WeatherTech 44266-1-2 FloorLiners for 1997–2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ

What Comes in the Package?

WeatherTech 44266-1-2 is generally supplied as a three-piece set:

• One molded driver-side front FloorLiner
• One molded passenger-side front FloorLiner
• One molded second-row FloorLiner
• Applicable retention hardware or instructions

This package does not include a cargo-area liner. WeatherTech sells cargo protection separately.

Product Specifications

What Is WeatherTech HDTE Material?

WeatherTech uses a proprietary High-Density Tri-Extruded material, commonly abbreviated as HDTE.

Its layered construction is designed to provide:

• A rigid core that maintains the liner’s molded shape
• Surface texture for shoe traction
• Underside friction against the carpet
• Resistance to water, mud and road salt
• Enough flexibility for removal and cleaning
• Defined edges that follow the footwell

This is different from a soft universal rubber mat. The molded structure is intended to preserve the shape of the channels and raised edges rather than folding into the footwell.

Floor Coverage and Channel Design

WeatherTech FloorLiners use raised edges and molded channels to direct water and debris away from shoes and toward a lower reservoir.

The design can help contain:

• Mud
• Rainwater
• Snow
• Road salt
• Sand
• Gravel
• Leaves
• Spilled drinks
• Trail debris

The reservoir reduces uncontrolled fluid movement while driving. Once the liner is removed, the trapped material can be dumped away from the carpet.

This matters in an XJ because many of these Jeeps now serve as trail rigs, winter vehicles and utility builds. Factory carpet from the late 1990s has already survived enough questionable decisions.

FloorLiners Versus Conventional Floor Mats

WeatherTech FloorLiners differ from ordinary flat mats in several ways.

FloorLiner advantages

• Molded to the vehicle’s floor contours
• Raised sidewalls
• Greater footwell coverage
• Defined fluid channels
• Vehicle-specific pedal clearance
• Protection around the edges of the carpet
• Rear passenger-area coverage

Conventional mat advantages

• Easier to move between vehicles
• Often less expensive
• Usually softer and more flexible
• Simpler to shake out quickly
• Less sensitive to exact interior configuration

For an XJ that sees mud, rain or snow, the molded liner provides more containment. For a Jeep with stripped floors, replacement vinyl or extensive transmission-tunnel modifications, a custom-fit liner may no longer match correctly.

Does 44266-1-2 Fit Two-Door and Four-Door Cherokees?

Application catalogs broadly list the package for 1997–2001 Cherokee XJ models. However, buyers should confirm their exact door count and interior configuration through WeatherTech’s vehicle selector.

The front floor shape may be shared across several configurations, but rear access, seat mounting and carpet contours can differ. Verify before ordering rather than stretching a “select models” statement into universal fitment.

Transmission and Interior Considerations

Before purchasing, verify:

• Automatic or manual transmission
• Factory carpet is installed
• Original center console or tunnel shape
• Factory seat mounting
• Factory pedal arrangement
• Existing carpet-retention points
• Two-door or four-door body
• Left-hand-drive configuration

Floor modifications can affect fitment. Roll-cage plates, aftermarket seat brackets, transmission swaps, interior bedliner and altered consoles may interfere with molded liners.

If your Cherokee has become a trail build held together by 4.0-liter torque and zip ties, inspect the cabin before assuming its floor remains factory-shaped.

Installation Instructions

Installation does not require permanent modification.

Prepare the cabin

1. Remove all existing mats.
2. Vacuum dirt and loose debris.
3. Clean and dry the carpet.
4. Inspect for moisture beneath the original mats.
5. Check the floor for rust or water intrusion.
6. Identify any factory retention points.

Never stack the WeatherTech FloorLiner over another mat. Multiple layers can interfere with pedal travel and prevent the liner from sitting securely.

Install the front liners

1. Move the front seats rearward.
2. Place the correct liner in each footwell.
3. Align the outer walls with the door sill and kick panel.
4. Engage the retention system where applicable.
5. Check accelerator, brake and clutch-pedal clearance.
6. Confirm that the liner lies flat without curling.

Install the rear liner

1. Move the front seats forward if additional access is needed.
2. Position the molded rear liner across the passenger footwell.
3. Align it with the transmission tunnel and seat tracks.
4. Confirm that it does not obstruct seat movement.
5. Check that all raised edges remain upright.

Critical Pedal-Clearance Check

After installing the driver-side liner:

1. Press the accelerator through its full travel.
2. Press the brake pedal fully.
3. Operate the clutch pedal if equipped.
4. Verify that no pedal catches the liner.
5. Confirm that the liner cannot slide forward.

Do not drive until pedal clearance is confirmed. A floor liner is supposed to contain mud, not throttle input.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Remove the liners before deep cleaning.

Recommended process:

1. Lift the liner carefully to avoid spilling trapped liquid.
2. Shake out loose dirt.
3. Rinse with water.
4. Wash using mild soap and a soft brush.
5. Rinse completely.
6. Allow it to dry.
7. Reinstall and check retention and pedal clearance.

Avoid silicone-heavy dressings or oily interior products. They can leave the surface dangerously slippery.

While the liners are removed, inspect the factory carpet for dampness. Hidden water can promote odor, corrosion and mold. Our complete dashboard and interior repair guide explains why addressing moisture and interior deterioration early is easier than repairing the aftermath.

Why Check Under the Carpet?

Cherokee XJs can develop water intrusion from:

• Door seals
• Windshield seals
• Heater-core leaks
• HVAC drains
• Floor plugs
• Body seams
• Rusted floor panels

FloorLiners protect against material entering from above, but they cannot stop water that leaks underneath them. If the carpet is repeatedly wet, diagnose the leak instead of hiding it beneath a very expensive lid.

For electrical problems related to off-road exposure, the Pro Street C0306 front-axle circuit guide also explains how mud, road debris and corrosion can affect underbody systems.

Made in the United States

WeatherTech states that its FloorLiners are designed, engineered and manufactured in the United States using American-made tooling.

The company uses digital measurement and vehicle-specific tooling to create the footwell contours. This manufacturing approach is what allows the liners to follow the transmission tunnel, door sills and floor edges more closely than universal mats.

Are These Good for Off-Road Use?

The liners are well suited to Cherokees exposed to:

• Muddy trails
• Snow
• Camping equipment
• Work boots
• Wet clothing
• Sand
• Road salt
• Everyday spills

They protect the interior, but they do not make the carpet waterproof. Remove and clean the liners after heavy exposure, then inspect underneath for trapped moisture.

If the Cherokee’s four-wheel-drive system develops a fault, browse the Pro Street C0306 front-axle engagement guide rather than assuming muddy carpeting and a failed 4WD light are part of the same charming XJ personality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What years does WeatherTech 44266-1-2 fit?

It fits select 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ models.

Does it fit a Jeep Grand Cherokee?

No. It is intended for the compact Cherokee XJ, not the Grand Cherokee.

Does it fit a 1996 Cherokee XJ?

No. WeatherTech lists this molded FloorLiner application for the revised 1997–2001 interior.

What rows are covered?

The package protects the first and second seating rows.

Is a cargo liner included?

No. Cargo-area protection is sold separately.

What color is this kit?

Part number 44266-1-2 is black. Tan and gray versions use different part numbers.

How many pieces are included?

The set is generally listed as three pieces: two front liners and one molded rear liner.

Does it fit manual-transmission Cherokees?

Fitment should be confirmed through WeatherTech’s vehicle selector. Always verify full clutch-pedal clearance before driving.

Can these liners be placed over factory mats?

No. Remove all existing floor mats before installation.

Are they made in the United States?

WeatherTech states that the FloorLiners are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA using American-made tooling.

How should they be cleaned?

Remove them from the vehicle and wash them with water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid slippery silicone-based dressings.

Final Verdict

WeatherTech 44266-1-2 provides substantial first- and second-row carpet protection for the 1997–2001 Jeep Cherokee XJ. Its molded channels, raised edges and reservoir design make it particularly useful for winter driving, trail use and daily XJs that regularly collect mud.

Confirm the exact interior configuration, remove the existing mats and verify pedal clearance after installation. Most importantly, check for moisture beneath the carpet before covering it. A floor liner protects an interior; it does not perform an exorcism on existing rust.