After a three-year hiatus from the fiercely competitive compact crossover SUV segment, Jeep is reintroducing the all-new 2026 Jeep Cherokee. This return addresses a strategic misstep, echoing a historical blunder by Henry Ford, which saw the brand's market share decline during the absence of a successor to the outgoing model. However, with shifting societal and regulatory environments, the belated launch of the 2026 Cherokee, designed with current trends in mind, aims to position it for success, providing a much-needed boost for Stellantis' employees and shareholders.

The 2026 Cherokee marks a significant departure in design from its curvy 2023 predecessor. Design leader Vince Galante drew inspiration from the iconic XJ-generation Jeep Cherokee, known for launching the unibody SUV segment. The new KM Cherokee embraces a boxier aesthetic, balancing heritage with aerodynamic requirements. Key design elements include a squared-off seven-slot grille flanked by U-shaped daytime running lights, evoking the original's rectangular sealed-beam headlights. Standard 18-inch and optional 20-inch wheels are housed in XJ-inspired trapezoidal arches, while the taillamps wrap around the corners with a new horizontal orientation, reminiscent of Jeep’s jerrycan look. The upright D-pillar, accented with a Germanic Hofmeister kink, directly addresses a previous complaint by significantly increasing cargo room by 25 percent.

Moving from Fiat-Chrysler’s Compact-Wide platform to Stellantis' more versatile STLA Large platform, the 2026 Cherokee has grown considerably. It features a 6.1-inch overall length stretch and a 6.5-inch longer wheelbase, making it either the largest compact or smallest midsize SUV on the market. Its dimensions now place it as the segment's longest, surpassing the Mazda CX-50 by 2.0 inches, though the CX-50 remains wider. Despite a 0.3-inch height reduction, nearly every interior dimension has improved, enhancing class competitiveness. Jeep has also focused on elevating materials quality, with top-line Overland models featuring fancy perforation patterns on seat inserts and an