2026 Jeep® Cherokee Returns As A Bold, Boxy Hybrid

The Jeep® Cherokee has long carried weight in the SUV world. From its role in defining the midsize SUV segment in the 1980s to its more recent iterations, the Cherokee has always struck a balance between rugged off-road DNA and family-friendly practicality. After a short hiatus, the Cherokee returns for the 2026 model year as an all-new, boxy, hybrid-powered SUV aimed squarely at reclaiming its spot in the most competitive segment in North America.

This isn’t just another refresh — it’s a ground-up redesign built on Stellantis’ new STLA Large platform. For Jeep, it’s also a milestone: the Cherokee becomes the first Jeep hybrid vehicle offered exclusively in North America. With it, Jeep aims to bring back traditional Cherokee buyers while also appealing to a new audience looking for fuel efficiency without giving up capability.

Jeep® CEO Bob Broderdorf explained the thinking behind the vehicle:
“We took the time to step back and analyze the North American midsize SUV market to understand one thing: what do customers want from a next-generation Jeep Cherokee? The answer is a great-looking SUV with incredible range, more standard technology, safety equipment, capability to match their lifestyles, driven by a powerful and efficient powertrain.”

Powertrain: Hybrid Performance, Jeep Capability – 

At the heart of the 2026 Cherokee is a brand-new propulsion system: a turbocharged 1.6-liter I4 hybrid. It’s a Stellantis-first for the North American market and proof of the automaker’s expanding multi-energy strategy. The system combines a compact turbocharged I4 engine with two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery to produce 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque.

That might not sound like a record-breaking performance on paper, but it’s tuned for real-world strength and efficiency. The hybrid returns an estimated 37 MPG combined while delivering over 500 miles of range on a single tank of fuel. For comparison, that’s more than enough to drive from Detroit to Chicago and back without stopping for gas — something no Cherokee has ever achieved before.

Micky Bly, Stellantis Senior VP of Global Propulsion Systems, highlighted the development process:
“The new 1.6-liter hybrid engine is a major step forward in delivering both performance and efficiency for our customers. Over thousands of miles of development and testing, we’ve dialed in this new hybrid powertrain to deliver all the performance you need for your daily adventures, with electrified torque and worry-free range wherever the road takes you.”

For drivers who use their Cherokee as a weekend workhorse, Jeep promises unsurpassed towing ratings for the class (final numbers will be released closer to launch). The setup will be built in Dundee, Michigan, while final assembly of the SUV will take place in Toluca, Mexico.

Exterior Design: Rugged Lines, Modern Presence –

If the previous Cherokee leaned toward soft, rounded crossover styling, the 2026 model goes the other way: boxy, upright, and bold. It’s longer, wider, and taller than the last generation, with sharp edges and squared-off details that recall the classic XJ Cherokee — the SUV that cemented Jeep’s dominance in the 1990s.

The front fascia wears Jeep’s iconic seven-slot grille, framed by squared LED headlamps and U-shaped daytime running lights. The side profile is blockier and more upright, with flat sheet metal that emphasizes width and strength. Around back, new “Jerry Can” inspired taillights connect the Cherokee to Jeep’s off-road heritage while giving it a unique nighttime signature.

Jeep’s VP of Global Design, Vince Galante, summed it up:
“From every angle, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee evokes the best of the brand’s rich design history. These bold, upright shapes are complemented by Jeep’s iconic seven slot grille, boxy side profile, and distinctive ‘Jerry Can’ inspired taillight design, giving it an instantly recognizable signature on the road.”

The Cherokee’s new look isn’t just about nostalgia. The squared-off body opens up more usable interior space while projecting the kind of rugged durability Jeep customers expect. 

Interior: More Room, More Tech, More Thoughtful – 

Step inside the new Cherokee, and it’s clear Jeep wanted to elevate the cabin. The SUV is significantly larger inside, with more headroom, more legroom, and 30% more cargo capacity than the outgoing model. That translates to easier road trips, bigger grocery runs, and space for gear when adventure calls.

A new rotary gear selector clears up space in the center console, creating room for personal items like phones, wallets, and water bottles. Jeep designers also focused on material quality, offering trims with unique perforated patterns and sustainable choices like recycled carpets and non-leather seating surfaces.

Every trim comes loaded with tech, including:

• 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster

• 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Uconnect 5

• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto™

• Passive entry system

• Rain-sensing wipers

Buyers who step up to Limited or Overland can add premium features like ventilated front seats, a dual-pane sunroof, a 360-degree camera, a digital rearview mirror, an Alexa in-vehicle assistant, and a premium sound system.

Another highlight is Jeep’s new Connect One package, which comes standard and includes 10 years of connected services — like OTA software updates, SOS calls, and a smartphone app for remote functions. Customers can then upgrade to Connect Wi-Fi Plus for unlimited in-car data.

Safety: Standard Technology Across the Board – 

Safety is a major focus for the 2026 Cherokee. Jeep says the SUV offers 140 standard and available safety features, which puts it among the leaders in the segment. Importantly, a wide range of advanced driver-assist systems is standard equipment across all trims.

These include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection, intersection collision assist, rear automatic braking, and drowsy driver detection. The highlight is Jeep’s Active Driving Assist — a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system with adaptive cruise control that reduces driver fatigue on long trips.

Capability: The Jeep Difference – 

While the hybrid powertrain is a big story, Jeep made sure the 2026 Cherokee still earns its badge. Every model comes with the Jeep Active Drive I 4×4 system, including a rear-axle disconnect for better fuel efficiency when full traction isn’t needed.

The Selec-Terrain traction management system lets drivers dial in modes for Auto, Sport, Snow, and Sand/Mud, adjusting throttle response, transmission behavior, and power delivery to suit the conditions. With 8 inches of ground clearance and best-in-class approach and departure angles (19.6° and 29.4°), the Cherokee is still capable of heading off the pavement when needed.

Jeep also confirmed a Trailhawk version is in the pipeline, which will push off-road performance even further. Expect upgraded suspension, skid plates, all-terrain tires, and Jeep’s more advanced Active Drive II system when it arrives.

Trims, Pricing, and Availability –

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee lineup will consist of four trims at launch: Cherokee (base), Laredo, Limited, and Overland. Each is well-equipped, with standard hybrid power and safety features.

• Cherokee (Base): $36,995 (including $1,995 destination)

• Laredo: $39,995

• Limited: $42,495

• Overland: $45,995

The Limited and Overland arrive at dealerships in late 2025, while the base Cherokee and Laredo will follow in early 2026. All production will be handled at Stellantis’ Toluca Assembly Plant in Mexico.

Conclusion: A Smarter, Stronger Cherokee – 

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee isn’t just a comeback — it’s a reimagining. By combining heritage-inspired design, a brand-new hybrid powertrain, modern tech, and legendary Jeep capability, the Cherokee repositions itself as a serious player in the midsize SUV market. It’s bigger, safer, more efficient, and more versatile than any Cherokee before it, ready to take Jeep’s loyal customers — and new ones — on adventures that go further without compromise.

2026 Jeep® Cherokee Image Gallery: