The 2026 Jeep Cherokee will get a way more trendy look whereas sustaining visible ties to its previous. It additionally debuts with a first-ever hybrid engine, promised to ship as a lot as 500 miles on a tank of fuel.
Struggling to get its stability again after struggling a sequence of self-inflicted wounds, Jeep is about to fill what has been a large gap in its lineup with the return of the Cherokee SUV. It pulled the prior mannequin from manufacturing in February 2023, an odd resolution contemplating it competed in one of many greatest client car segments within the U.S. market.
The sixth-generation Cherokee will face a tricky problem, successful again consumers who’ve migrated to competing merchandise, just like the Ford Bronco Sport, Toyota RAV4, and Honda CR-V. Jeep is betting it could possibly get a leg up with a brand new SUV that blends good design, stable options, and a brand new hybrid engine anticipated to ship as a lot as 37 mpg.
“We took the time to step again and analyze the North American midsize SUV market to know one factor: what do clients need from a next-generation Jeep Cherokee?” stated Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf.
2026 Jeep Cherokee: What’s New
The 2026 Jeep Cherokee began out as a ground-up undertaking. It shares the identical STLA Giant “structure” used for a wide range of different new merchandise from father or mother Stellantis. It’s what the automaker describes as a “multi-energy” platform, which means it could possibly slot in a wide range of totally different powertrains. That features the all-electric drivetrains within the new Jeep Wagoneer S and Dodge Charger Daytona.
At launch, the gen-six Cherokee shall be provided with a hybrid package deal, although firm officers made it clear throughout a background briefing and subsequent interviews that different powertrain choices will comply with.
Cherokee has been stretched in each key dimension, rising 4.7 inches longer general and growing its wheelbase by 6.4 inches. It’s 1 inch wider than the fifth-generation SUV and a couple of inches taller.
That every one interprets into extra inside house, notably within the rear seats and cargo compartment. The latter is now 33.6 cubic ft, climbing to 68 cubic ft with the again row folded down. That’s 30% greater than with the outdated Cherokee.
From a design standpoint, the 2026 mannequin is more likely to appear acquainted to Jeep followers, adopting a daring, boxy stance with, in fact, the acquainted Jeep seven-slot grille. There are squared-off headlights, now LED, and distinctive “Jerry Can” taillights.
“I’d by no means say this can be a retro design, however we paid consideration to the outdated XJ Cherokee,” constructed between 1984 and 2001,” stated Vince Gallente, head of Jeep design. That stated, his design staff put early prototypes by means of intensive wind tunnel testing to scale back drag and enhance gas financial system, they famous.
First-Ever Cherokee Hybrid
One of many greatest developments launched on the 2026 Cherokee is its first-ever gas-electric hybrid system. It pairs a transverse-mounted 1.6L inline-4 fuel engine with two electrical motors drawing energy from a 1 kWh lithium-ion battery.
The package deal delivers a mixed 210 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. That’s sufficient muscle, Jeep claims, to tow as much as 3,500 kilos.
Whereas the EPA hasn’t weighed in with official numbers, the automaker’s preliminary testing means that Cherokee will get rated round 42 mpg metropolis, 33 freeway, and 37 mixed.
“This would be the solely propulsion system on this car after we launch it,” Micky Bly, the pinnacle of world powertrain growth for Stellantis, stated throughout a media background briefing.
However Bly subsequently left open the chance — make that the chance — that further powertrain choices will grow to be obtainable over the subsequent a number of years. Stellantis has six totally different powertrain applied sciences it could possibly draw from, CEO Antonio Filosa, beforehand the Jeep model CEO, stated final 12 months. A gas-only Cherokee is broadly anticipated to comply with. However there could be few surprises if Jeep additionally launched a 4xe plug-in hybrid or perhaps a range-extender.
Off-Street Capabilities
Jeep has made quite a few errors in recent times, overpricing some merchandise, just like the Grand Wagoneer, and minimizing the capabilities of the little Renegade. The automaker is decided to not screw issues up once more, particularly relating to Jeep’s traditional off-road bonafides. All Cherokee trims will function the Jeep Energetic Drive 4×4 system with rear axle disconnect, in addition to a four-mode Selec-Terrain administration system.
As with powertrain choices, the model is holding some issues in reserve. We’ll all however actually see some critical Path-Rated packages to comply with. However, even at launch, Cherokee could have some stable capabilities.
That Energetic Drive system has a double profit; by disconnecting the rear axle when torque calls for are mild, it helps enhance gas financial system. The Selec-Terrain system, in the meantime, lets a driver arrange varied car capabilities to optimize grip and dealing with in circumstances like snow, sand, or mud.
All launch variations of Cherokee could have 8 inches of floor clearance with what Jeep claims are best-in-class strategy and departure angles of 19.6 and 29.4 levels, respectively. Its breakover angle is eighteen.8 levels.
Security & Know-how
As one may anticipate, there’s extra expertise constructed into the brand new SUV than earlier than, together with the most recent Uconnect 5 infotainment system. It may be operated utilizing voice, buttons on the steering wheel, or by means of a brand new 12.3-inch high-resolution infotainment display screen normal on all trims.
There’s a second, 10.25-inch gauge cluster show. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are normal, whereas the Amazon Alexa voice assistant is among the high-tech choices.
Cherokee has 140 energetic security programs, together with Energetic Drive Help, a semi-autonomous system with energetic cruise management. Different options embody Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection and Intersection Collision Alert. Rain-sensing wipers are additionally normal.
2026 Jeep Cherokee: Pricing & Availability
At the least for now, stated model chief Broderdorf, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee shall be offered solely in North America. Search for it to succeed in U.S. showrooms by “late 2025.”
Pricing for the bottom Cherokee is at present set at $36,995. The Laredo trim jumps to $39,995, Restricted at $42,495, and Overland completes the preliminary trim quartet at $45,995. Add $1,995 in supply charges to all 2026 Cherokee.
As to what we are able to anticipate to comply with, “Trial-Rated (variations) are coming within the close to future,” Broderdorf added.
