owners who lifted without one are the cautionary tales in the forums.
Best KL Hitch for Towing and Carriers: CURT Class 3 Hitch 13172
Best KL Hitch for Towing and Carriers
Why the CURT Class 3 Hitch 13172 is our pick
A receiver is the hardest-working accessory a KL can wear: trailers on weekdays, bike racks and cargo carriers at weekends. The 13172 is CURT’s concealed-body Class 3 for the KL, vehicle-specific, tested to SAE J684, and finished in the co-cured A-coat and powder coat CURT uses across the line. Its ratings are generous — and the review below is honest about what they do and do not mean.
CURT Class 3 Hitch 13172 key specs
- Type: Class 3 trailer hitch, rear
- Fitment: Jeep Cherokee KL (retailer titles state 2014–2021)
- Receiver: 2 in tube
- Weight-carrying rating: 5,000 lb GTW / 750 lb TW (hitch rating)
- Weight-distribution rating: 6,000 lb WD / 750 lb WDTW (hitch rating)
- Design: vehicle-specific, concealed main body
- Testing: SAE J684 (maker copy)
- Construction: high-strength steel, precise welding
- Finish: co-cured liquid A-coat and black powder coat
- Part number: 13172 (13171 is the exposed-body sibling — a different part)
- Warranty: limited lifetime (retailer copy of maker terms)
CURT Class 3 Hitch 13172: fits and best for
The 13172 fits KL Cherokees — retailer fitment titles state 2014–2021, so 2022–2023 owners should confirm their year with a CURT dealer before ordering. It suits KL owners towing a small trailer within the vehicle’s own tow rating, or running hitch carriers and bike racks. It does not fit the XJ or the Grand Cherokee.
CURT Class 3 Hitch 13172 pros and watch-outs
Pros
- Concealed body keeps the KL’s rear tidy
- Class 3 headroom covers carriers as well as trailers
- SAE J684 testing behind the design
- Co-cured finish targets rust inside and out
- Limited lifetime warranty
Watch-outs
- Hitch rating is not the Cherokee’s tow rating — the manual governs
- Fitment titles stop at 2021; later KL years need dealer confirmation
- Wiring for trailer lights is a separate job and part
- No verified Amazon listing in this fitment — dealer route
CURT Class 3 Hitch 13172: what owners report
Owner coverage for this exact part in the sources reviewed this pass was thin, so we say so plainly: the verified record is CURT’s own specification copy carried by its dealers (CURT 13172 dealer specification page).
KL owners in long-term coverage rate the Cherokee itself as a stout mild off-roader and daily tow-capable crossover when kept inside its factory ratings — the discipline this hitch demands (The Autopian KL Cherokee owner coverage).
CURT Class 3 Hitch 13172: who should not buy
Skip it if you need to tow at the hitch’s headline figure — no KL Cherokee is rated for it. If the trailer outweighs your Cherokee’s manual rating, the answer is a bigger tow vehicle, not a bigger hitch.
CURT Class 3 Hitch 13172: pair it with
Pair it with a rated ball mount and pin (named without a button; none verified for this guide) and, for recovery-adjacent use, our receiver hitch winch mount guide explains what a receiver can and cannot do.
This hitch is sold through CURT dealers rather than on a verifiable Amazon listing, so the button below is the closest KL upgrade sold on Amazon in this guide. The review above is for the named product itself.
Check Price: BrightLines Aero Cross Bars (Amazon alternative)
We may earn a commission at no cost to you. Fitment note: part 13172, Jeep Cherokee KL (retailer titles state 2014–2021). The button below is the labelled Amazon alternative, not this product’s listing.
Tip: photograph the label and torque the mounting bolts to the sheet in the box; receiver bolts are the ones owners forget at the first re-check.
Best XJ Hitch for Towing and Recovery Mounts: CURT Class 3 Hitch 13084
Best XJ Hitch for Towing and Recovery Mounts
Why the CURT Class 3 Hitch 13084 is our pick
The XJ side of this guide starts where XJ builds start: a proper rear receiver. The 13084 is CURT’s concealed-body Class 3 for the XJ, with Amazon’s own listing carrying the part number, UPC and ratings. It gives an XJ a 2 in receiver for trailers, carriers and hitch-mounted accessories on a vehicle-specific steel hitch, tested to SAE J684.
CURT Class 3 Hitch 13084 key specs
- Type: Class 3 trailer hitch, rear
- Fitment: Jeep Cherokee XJ (select years — confirm your year on the listing)
- Receiver: 2 in tube, concealed main body
- Weight-carrying rating: 5,000 lb GTW / 500 lb TW (hitch rating, listing copy)
- Weight-distribution rating: 6,000 lb WD / 600 lb WDTW (hitch rating, listing copy)
- Material: carbon steel
- Finish: gloss black powder coat over co-cured Bonderite (maker copy)
- Testing: SAE J684 (maker copy)
- Part number: 13084
- UPC: 612314584000
- Item weight: 16 lb (listing)
- Does not fit: Cherokee KL or Grand Cherokee
CURT Class 3 Hitch 13084: fits and best for
The listing fits select years of the Cherokee XJ (1984–2001 generation) — confirm your exact year on the listing before ordering, as CURT phrases it. It suits XJ owners towing within the vehicle’s own rating, running a cargo carrier, or wanting a solid rear mounting point. Nothing about it fits a KL.
CURT Class 3 Hitch 13084 pros and watch-outs
Pros
- Verified Amazon listing with part number, UPC and ratings
- Concealed body suits the XJ’s tidy rear
- Class 3 capacity covers XJ towing and carriers
- Co-cured finish for rust resistance inside and out
- Light at 16 lb for a welded steel hitch
Watch-outs
- Select-years fitment means your year must be confirmed
- Hitch rating is not the XJ’s tow rating — the vehicle governs
- Listing showed no featured offer at research time; other sellers carried it
- Trailer-light wiring is separate
CURT Class 3 Hitch 13084: what owners report
Owner coverage for this exact part in the sources reviewed this pass was thin, so we say so plainly: the verified record is the Amazon listing’s own CURT data and CURT’s class-3 specification copy (CURT 13084 Amazon listing data).
XJ build coverage consistently treats the rear receiver as foundational XJ hardware, fitted before lifts and armour in methodical builds (Crankshaft Culture XJ build coverage).
CURT Class 3 Hitch 13084: who should not buy
Skip it if your Cherokee is a KL — your hitch is the 13172 above, through a dealer. Skip it, too, if your XJ’s rear structure is rust-compromised; a hitch is only as strong as what it bolts to.
CURT Class 3 Hitch 13084: pair it with
Pair it with a hitch-mounted carrier for the loads the XJ cabin cannot take, and keep recovery honest with our D-ring shackle guide — a receiver is a mount, not a recovery rating by itself.
We may earn a commission at no cost to you. Verified fitment: part 13084, Jeep Cherokee XJ only (select years; confirm on the listing).
Tip: on an XJ, wire-brush the mounting faces and check the nutserts before the hitch goes on; seized factory hardware is the delay owners report most.
Best KL Floor Protection: WeatherTech FloorLiner 448331
Best KL Floor Protection
Why the WeatherTech FloorLiner 448331 is our pick
The KL is a daily driver that moonlights off-road, and its carpets pay for both lives. The 448331 is WeatherTech’s front FloorLiner for the KL: laser-measured to the footwells, moulded in HDTE with a rigid core, and channelled so meltwater and mud run to a reservoir instead of soaking through. It is the least glamorous pick here and, for most KLs, the most used.
WeatherTech FloorLiner 448331 key specs
- Type: front floor liners (driver and passenger)
- Fitment: Jeep Cherokee KL 2015–2023 (see the year conflict in Sources)
- Fit note: listed for KLs with no bump behind the dead pedal (retailer copy)
- Measurement: digital laser measurements of the footwells (maker copy)
- Material: High-Density Tri-Extruded (HDTE) with a rigid core
- Design: channels carry fluids and debris to a lower reservoir
- Coverage: lines the footwell up the front, back and sides (maker copy)
- Colour: black (448331)
- Part number: 448331
- Does not fit: 2014 KL per listings, Cherokee XJ, or Grand Cherokee
- Warranty: Not published in the sources reviewed
WeatherTech FloorLiner 448331: fits and best for
Retailer listings fit the 448331 to KL Cherokees from 2015 — Winners Circle states 2015–2023, TrailBuilt states 2015–2022 (the conflict is printed in Sources). It suits KL owners whose boots bring in snow, mud, sand and dog hair, and who want liners that lift out and hose off. 2014 KL owners: this part’s listings do not include your year.
WeatherTech FloorLiner 448331 pros and watch-outs
Pros
- Laser-measured fit is the point of the product, and it is documented
- Reservoir design contains meltwater instead of spreading it
- Rigid core holds the footwell shape
- Front, back and side coverage, not a flat mat
- Exact part number verified across two retailers
Watch-outs
- Listings disagree on the end year (2022 vs 2023) — check before ordering
- 2014 KL is outside the listed years
- Front row only; no cargo liner in this guide
- No verified Amazon listing in this fitment — retailer route
WeatherTech FloorLiner 448331: what owners report
Owner coverage for this exact KL part in the sources reviewed this pass was thin, so we say so plainly: the verified record is the two retailer listings and WeatherTech’s DigitalFit description they reproduce (WeatherTech 448331 retailer listing).
KL owner coverage generally treats interior protection as a first-week job on a Cherokee that sees trails, because the KL’s carpeted footwells show mud immediately (The Autopian KL Cherokee owner coverage).
WeatherTech FloorLiner 448331: who should not buy
Skip it if your KL is a 2014 model, or if your Cherokee is an XJ — neither appears in this part’s fitment, and a near-fit liner that bunches at the pedals is a safety problem, not a bargain.
WeatherTech FloorLiner 448331: pair it with
Pair it with the habit that makes liners work: empty the reservoir before it overflows. For the rest of the cabin, our accessories archive collects the interior guides on this site.
This liner is sold through WeatherTech retailers rather than on a verifiable Amazon listing, so the button below is the closest KL upgrade sold on Amazon in this guide. The review above is for the named product itself.
Check Price: BrightLines Aero Cross Bars (Amazon alternative)
We may earn a commission at no cost to you. Fitment note: part 448331, Jeep Cherokee KL front row, 2015–2023 per the wider listing (one retailer lists 2015–2022). The button below is the labelled Amazon alternative, not this product’s listing.
Tip: remove the factory mats before fitting — stacked mats are the fit complaint WeatherTech’s own guidance warns about, and they can foul the pedals.
Best XJ Roof Rack for Heavy Loads: ARB Steel Roof Rack 3800030M
Best XJ Roof Rack for Heavy Loads
Why the ARB Steel Roof Rack 3800030M is our pick
An XJ roof is a flat, strong place to work, and ARB’s steel rack treats it that way: a 43 x 49 in steel platform with a mesh floor you can lash to anywhere, instead of two bars and a prayer. For XJ owners carrying a spare, fuel, or a tent base within the roof’s own limit, a platform spreads the load the way bars cannot.
ARB Steel Roof Rack 3800030M key specs
- Type: steel roof rack platform with mesh floor
- Fitment: Jeep Cherokee XJ (1984–2001) only
- Platform size: 43 x 49 in
- Construction: steel (dealer listing)
- Floor: mesh, lash anywhere along it
- Part number: 3800030M (kit variant 3800030MK)
- Load rating: Not published in the source reviewed
- Rack weight: Not published in the source reviewed
- Requires: the XJ roof mounting the dealer fitment specifies
- Does not fit: Cherokee KL or Grand Cherokee
- Warranty: Not published in the source reviewed
ARB Steel Roof Rack 3800030M: fits and best for
The dealer listing builds this rack for the Cherokee XJ roof — the 1984–2001 vehicle only. It suits XJ owners who carry bulky loads on the roof regularly and want a platform rather than cross bars. Your XJ’s own roof-load limit, in its owner’s manual, governs everything that rides on it; ARB publishes no rating in the source reviewed, and we print none.
ARB Steel Roof Rack 3800030M pros and watch-outs
Pros
- Steel platform spreads loads bars concentrate
- Mesh floor gives lash points everywhere
- Sized for the XJ roof at 43 x 49 in
- ARB is a documented off-road maker, not a generic listing
- Exact part number verified on a dealer listing
Watch-outs
- No load rating published in the source reviewed — the manual governs
- Steel is heavier than the KL’s aluminium bars before cargo
- Dealer route only; no verified Amazon listing
- XJ only: no use to KL owners
ARB Steel Roof Rack 3800030M: what owners report
Owner coverage for this exact rack in the sources reviewed this pass was thin, so we say so plainly: the verified record is the dealer listing for the XJ fitment (ARB XJ steel rack dealer listing).
XJ build coverage treats roof platforms as standard XJ expedition hardware, valued for spreading a spare and fuel over the roof structure (Crankshaft Culture XJ build coverage).
ARB Steel Roof Rack 3800030M: who should not buy
Skip it if your Cherokee is a KL — your roof takes the BrightLines bars at the top of this guide. Skip it, too, if your XJ roof rails or gutters are rust-weakened; a platform multiplies what tired mounting points must hold.
ARB Steel Roof Rack 3800030M: pair it with
Pair it with rated tie-down straps through the mesh (named without a button; none verified for this guide) and keep heavy items low and forward. Our roof rack system guide covers platform loading practice.
This rack is sold through off-road dealers rather than on a verifiable Amazon listing, so the button below is the closest XJ accessory sold on Amazon in this guide. The review above is for the named product itself.
Check Price: CURT 13084 XJ Hitch (Amazon alternative)
We may earn a commission at no cost to you. Fitment note: part 3800030M, Jeep Cherokee XJ only. The button below is the labelled Amazon alternative, not this product’s listing.
Tip: load the heaviest item directly over the pillars, not mid-span, and re-tension straps after the first rough mile — mesh floors settle loads.
Spec comparison: all six Cherokee accessories side by side
| Spec | BrightLines Aero Bars | Rough Country 60400 Lift | CURT 13172 Hitch (KL) | CURT 13084 Hitch (XJ) | WeatherTech 448331 | ARB 3800030M Rack |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherokee fitment | KL 2014–2023 | KL 2014–2023, exclusions apply | KL (2014–2021 per retailer) | XJ, select years | KL 2015–2023, front row | XJ 1984–2001 |
| Type | Roof cross bars | Spacer lift kit | Class 3 hitch, 2 in | Class 3 hitch, 2 in | Front floor liners | Steel roof platform |
| Key figure | 150 lb load capacity | 2 in lift, levels the KL | 5,000 lb GTW hitch rating | 5,000 lb GTW hitch rating | Laser-measured DigitalFit | 43 x 49 in, mesh floor |
| Part number | BL154140 | 60400 | 13172 | 13084 | 448331 | 3800030M |
| Mounting | Clamp-on to factory rails | Bolt-on spacers | Vehicle-specific mounting | Vehicle-specific mounting | Drop-in over factory retention | Dealer-specified XJ roof mounting |
| Vehicle limit that governs | Roof limit in the KL manual | Alignment + tyre clearance | KL tow rating in the manual | XJ tow rating in the manual | Pedal clearance check | Roof limit in the XJ manual |
| Warranty | Not published | Lifetime Replacement Guarantee | Limited lifetime | Not published in sources reviewed | Not published | Not published |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Alternative buttons in this table match the reviews: lift, KL hitch and liner rows point at the BrightLines listing, the ARB rack row at the CURT XJ hitch listing — those four picks have no verified Amazon listing in their Cherokee fitment.
Fitment & installation
Nothing in this guide needs a drill. Bars clamp to the KL’s factory rails; check front and rear markings before tightening, then re-check after the first loaded drive. The lift is the one workshop job: spacers in, brake-line and ABS relocation confirmed, then a full alignment before the bigger tyres go on — KL owners who skipped it report the tyre wear to prove it. Hitches bolt to vehicle-specific mounting points; on an XJ, clean the mounting faces and test the factory hardware first, because seized bolts on a 25-year-old Jeep are the schedule, not the exception.
Liners drop in only after the factory mats come out, with pedal movement checked through its full travel before driving. Cherokee wiring and recovery work follows the same generation discipline: read our winch use guide, winch hook-up guide and winch sizing guide before adding electrical or recovery hardware to either Cherokee.
Safety essentials
Six rules for accessorising a Cherokee
- Never exceed the vehicle limit in your owner’s manual — roof load, tow rating or payload — whatever a part’s own rating says.
- Re-torque hitch bolts, bar clamps and lift hardware after the first week and at every service; spacers and receivers settle.
- After any lift, get a professional alignment and re-check headlight aim and driver-assist calibration notes for your KL.
- Check floor liners for full, unobstructed pedal travel before every first drive after fitting or cleaning.
- Lash roof loads to the bars or mesh, never to trim, and re-tension after the first rough miles.
- Never use a trailer hitch or its ball as a recovery point; recovery needs rated points and rated gear, as below.
Three recovery accessories from the verified pool behind this site’s guides, useful to either Cherokee generation:
WARN Epic snatch block — the rated block for doubling line pull correctly on a winch recovery, sized in our snatch block guide.
Check Price: WARN Epic Snatch Block
GearAmerica tree saver strap — protects both the tree and the line; the anchor strap a Cherokee recovery kit starts with.
Check Price: GearAmerica Tree Saver
AMBULL shackles — rated D-ring shackles for connecting recovery gear at proper points, on either Cherokee.
Build the rest of the kit through our recovery kit guide, essential winching accessories and snatch block guide, and keep electrical add-ons honest with our winch battery guide.
Troubleshooting common Cherokee accessory problems
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Roof bars whistle at highway speed | Bars reversed front-to-back, or a gap in the rail clamp seal | Check the FRONT and REAR markings and aero orientation, reseat the clamps evenly |
| KL pulls or wears tyres after a lift | Alignment never done, or done before the suspension settled | Settle the kit with a short drive, then a full alignment; re-check after 500 miles |
| Hitch receiver rattles with a carrier fitted | Normal tube clearance amplified by a long carrier | Fit an anti-rattle clamp or shim; check the hitch pin for wear |
| Floor liner edges curl or it slides | Factory mat left underneath, or retention not engaged | Remove the factory mat, engage the retention, and confirm pedal clearance again |
| Trailer lights dead on a KL or XJ | Wiring fault or corroded connector — hitches ship without vehicle wiring in these picks | Test the vehicle-side connector first; fit the correct wiring kit for your generation |
| XJ roof rack load shifts on the trail | Straps run to trim or left unretensioned after settling | Lash through the mesh floor to structure, heavy items over the pillars, re-tension early |
Who should NOT buy these Jeep Cherokee accessories
Grand Cherokee owners. Nothing in this guide fits your vehicle — not the KL parts, not the XJ parts. The shared name is the whole trap; shop your own generation’s fitments instead, starting from our off-road vehicle parts archive.
2019+ KL Trailhawk and Active Drive Lock owners shopping the 60400 lift. Rough Country excludes your Jeep in print. Forcing a spacer kit past a maker exclusion trades a warranty argument for a geometry problem.
Anyone towing to a hitch’s headline rating. Both CURT hitches here are rated above what either Cherokee may tow. The vehicle rating in your manual is the ceiling, and exceeding it is a safety and liability problem, not a paperwork one.
KL owners with a bare roof. The BrightLines bars clamp to factory side rails. No rails, no fit — you need a complete roof system for bare-roof Cherokees, covered in our roof rack system guide.
XJ owners with rust-weakened structure. A Class 3 hitch and a loaded steel rack both lean on 25-year-old steel. Repair the structure first; accessories fitted to rot fail with it. Our maintenance checklist is the right order of work.
Final verdict
Top Pick → BrightLines Aero Cross Bars → Check its price
Best KL Lift for Bigger Tyres → Rough Country 2in Lift Kit 60400 → sold through dealers; the closest Amazon alternative is the BrightLines Aero Cross Bars — check its price
Best KL Hitch → CURT Class 3 Hitch 13172 → sold through dealers; the closest Amazon alternative is the BrightLines Aero Cross Bars — check its price
Best XJ Hitch → CURT Class 3 Hitch 13084 → Check its price
Best KL Floor Protection → WeatherTech FloorLiner 448331 → sold through retailers; the closest Amazon alternative is the BrightLines Aero Cross Bars — check its price
Best XJ Roof Rack → ARB Steel Roof Rack 3800030M → sold through dealers; the closest Amazon alternative is the CURT 13084 XJ Hitch — check its price
FAQ
Do Jeep Cherokee KL and XJ accessories interchange?
Almost never. The KL (2014–2023) is a unibody crossover with independent suspension; the XJ (1984–2001) is a solid-axle SUV. Their roofs, floors, hitches and suspension share no fitments in this guide. Every pick here names its generation, and the finder at the top will not route you across them.
Will any of these accessories fit a Grand Cherokee?
No. The Grand Cherokee is a separate, larger vehicle that shares only the Cherokee name. KL and XJ parts do not fit it, and its parts fit neither Cherokee. Check any listing for your exact model line and years before ordering.
Can I lift a Jeep Cherokee KL Trailhawk?
Not with the Rough Country 60400 kit in this guide — the maker excludes 2019 and newer Trailhawks and Active Drive Lock models in print. Owners of those trims research dedicated Trailhawk kits such as the MFC Offroad 2 in system instead. Any KL lift needs an alignment afterwards.
What is the biggest tyre a lifted KL Cherokee can run?
Rough Country’s copy for the 60400 kit says up to 32 in tyres with some trimming on select platforms, with maker tyre notes of 245/70R17 for AD1 models and up to 255/70R17 for AD2 and Trailhawk models. Trimming and the exclusion list decide your case, not the headline figure.
My hitch is rated at 5,000 lb. Can my Cherokee tow 5,000 lb?
No — not on the hitch’s say-so. CURT rates the hitch and states never to exceed the lowest-rated towing component. Your Cherokee’s own tow rating, in its owner’s manual and set by engine, drive system and factory tow equipment, is the ceiling for either hitch in this guide.
Do the BrightLines cross bars fit a Cherokee without roof rails?
No. The BrightLines set clamps onto factory side rails, so a bare-roof KL needs a complete roof system with its own feet instead. Confirm your KL has rails before ordering; most rail-equipped trims are listed in the review above.
Why does the WeatherTech liner start at 2015 if the KL launched for 2014?
Because that is what the part’s retailer listings state: the 448331 is listed for 2015–2023 (one retailer says 2015–2022). We print the listings as found, flag the disagreement in Sources, and tell 2014 owners plainly that this part is not listed for their year.
What should an XJ Cherokee owner buy first?
The receiver. The CURT 13084 gives an XJ towing, carriers and a solid rear mount in one bolt-on part, and it is the XJ pick in this guide with a verified Amazon listing. The ARB steel rack follows when roof loads become regular.
Are spacer lifts safe on a KL Cherokee?
A documented spacer kit fitted inside its maker’s fitment and exclusion list, followed by an alignment, is the established KL route — the KL’s unibody and independent suspension rule out XJ-style kits. What is not safe is ignoring the exclusions, skipping the alignment, or stacking spacers beyond the kit design.
Sources
Manufacturer and retailer specification sources: BrightLines Aero BL154140 Amazon listing data, Rough Country 60400 KL fitment listing, Rough Country 60400 specifications and exclusions, CURT 13172 KL hitch specifications, CURT 13172 fitment and warranty copy, CURT 13084 XJ hitch Amazon listing data, WeatherTech 448331 listing (2015–2023), WeatherTech 448331 listing (2015–2022), ARB 3800030M XJ steel rack listing. Fitment note: the two WeatherTech retailer listings disagree on the end year (2023 vs 2022); we print the wider range and flag the difference here and in the review.
Owner sources (paraphrased in the reviews): Off Road Gear Lab Cherokee roof rack roundup, SunCruiser Media KL lift owner report, Jalopnik KL lift report, Crankshaft Culture XJ build coverage, The Autopian KL Cherokee owner coverage. Ratings are as the makers state them; our affiliate disclosure explains how links in this guide work.
By Leo, Founder, WinchInsider
Leo researches truck and recovery gear from maker documents and owner reports, and writes the guides he would want before spending his own money. Read more about WinchInsider.
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