The return of the Jeep Cherokee for 2026 marks a significant moment for Stellantis, following a three-year absence from the competitive compact crossover SUV segment. This strategic pause, reminiscent of Henry Ford's Model T replacement blunder, has left many wondering if the belated re-entry positions the new Cherokee for greater success. The company hopes this all-new model, designed amidst shifting societal and regulatory environments, will prove to be a timely re-introduction rather than a missed opportunity.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee showcases a dramatic design departure from its 2023 predecessor, embracing a "Hip 2B Square" aesthetic. Design leader Vince Galante drew inspiration from the iconic XJ-generation Jeep Cherokee, which pioneered the unibody SUV segment. The new KM Cherokee incorporates a boxier silhouette, borrowing as much from the Dick Teague-designed original as aerodynamic constraints allowed.

Key design elements include a squared-off seven-slot grille flanked by U-shaped daytime running lights, evoking the original rectangular sealed-beams. Standard 18-inch and optional 20-inch wheels are housed within XJ-inspired trapezoidal arches, and the taillamps wrap around the corners with a horizontal orientation, suggestive of Jeep's jerrycan look. The upright D-pillar, embellished with a Germanic Hofmeister kink, directly addresses a previous concern: insufficient cargo room, which has now increased by 25 percent.

Moving from Fiat-Chrysler’s Compact-Wide platform to Stellantis’ more versatile STLA Large architecture results in a substantially larger vehicle. The new Cherokee is 6.1 inches longer overall, with axles positioned 6.5 inches farther apart (5.9 inches relative to the previous-generation Trailhawk). Width has increased by 1.5 inches, while height drops by 0.3 to 0.5 inch, influencing hybrid efficiency. These new dimensions make it either the largest compact or smallest midsize SUV, positioning it against competitors like the Honda CR-V, Ford Bronco Sport, Toyota RAV4, and Chevy Equinox. The side profile, characterized by a long wheelbase and shorter overhangs, aligns with the design principles of battery-electric vehicles, which also utilize the STLA Large platform (e.g., Jeep Wagoneer S). Nearly every interior dimension has expanded, improving its class competitiveness, though rear legroom surprisingly decreased by 1.8 inches compared to the last-gen version, despite improved rear shoulder room.

Jeep has made a concerted effort to enhance materials quality, particularly in upper trim levels. Top-line Overland models feature seat inserts with an intricate perforation pattern, and the top three trims offer an "Arctic" interior color scheme alongside the standard black. The squared-up rear styling and extended bodywork have significantly boosted cargo capacity. With the rear seats folded, cargo space increases by 13.6 cubic feet, and with seats up, it gains 30 percent more room than the previous Cherokee, reaching 33.6 cubic feet. While this only surpasses the Mazda CX-50 and Subaru Forester hybrids in its class, falling short of leaders like the Honda CR-V Hybrid and RAV4 Hybrid, the hybrid battery is packaged under the passenger-side rear floor, ensuring it does not impede cargo volume.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee will launch exclusively with an all-new hybrid powertrain. This system features a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a two-motor planetary combiner hybrid system, drawing power from a 1.1-kWh lithium-ion (NCM) battery located under the rear passenger compartment. This design, originally patented by Toyota in 2000, became accessible to Stellantis after Toyota made 24,000 electrification-related patents royalty-free until the end of 2030. The engine alone produces 177 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 221 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm. The net total output for the hybrid system is 210 hp and 230 lb-ft, which subdivides the output of the outgoing Cherokee's 2.4-liter naturally aspirated and 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder options. This powertrain enables a respectable 3,500-pound tow capacity, only 500 pounds shy of the previous 2.0L turbo.

A major improvement for the new Cherokee is its vastly superior fuel efficiency. While official EPA numbers are pending, estimates suggest city/highway/combined ratings of 42/33/37 mpg. This is a significant leap from the old model's 20–21/26–29/22–24 mpg. Consequently, the new Cherokee’s 13.7-gallon fuel tank is projected to deliver an impressive 507 miles of combined range, far exceeding the previous 15.8-gallon tank’s 348–379 miles. Jeep estimates that average American commuters could spend less than $100 per month on gas with this new model.

All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard on the 2026 Cherokee, mirroring its primary competitor, the Ford Bronco Sport. The system, known as Active Drive 1, utilizes a power takeoff from the transverse hybrid powertrain to drive the rear axle on demand, disconnecting when not needed to conserve fuel. It automatically re-engages for greater traction, using clutch slippage instead of a center differential to prevent front-rear binding in turns. At launch, there will be no more focused Trailhawk off-road version or locking differentials, but revisions worthy of a Trail Rated badge are anticipated. Active Drive 1 offers Auto, Sand, Snow, and Mud programs, with a front–rear torque split varying from 100/0 to 50/50. Minimum ground clearance is 8.0 inches, slightly less than the outgoing Cherokee's 8.3–8.7 inches, but it contributes to the improved fuel economy. The 19.6-degree approach angle is competitive, while the 29.4-degree departure angle is best in class, nearly matching the previous Cherokee Trailhawk’s 32.2 degrees.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee will be offered in four trim levels with staggered availability. The higher-end Limited ($42,495) and Overland ($45,995) trims will go on sale late 2025, followed by the more affordable Base model ($36,995) and Laredo ($39,995) in early 2026. Base models come well-equipped with a standard roof rack, a 10.3-inch cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and a suite of safety features. This pricing strategy positions the Cherokee at a premium within the compact hybrid SUV segment. The starting price of $36,995 is notably close to the cheapest Grand Cherokee Laredo A ($38,490) and $2,945 more than a base 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid LE AWD (with 2026 RAV4 hybrid pricing yet to be announced).

When compared to top small hybrid SUVs, the Cherokee's premium pricing becomes even more apparent. For example, a base 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is $2,945 cheaper, and an up-level RAV4 Limited is $3,640 less than a similarly equipped Cherokee. The Kia Sportage Hybrid S is $2,960 cheaper than the Cherokee, and its off-road-oriented X-Line trim is $9,060 less than the Cherokee Overland. While the 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Hybrid is $1,585 more expensive than the entry-level Cherokee, its TrailSport Hybrid is $5,745 cheaper than the Cherokee Overland. Overall, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee averages around $3,827 more expensive than MotorTrend’s top-three-ranked small hybrid SUVs. This higher pricing is partly due to the Cherokee being hybrid-only at launch, lacking the cheaper non-hybrid options available from many competitors. Jeep appears to be banking on pent-up demand to justify these higher prices, though its residual value does not currently match that of Honda or Toyota, which typically offsets high purchase prices.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee specifications include a base price range of $36,995-$45,995, a front-engine, AWD, 5-passenger, 4-door SUV layout. The powertrain consists of a 1.6L/177-hp/221-lb-ft turbo direct-injected DOHC 16-valve I-4 engine combined with front electric motors for a total of 210 hp/230 lb-ft. It features a continuously variable automatic transmission. Curb weight is an estimated 4,300 lbs. Dimensions are 188.1 inches L x 74.7 inches W x 67.5 inches H, with a 113.0-inch wheelbase. Estimated 0-60 MPH is 8.0 seconds. EPA estimated fuel economy is 42/33/37 mpg (city/hwy/comb) with an estimated combined range of 507 miles. The top two trims are on sale late 2025, with the entry models following in early 2026.