Everything You Need To Know About The 2026 Jeep® Cherokee

After a brief pause, the Jeep® Cherokee nameplate returns for 2026 with a complete redesign—inside, outside, and under the hood. Known for blending everyday practicality with authentic off-road capability, the Cherokee (KM) now rides into a new era as a fuel-efficient hybrid SUV built to tackle both highways and trails.

The new model marks a major milestone for Jeep and Stellantis in North America. It debuts a turbocharged 1.6-liter I4 hybrid powertrain, the first of its kind in a Jeep vehicle on this continent. Combined with fresh design language, class-leading technology, and a range of trims that stretch from basic adventure gear to upscale refinement, the 2026 Cherokee stands as a turning point for one of Jeep’s longest-running nameplates.

Exterior Design – Classic Jeep Lines Meet Modern Purpose

Visually, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee is instantly recognizable as part of the Jeep family, yet it looks completely fresh. Jeep’s design team, led by Vince Galante, struck a balance between nostalgia and modernity, drawing inspiration from over 50 years of Cherokee heritage while adapting the SUV for today’s design expectations and aerodynamic efficiency.

The body is longer, taller, and wider than before, creating a bolder stance and improving both passenger and cargo space. The front end features boxy LED headlights with crisp U-shaped daytime running lights that frame the classic seven-slot grille. The grille is slightly recessed, giving the Cherokee a tough yet refined face.

Down the sides, strong horizontal lines emphasize the SUV’s width and capability, while short front and rear overhangsimprove its approach and departure angles. The wheel arches are squared-off, a Jeep design staple that communicates strength and off-road readiness. The Cherokee’s more upright greenhouse design improves outward visibility, an area previous generations struggled with.

At the back, the Cherokee wears distinctive jerry can-inspired LED taillights, squared-off corners, and a wider tailgate opening for easier cargo loading. The design is clean but purposeful — you can tell it was shaped by both form and function.

Dimensions:

• Overall Length: Approximately 187 inches

• Width: Around 74 inches

• Height: 67 inches

• Wheelbase: 110 inches

Every inch of this design serves a purpose. The new Cherokee looks ready for a trail one moment and polished enough for a downtown valet the next.

Color Options – Seven Shades Of Adventure

Jeep knows buyers like individuality, and the 2026 Cherokee offers a wide range of colors to suit every lifestyle. The lineup includes both bold and classic tones, with optional two-tone combinations available on the Overland.

Available Exterior Colors:

• ‘41: A deep military-style green that nods to Jeep’s WWII heritage ($595)

• Bright White: Classic and timeless (no charge)

• Diamond Black: Deep metallic black with pearl shimmer ($595)

• Hydro Blue: Vibrant and bold ($595)

• Red Hot: Rich, sporty red with depth ($595)

• Silver Zynith: Elegant metallic silver tone ($595)

• Sting-Gray: Sleek and modern gray ($595)

On Overland models, a Gloss Black Painted Roof can be added for $495 to create a premium two-tone appearance. Monotone paint is standard on other trims.

Interior Design – Space, Comfort, And Smart Technology

Inside, the 2026 Cherokee offers a completely revamped environment with a clear focus on comfort, technology, and practicality. The cabin is larger and smarter, with 30% more cargo space than before and improved ergonomics throughout.

Interior Layout & Features

Every Cherokee features a rotary gear selector that replaces the old shifter, freeing up valuable center console space. Designers used durable soft-touch materials, premium stitching, and recycled elements in the carpets and plastics to promote sustainability.

Key Standard Features (All Trims):

• 10.25-inch full-color digital gauge cluster

• 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with Uconnect 5

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™

• Alexa Built-In voice assistant

• Rain-sensing wipers

• Dual-zone automatic climate control

• Push-button start with keyless entry

Jeep’s Connect One service comes standard, providing 10 years of access to OTA updates, remote vehicle functions, SOS emergency calls, and more. Customers can upgrade to Connect Wi-Fi Plus for unlimited in-car data and streaming.

Safety & Driver Assistance

Jeep made driver safety a top priority. Every 2026 Cherokee includes:

• Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian & Cyclist Detection

• Blind-Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection

• Intersection Collision Assist

• Active Driving Assist (Level 2 semi-autonomous)

• Drowsy Driver Detection

• Rear Park Assist with automatic braking

Interior Materials By Trim

• Cherokee & Laredo: Cloth seats in Global Black or Arctic/Black

• Limited: Capri leatherette with Cognac accent stitching

• Overland: Premium perforated leatherette with unique stitching, heated rear seats, and ventilated fronts

For a touch of luxury, options like a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, Alpine premium audio system, and hands-free power liftgate are available on mid- and upper trims.

Powertrain – The Heart Of Jeep’s New Hybrid Era

The biggest news under the hood is Jeep’s all-new 1.6-liter I4 EP Turbo Hybrid engine. It’s the first Jeep hybrid system built in North America and marks Stellantis’ next step in its multi-energy powertrain strategy.

This advanced system pairs a turbocharged 1.6-liter I4 gasoline engine with two electric motors and a compact battery pack, producing a combined 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed through a BN EVT313 hybrid transmission, tuned to deliver seamless transitions between electric and gas propulsion.

Performance & Efficiency:

• Horsepower: 210 horsepower

• Torque: 230 lb-ft

• Combined Fuel Economy: 37 MPG (estimated)

• Total Driving Range: 500+ miles per tank

Unlike plug-in hybrids, the 2026 Cherokee’s setup doesn’t require external charging. The hybrid system recharges itself through regenerative braking and energy recapture, ensuring efficiency without plugging in.

The engine and electric components are assembled at the Dundee Engine Plant in Dundee, Michigan, underscoring Jeep’s investment in hybrid production for the North American market.

Capability – Built To Go Anywhere

Even with a hybrid heart, the 2026 Cherokee remains a true Jeep at its core. All trims come standard with Jeep Active Drive I 4×4, which automatically transfers torque between the front and rear axles based on traction needs.

Selec-Terrain Drive Modes

• Auto: Everyday driving mode that adapts automatically

• Sport: Sharper throttle and steering response for pavement driving

• Snow: Optimized torque for slick conditions

• Sand/Mud: Increased traction and torque split for off-road situations

Capability Specs

• Approach Angle: 19.6°

• Breakover Angle: 18.8°

• Departure Angle: 29.4°

• Ground Clearance: 8 inches

• Towing Capacity: Up to 3,500 lbs (with Trailer Tow Group)

Optional features like Off-Road Info Pages, Trailer Hitch Zoom, and Class III Receiver Hitch further enhance the Cherokee’s all-terrain and towing versatility.

The 2026 Cherokee isn’t designed to replace hardcore off-roaders like the Wrangler, but rather to bridge the gap between rugged utility and comfortable daily driving — something few SUVs balance as well.

Pricing Breakdown – Four Trims, One Powertrain

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee lineup consists of four 4×4 trims, each powered by the same hybrid engine but tuned for different levels of comfort and tech.

Cherokee 4×4 (Base)

MSRP: $35,000
Destination: $1,995
As-equipped base total: $36,995

Standard highlights: Hybrid powertrain, Uconnect 5 w/ 12.3″ screen, 10.25-inch cluster, Active Driving Assist (L2), Blind-Spot w/ Rear Cross Path, AEB w/ Ped & Cyclist, rain-sensing wipers, cloth seats (Global Black), keyless entry, rear park assist w/ auto brake.

Factory options that matter:

• Premium Paint: $595

• Mopar Interior Protection Group (cargo liner + all-weather mats): $295

• Compact Spare Tire: $495

• MyFlexCare Service Plan: $225

• Front License Plate Bracket: $0

• Hawaii Dest. Surcharge: $50

Step-up cost to Laredo: $3,000 more on base MSRP (before options).

Cherokee Laredo 4×4

MSRP: $38,000
Destination: $1,995
As-equipped base total: $39,995

What you gain vs. base: Embossed cloth choices (Global Black or Arctic/Black), spec-correct tires (225/60R18 All-Season or Touring at $0), subtle appearance/content upgrades.

Factory options that matter:

• Premium Paint: $595

• Mopar Interior Protection Group: $295

• Compact Spare Tire: $495

• MyFlexCare Service Plan: $225

• Front License Plate Bracket: $0

• Hawaii Dest. Surcharge: $50

Step-up cost to Limited: $2,500 (and that price difference is largely the Limited’s 23G package content).

Cherokee Limited 4×4

MSRP: $38,000
Destination: $1,995
Required package: Quick Order Package 23G Limited = $2,500
As-equipped base total: $42,495

What 23G adds (key items): Power liftgate, wireless charging pad, heated steering wheel, auto-dim rearview mirror, power 6-way passenger seat + 2-way passenger lumbar, power fold-away mirrors w/ signals & courtesy lamps, Universal Garage Door Opener, security alarm, Limited badging, Cognac stitching.

Limited-only high-value options:

• Tech Group: $1,295 (9-speaker amplified audio w/ sub, HD Radio, GPS Nav, Alexa Built-In, Map-in-Cluster, Off-Road Info Pages, Hands-Free Power Liftgate)

• Trailer Tow Group: $995 (7/4-pin wiring, Class III receiver, Trailer Hitch Zoom, Compact Spare Tire included, Blind-Spot w/ Trailer Detection)

• Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof: $1,995

• Mopar Interior Protection Group: $295

• Premium Paint: $595

• MyFlexCare: $225

• Front Plate Bracket: $0

• Hawaii Dest. Surcharge: $50

Note: If you pick Trailer Tow Group, don’t add the stand-alone Compact Spare ($495)—it’s already included in the Tow package.

Step-up cost to Overland: $3,500 on base MSRP (before packages).

Cherokee Overland 4×4

MSRP: $44,000
Destination: $1,995
As-equipped base total: $45,995

Overland character: Luxury + tech tilt with unique perforated Capri leatherette, Arctic/Black optioning, and access to two-tone roof finishes.

Overland-specific/priority options:

• Advanced Pro Tech Group: $1,495 (Surround View Camera, ParkSense Automated Parking, Ventilated Front Seats, Heated Second Row, De-icer, Digital Rearview Mirror w/ washer)

• Gloss Black Painted Roof: $495 (includes Two-Tone Paint Group, which otherwise prices at $0 as a scheme enable)

• Trailer Tow Group: $995 (includes Compact Spare)

• Mopar Interior Protection Group: $295

• Premium Paint: $595

• Compact Spare (stand-alone): $495 (only if you didn’t buy Tow)

• MyFlexCare: $225

• Front Plate Bracket: $0

• Hawaii Dest. Surcharge: $50

Trim-to-Trim Price Gaps (MSRP before options)

• Cherokee → Laredo: +$3,000

• Laredo → Limited (23G content): +$2,500

• Limited → Overland: +$3,500

Those gaps track closely with the content jumps you actually feel from the driver’s seat.

Availability & Production

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee will begin production at the Toluca Assembly Plant in late 2025, starting with the Limited and Overland trims. The base and Laredo models will follow in early 2026. All models will be offered exclusively in 4×4 configuration at launch.

Final Thoughts 

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee represents a major leap forward for one of the most historic nameplates in the Jeep lineup. By combining hints of classic Jeep styling, a new hybrid drivetrain, and class-leading interior technology, Jeep has created a vehicle that bridges old-school adventure with new-age efficiency.