The 2026 Jeep Cherokee marks a significant return for the brand to the competitive compact crossover SUV segment after a three-year hiatus. This strategic move by Stellantis seems to reflect a lesson learned from historical blunders, akin to Henry Ford’s decision to halt Model T production before the Model A was ready, leading to a substantial loss in market share. For the sake of its employees and shareholders, Jeep hopes this belated re-entry is better positioned for success in a shifting societal and regulatory environment than an earlier model might have been.

The new Cherokee boasts a design that makes a clean break from its curvy 2023 predecessor, embracing a “Hip 2B Square” aesthetic. Design leader Vince Galante drew heavily from the iconic XJ-generation Jeep Cherokee, the model that pioneered the unibody SUV segment. The 2026 KM Cherokee incorporates a boxier silhouette, featuring a squared-off seven-slot grille flanked by U-shaped daytime running lights reminiscent of the original’s rectangular sealed-beams. Standard 18-inch and optional 20-inch wheels are nestled within XJ-like trapezoidal arches, while the taillamps wrap around the corners in a new horizontal orientation, evoking Jeep’s classic jerrycan look. The upright D-pillar, embellished with a Germanic Hofmeister kink, directly addresses a key complaint of the outgoing KL Cherokee: insufficient cargo room, which has now grown by 25 percent.

Built on Stellantis' STLA Large platform, the 2026 Cherokee is notably larger than its predecessor. It features a 6.1-inch overall-length stretch and a 6.5-inch longer wheelbase, along with a 1.5-inch increase in width. This expansion places it in an interesting position, straddling the line between a large compact and a small midsize SUV, competing with models like the Honda CR-V, Ford Bronco Sport, Toyota RAV4, and Chevy Equinox. The longer wheelbase and shorter overhangs are characteristics often seen in battery-electric vehicles, which this versatile STLA Large platform also supports. Interior dimensions have generally improved, and upper trim levels, such as the Overland, demonstrate Jeep’s commitment to elevated materials quality, including fancy perforation patterns on seat inserts and an “Arctic” interior color scheme option on top trims.

At launch, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee will be exclusively offered with an all-new hybrid powertrain. While the STLA Large platform allows for future battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, or pure combustion variants, the initial offering is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a two-motor planetary combiner hybrid system. This system stores power in a 1.1-kWh lithium-ion (NCM) battery located under the rear passenger compartment. Notably, Stellantis is utilizing a hybrid design originally patented by Toyota and made royalty-free through 2030. The engine alone produces 177 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 221 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm, while the net total output for the system is 210 hp and 230 lb-ft. This subdivides the output of the old Cherokee's 2.4-liter naturally aspirated and 2.0-liter turbocharged options. The new Cherokee boasts a 3,500-pound tow capacity, falling just 500 pounds short of the previous 2.0L turbo's capability. Fuel efficiency is a major improvement, with estimated EPA city/highway/combined ratings of 42/33/37 mpg, a significant leap from the old model’s 20–21/26–29/22–24 mpg. This efficiency, combined with a 13.7-gallon tank, provides an estimated combined range of 507 miles, far exceeding the previous model’s 348–379 miles, potentially costing average commuters less than $100 per month on gas.

True to its heritage, all-wheel drive is standard on the Cherokee, featuring Active Drive 1. This system includes a power takeoff from the transverse hybrid powertrain that drives the rear axle on demand, disconnecting when not in use to optimize fuel economy. It employs clutch slippage instead of a center differential to prevent front-rear binding in tighter turns. While a more focused Trailhawk off-road version with locking differentials is not available at launch, it is anticipated to arrive later. Active Drive 1 offers selectable modes including Auto, Sand, Snow, and Mud, with front-rear torque split varying from 100/0 to 50/50. The minimum ground clearance is 8.0 inches, slightly less than the outgoing Cherokee’s 8.3–8.7 inches, a trade-off likely made for improved fuel economy. However, its 19.6-degree approach angle compares favorably, and its 29.4-degree departure angle ranks best in class, nearly matching the previous Cherokee Trailhawk’s 32.2 degrees.

In terms of interior packaging, the new Cherokee delivers good passenger space, particularly in rear shoulder room, making it a potentially compelling choice for families on long trips given its 507-mile range. However, rear legroom has surprisingly decreased by 1.8 inches compared to the last-generation model. The squared-up rear styling and extended bodywork have significantly boosted cargo capacity, offering 13.6 cubic feet more with the seats folded and 30 percent more with the rear seats up, totaling 33.6 cubic feet. This improvement is achieved partly by packaging the hybrid battery under the passenger-side rear floor, preventing it from infringing on cargo space. Despite the gains, the Cherokee's cargo volume still lags behind class leaders like the Honda CR-V Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee will be offered in several trim grades, starting with the base model at $36,995, the Laredo at $39,995, the Limited at $42,495, and the top-tier Overland at $45,995. The Limited and Overland trims will be available in late 2025, with the base and Laredo following in early 2026. This pricing strategy positions the Cherokee on the higher end of the compact hybrid SUV segment. For comparison, the entry-level Cherokee is $2,945 more expensive than the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE AWD. Similarly, the Kia Sportage Hybrid S is $2,960 cheaper, and its X-Line off-road variant is $9,060 less than the Cherokee Overland. While some Honda CR-V Hybrid trims are more expensive (e.g., Sport Touring Hybrid AWD is $1,205 more than Cherokee Limited), others are significantly cheaper (e.g., TrailSport Hybrid is $5,745 less than Cherokee Overland). On average, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee is about $3,827 more expensive than MotorTrend’s top-three-ranked small hybrid SUVs. This premium pricing is partly due to its hybrid-only availability at launch, whereas many competitors offer cheaper non-hybrid options. Jeep appears to be banking on pent-up demand following the market absence, though its current residual values do not match those of Honda or Toyota, which could impact perceived long-term value.

Key specifications include a front-engine, AWD, 5-passenger, 4-door SUV layout. The continuously variable automatic transmission manages the 210 hp/230 lb-ft combined output from the 1.6L turbo-hybrid system. It has a manufacturer-estimated curb weight of 4,300 lb, a 113.0-inch wheelbase, and measures 188.1 inches long, 74.7 inches wide, and 67.5 inches high. Estimated 0–60 MPH is 8.0 seconds, with an EPA estimated combined fuel economy of 37 mpg and a range of 507 miles.