CAUGHT: 2026 Jeep® Cherokee (KM) Latitude 4×4 Hybrid

Jeep fans, this is the one you’ve been waiting for. The 2026 Jeep® Cherokee (KM) has been spotted again, with far less camouflage, revealing both the rugged exterior and a first look inside the cabin. With Jeep’s D-segment midsize SUV finally going hybrid-only, this latest prototype gives us the clearest preview yet of what’s to come. And spoiler alert—it’s looking good.

Classic Jeep Styling Meets Modern Design – 

Up front, the Cherokee keeps its Jeep DNA intact with a wide-open seven-slot grille. Unlike its electric cousin, the Wagoneer S, the Cherokee needs airflow—and it’s built to breathe. Slim LED headlights now peek through the camo, giving off a high-tech vibe. The overall design leans more toward a classic SUV than a coupe-inspired crossover. No sloped roofline, no over-styled spoiler—just a clean, squared-off rear that says utility first.

Larger and More Capable Than Ever – 

The body itself looks noticeably bigger than the outgoing Cherokee. Jeep appears to have widened the stance and stretched the length to boost passenger and cargo space. That’s great news for anyone needing more legroom or gear-hauling capability. The side profile is clearly influenced by the Grand Cherokee L, giving the new Cherokee a more upscale and modern silhouette.

A Peek Inside: New Tech, Familiar Feel – 

Inside, we finally get to peek at the updated interior—and it’s loaded. While the layout nods to the Wagoneer S, this Cherokee Latitude stands on its own. Front and center is a massive 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen, joined by a 12.3-inch digital cluster for the driver. The Latitude trim ditches the passenger screen and flashy climate display found in higher-end models, but still keeps the new rotary shifter and repositions the haptic buttons lower in the center stack now with a piano black finish. It’s practical, sleek, and unmistakably Jeep.

Under the Hood: Hybrid-Only Power – 

Under the hood, the all-new Cherokee marks a turning point: this SUV will be offered exclusively with a hybrid powertrain. Power comes from a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a three-speed hybrid transmission. Built in Michigan at the Dundee Engine Plant, this setup is expected to balance strong fuel economy with capable performance, especially when paired with Jeep’s standard 4×4 system.

Trim Lineup and Features – 

At launch, Jeep will offer the 2026 Cherokee in three trims: Sport, Latitude (known as North in Canada), and Limited. An off-road-focused variant is on the way for 2027, we are told. The Limited model, seen here in these latest spy shots, is expected to pack premium gear like 20-inch split 5-spoke wheels with an attached center wrapped in Nexen rubber, a panoramic sunroof, and hands-free STLA AutoDrive tech for semi-autonomous driving.

Positioned for the Sweet Spot – 

The new Cherokee is officially a D-segment SUV, fitting right between the compact Compass and the larger Grand Cherokee. Families and adventure-seekers will appreciate the added space, modern technology, and improved ride quality.

Made for North America – 

Production for the 2026 Jeep Cherokee kicks off in the third quarter of 2025, with deliveries expected by year’s end. It will be built exclusively for the North American market, where hybrid demand continues to rise as the interest in electric vehicles (EVs) cools.

The bottom line: this isn’t just another SUV refresh. The all-new Cherokee is a clean-sheet redesign with serious capability, smart tech, and a focus on hybrids only. It stays true to the Jeep spirit while looking ahead—and from what we’ve seen, it’s going to be a hit.

2025 Jeep® Cherokee (KM) Latitude 4×4 Image Gallery: