2026 Jeep® Cherokee (KM) Quietly Prepped for Brazilian Debut

The all-new 2026 Jeep® Cherokee (KM), originally positioned as a North American-exclusive model, may already be on Stellantis’ short list for a broader global role. Even before the midsize SUV hits U.S. dealerships, Jeep is preparing to show it off in Brazil this November, using the upcoming São Paulo International Motor Show 2025 (Nov. 22–30) as a real-world test to measure consumer response.

On paper, the Cherokee wasn’t designed for Brazil. But with changing market conditions and Stellantis looking to streamline and globalize its hybrid lineup, this reveal-in-advance approach isn’t accidental. It’s a strategic probe.

Why Bring the Cherokee to Brazil Before Launch? –

Jeep has one of the strongest brand followings in South America, especially in Brazil, where SUVs dominate the market. But the current Grand Cherokee 4xe sold there is large, expensive, and positioned more as a prestige import than a mainstream option.

The 2026 Cherokee changes that equation completely. It offers:

• A smaller footprint

• Lower expected pricing

• A conventional hybrid system (not a plug-in)

• An estimated 37 mpg combined

• Over 500 miles (805+ km) of range

That formula hits right at Brazil’s sweet spot: efficiency, capability, and lower ownership cost. Stellantis wants to know if this redesigned Cherokee could ultimately replace the U.S.-built Grand Cherokee 4xe in that market—giving Brazilian customers a more attainable alternative without sacrificing Jeep DNA.

A New Hybrid Engine Designed for Real-World Use –

The 2026 Cherokee debuts Stellantis’ first North American hybrid system built around the new 1.6-liter turbo-four hybrid, delivering 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque using two electric motors and a compact battery.

Production of this engine will come from the Dundee Engine Plant in Michigan, marking a major step in Stellantis’ multi-energy plan. The hybrid avoids the charging infrastructure challenges that Brazil still faces by offering long range, high efficiency, and no need to plug in.

Early Brazilian media coverage has already highlighted the appeal of a traditional hybrid over a PHEV, especially given fuel costs and varying regional infrastructure.

Jeep Capability and a More Rugged Look – 

The new Cherokee adopts a boxier, upright stance inspired by classic Jeep models, but with modern lighting and a more athletic profile. Inside, it offers a much larger cabin than the previous generation, bigger cargo space, a new rotary shifter, and large screens running the latest Uconnect 5 system with OTA updates and built-in connected services.

Capability remains a core pillar: standard 4×4, best-in-class approach and departure angles, 8 inches of ground clearance, and the familiar Selec-Terrain drive modes.

Testing Waters Before Making a Move –

The São Paulo show is still weeks away, but Jeep clearly wants to understand how Brazilian consumers respond before making any long-term commitments. If the public reaction is strong—and there’s good reason to believe it will be—the “North America-only” Cherokee could find itself heading south as soon as Stellantis greenlights an export strategy.

For now, the brand is keeping plans quiet. But bringing the new Cherokee to Brazil early shows that Stellantis is seriously evaluating whether this hybrid SUV can fill the gap left by the Grand Cherokee 4xe.