Subwoofer box for a Jeep Cherokee XJ
The Cherokee XJ is a small, light SUV that people still build for trails — and for sound. Its cargo area is compact and shares space with the spare tire, so the box has to be planned around it.
Where the sub goes
- Cargo area, beside the spare. The spare sits inside the cargo area on one side; the box goes next to it against the rear seat.
- Cargo area, full width. With the spare on an outside carrier, the whole width behind the rear seat is free for a bigger box or a wedge.
- Under the cargo floor. Not much room on an XJ — a stealth box is hard.
The newer Wrangler and Gladiator are in the Jeep Wrangler guide.
Pick a sub for this spaceThe calculator opens with the vehicle and the space from this guide and lists the subs that fit there, each with its box. Then adjust the size to your own vehicle.
Example: full width with the spare moved out
Jeep lists the cargo area at 43.2″ between the wheel wells, and owners measure about 34½″ from the rear seat back to the hatch. With the spare on an outside carrier, take a box 40″ wide, 14″ deep and 15″ high against the seat. With ¾″ walls the inside is 38.5 × 12.5 × 13.5″ — about 3.8 ft³ gross: a single 12″ ported (1.5–2.5 ft³ net plus the port) with room to spare, or two 10″–12″ sealed. Beside the spare the box has to be narrower — measure what is left.
Cabin gain
The XJ cabin is small and the cargo area is open to it, so it lifts the deep bass well with the windows up. An old XJ is not very airtight, so the lift is a little weaker than in a new SUV.
Design it for your XJ
Enter the measured space, pick your sub and compare sealed and ported; the calculator draws the box and gives you the cut list and DXF.
Model it for your own subResponse in your car, cone excursion and port air speed — free, no signup.Open the calculator →FAQ
Where does a subwoofer go in a Jeep Cherokee XJ?
In the cargo area behind the rear seat, next to the spare tire, which sits inside on one side. Many owners move the spare to an outside carrier and use the full width.
What size sub fits in an XJ?
Beside the spare, a single 10″ or 12″ in a narrower box — measure what the spare leaves. With the spare moved outside, the floor is about 43″ between the wheel wells: a 12″ ported or two 10″–12″ sealed fit.
How do I keep the box from moving off-road?
Bolt it to the cargo tie-downs or a bracket and stand it on rubber feet. Straps loosen on rough trails.