- Jeep has launched the 2026 Cherokee, forward of its launch later this yr.
- The redesigned crossover sports activities an all-new hybrid powertrain with 210 hp.
- It’s considerably bigger than its predecessor and returns 37 mpg mixed.
The Jeep Cherokee is again, bigger and extra refined than earlier than, with an added contact of effectivity due to its new hybrid powertrain that returns 37 mpg mixed. The redesign goals to steadiness rugged attraction with a extra upscale really feel, shifting the nameplate into the aggressive hybrid crossover phase.
Since we’ve already seen the outside, we’ll briefly notice it encompasses a “tremendous vertical” entrance finish with a slender grille and rectangular headlights that loosely recall the Cherokee XJ. They’re joined by angular bodywork and heavy cladding.
Michael Gauthier / Carscoops
Designers additionally gave the mannequin an expansive greenhouse and flush-mounted door handles. They’re joined by 17- to 20-inch wheels, that are wrapped in both Nexen Roadian GTX or Pirelli Scorpion MS all-season tires.
Out again, there’s a closely stylized liftgate with a refined nod to the XJ within the type of acquainted lower strains. They’re simple to over look as eyes are naturally drawn to the contrasting black license plate recess and taillights that draw inspiration from jerry cans.
By way of dimension, the Cherokee measures 188.1 inches (4,778 mm) lengthy, 83.6 inches (2,123 mm) extensive, and 67.5 inches (1,715 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 113 inches (2,870 mm). Which means the redesigned mannequin is 4.7 inches (119 mm) longer, 1 inch (25 mm) wider, and a pair of inches (50 mm) taller. There’s an extra 6.4 inches (163 mm) between the wheels and this ends in a much more spacious cabin.
A Elegant And Comfy Cabin
Michael Gauthier / Carscoops
Whereas the outside is sharp and edgy, the luxurious cabin follows within the footsteps of the Wagoneer S. Drivers sit behind a squared off steering wheel and discover themselves taking a look at a ten.25-inch digital instrument cluster. It’s joined by a 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment system with wi-fi Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Talking of know-how, each Cherokee will include a ten yr subscription to Join One. It permits for over-the-air updates, automated emergency calls, and connectivity with the Jeep smartphone app.
Getting again to the inside, it’s open, ethereal, and minimalist. A part of that is because of the revamped middle console, which encompasses a rotary gear selector in addition to a small Selec-Terrain change with Auto, Sport, Snow, and Sand/Mud settings.
The Cherokee KL’s quite a few buttons and knobs have been jettisoned as the newest mannequin depends closely on the infotainment system. That being stated, there are devoted local weather controls in addition to a handful of buttons for automobile options. Even the door handles have been eradicated as they’ve been changed by ‘digital latches.’
Regardless of being extra luxurious, the Cherokee eschews leather-based as a part of an eco-friendly push that sees the premium materials changed by Capri vinyl. It appears good sufficient and encompasses a distinctive perforation sample on the Overland trim, however nothing beats the true deal.
On the subject of going inexperienced, the crossover makes use of an assortment of recycled supplies. These have been used to assist create the headliner, carpeting, and a few tender trim elements.
Regardless of being considerably bigger than its predecessor, second-row legroom falls from 40.3 inches (1,023 mm) to 38.5 inches (977 mm). That’s a major drop, however this 6’ 2” scribe was completely comfy in again and there’s a shocking quantity of headroom in addition. Jeep officers additionally identified rear seat passengers will discover an extra 2.5 inches (64 mm) of shoulder room in addition to an additional 5.2 inches (132 mm) of hip room.
Whereas second-row legroom shrinks, cargo capability grows by 30%. Jeep stated prospects wished more room, so that they delivered 33.6 cubic toes (952 liters) behind the second-row and 68.3 cubic toes (1,934 liters) behind the entrance seats. That’s up from 54.7 cubic toes (1,549 liters) within the outdated mannequin.
Jeep was coy on gear particulars, however talked about a variety of choices together with heated and ventilated entrance seats in addition to heated rear seats. Prospects may even have the ability to get a digital rearview mirror, a dual-pane sunroof, an Alpine audio system, and a foot-activated energy liftgate.
A Hybrid Coronary heart
Energy comes from a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 177 hp (132 kW / 179 PS) and 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) of torque. It’s paired to a hybrid system, which options two electrical motors, an electronically managed repeatedly variable transmission, and a 1.08 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
This setup offers the crossover a mixed output of 210 hp (157 kW / 213 PS) and 230 lb-ft (312 Nm) of torque. That’s considerably greater than the outdated 2.4-liter four-cylinder and Stellantis’ head of world propulsion programs, Micky Bly, instructed us the “torque comes on early and stays sturdy.” He additionally famous the powertrain has been subjected to “1000’s of miles of improvement and testing.”
The hybrid powertrain is paired to a regular four-wheel drive system with a rear-axle disconnect to maximise effectivity. This permits the crossover to return 42 mpg metropolis, 33 mpg freeway, and 37 mpg mixed.
Michael Gauthier / Carscoops
Jeep is worked up about providing their first hybrid in America, however the Cherokee trails a variety of key rivals. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 produces as much as 236 hp (176 kW / 239 PS), whereas the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid has 231 hp (172 kW / 234 PS). The latter mannequin additionally presents as much as 38 mpg mixed.
The Cherokee rides on the STLA Massive platform and has a towing capability of three,500 lbs (1,587 kg). That’s lower than the KL and the mannequin can be heavier because the curb weight climbs from 3,875 lbs (1,758 kg) to 4,295 lbs (1,948 kg).
These trying to enterprise off-road will discover strategy, departure, and breakover angles of 19.6°, 29.4°, and 18.8°. Jeep famous the strategy and departure angles are best-in-class, and so they’re accompanied by 8 inches (203 mm) of floor clearance. This could present an honest quantity of functionality, however critical off-roaders will need to watch for the upcoming Trailhawk.
An assortment of driver help programs come commonplace together with lively driving help, which mixes adaptive cruise management with a lane centering perform. Prospects may even discover intersection collision help, rear park help with automated emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross path detection. There’s additionally ahead automated emergency braking with pedestrian and bike owner detection. Consumers can even get an non-compulsory 360° digital camera system in addition to a system that reveals your blind spots when a flip sign is activated.
Begins At $36,995
There’s lots to love in regards to the 2026 Cherokee, however pricing begins at $36,995 together with a $1,995 vacation spot payment. That’s $2,035 greater than the Tucson Hybrid and $5,260 greater than the Kia Sportage Hybrid. It is going to additionally possible be costlier than the 2026 RAV4 because the outgoing hybrid begins at $34,050.
Deliveries are slated to start late this yr and the preliminary focus shall be on the Restricted and Overland trims. The cheaper Cherokee and Laredo variants will observe in early 2026, and all shall be imported from Toluca, Mexico.
2026 Jeep Cherokee Pricing
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