All-New 2026 Jeep® Cherokee (KM) Prepares for Debut Late 2025

All-New 2026 Jeep® Cherokee (KM) Prepares for Debut Late 2025​

Jeep’s First-Ever North American Hybrid-Only SUV Breaks Cover This Year​

Jeep® fans, the wait is almost over. The all-new 2026 Jeep Cherokee (KM) is on its way, and it’s bringing a big change with it: it’s going hybrid-only. That’s right—this will be the first North American Jeep vehicle offered exclusively with a hybrid powertrain. No gas-only or plug-in (PHEV) options—just one smart, fuel-saving setup built for adventure.

All-New 2026 Jeep® Cherokee (KM) Prepares for Debut Late 2025

Jeep fans rejoice! The all-new 2026 Jeep Cherokee (KM) makes its debut late 2025 with an exclusive hybrid powertrain.

moparinsiders.com

 

[TripleT]

All of those who keep saying to remake the XJ... folks a XJ can't be made from any regulatory perspective NONE. Starting with Safety. XJ asside from build quality that we all forget, and driving dynamics which when first introduced was outstand for the class is just horrible. If you want a XJ for the very very narrow niche of off roading. GO BUY ONE??? They are literally everywhere. And the is the issue you can sell something at $35K that you can buy a clean low mileage one for $12K.

 

[BWS1]

This is not meant for old timer Jeepers. The Grand Cherokee and Wrangler fill that gap.

This is meant for people who would otherwise buy a RAV-4, CR-V, or another compact crossover and want a Jeep, but don’t want to give up efficiency.

Yes Bill and I are plenty intelligent enough to know that. But that doesn’t excuse many on the forum who just want to respond like horses ass to every thing they disagree with. Shame on you for allowing it. There is another factor with the four cylinder craze, that’s all we are going to run - mentality. As some have been so quick to point out, just as a straight six is inherently smooth and supple in operation , a four banger is inherently choppy, buzzy, rough, unrefined. I don’t care how many ways you try to balance shaft it. Drove them my whole life, I know. Some are better than others, but they all lack refinement in comparison to a 60 degree v6, straight six, or v8. So this car will not achieve a high level of refinement in the powertrain. It might have power to go to the moon and back. Yay. It’s still an unrefined four banger. Many Jeep buyers, JEEP buyers, the ones with the money to spend (old timers) will recoil . And so will some young timers.

 

[patfromigh]

So... It seems that 1.6 has 177 HP. Not much. And electric part gives roughly 40 HP. That's not much for a HEV.
I don't know if it's Miller or not. Compression ratio?

Comparing this to Renault HEV which has small 1.2 turbo has only 130 HP for a total of 200 HP.

But Renault has a 2 kWh battery compared to a tiny 1 kWh on a Jeep.
1 kWh is P2.5 MHEV level.

And then it seems that for a hybrid tech a lot has been bought or licenced form Toyota and Toyota owned suppliers.
It has EVT transmission.

I think that both European and Americans do not like EVTs. They do operate and feel like a CVT although they're not CVTs.

Now I will go back to Renault. They have their own innovative hybrid transmission with 4 gears and additional electric gears.
Although it's not ideal it's much closer on feel to a classic gearbox operation.
Was it possible to licence Renault's tech?

@patfromigh
1.5 GSE from FCA has 1460 cc capacity and is extremely compact for a 1.5 liter engine.
It's a Miller engine with 160 HP and 240 Nm at just 1500 rpm. It has VGT.
This engine is built for a real life fuel efficiency.

In my opinion what Stellantis lacks and needs is a proper Miller cycle 2.0 GME and 3.0 GME.
I don't know if US fuel formulation is one obstacle.
The other obstacle is willingness to build and develop such engines.

Here is what the Stellantis Media North America website says:

“Our new 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid engine is a major step forward in delivering both performance and efficiency for our customers,” said Micky Bly, Stellantis senior vice president and head of global propulsion systems. “Over millions 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.”

Originally developed in Europe, the U.S.-assembled, third-generation internal combustion engine is adapted for hybrid applications. It uses a high-pressure direct injection fuel system and produces 177 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 221 lb.-ft. of torque between 2,000-3,500 rpm.

The turbocharger delivers up to 38 psi of boost, while the engine runs with an 11.3:1 compression ratio with a Miller Cycle combustion, which delays the closing of the intake valves for more efficient combustion. A liquid charge air cooler helps reduce the temperature of the intake air to achieve the performance requirements of the vehicle. The block and head are formed with high pressure die cast aluminum.

Pumps for the engine and battery cooling systems, and the air conditioning compressor, are driven electrically to reduce the load on the engine, enhancing overall efficiency. A close-coupled catalytic converter helps the powertrain meet SULEV 30 (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle) requirements and the system is designed to adapt to future regulations. Stellantis-developed proprietary software optimizes the interactions between the engine and the transmission.

Source: Stellantis Media - Stellantis 1.6-liter Turbocharged 4-cylinder Hybrid Powertrain Delivers Performance and Efficiency With No Plug
(There is a link for a press kit on that page, which leads to a spec sheet.)

The Pacifica PHEV uses an in-house built eCVT, but that transmission is too large to fit in many of the smaller Stellantis vehicles. Also the Pacifica PHEV uses a Pentastar V6 running the Atkinson Cycle. To me, using a Toyota/Aisin/BluE Nexus hybrid drive is a good thing. It's not a Punch. The battery capacity and e-motor power of the Cherokee's hybrid system are not that far off from the latest Prius. To quote Motor Trend from the article on the 2024 Car of the Year award, which was given to the latest generation Prius. "All Priuses ditch the old 95-hp 1.8-liter I-4 found in every Prius for the last 14 years in favor of a more powerful 150-hp 2.0-liter I-4. Prius hybrids pair that engine with a 111-hp electric motor, CVT, and 0.91-kWh battery pack for a combined output of 194 ..."

I don't understand the math involved to get a total system output of 194hp when combining a 150hp four cylinder and an 111hp electric motor. The high voltage battery isn't that big on the Prius either. It would be batter to compare the Jeep Cherokee with the Toyota Highlander, but that model is harder to hunt down the specifications for.

Americans are on a waiting lists to buy Maverick Hybrids and most Toyota Hybrids which use eCVT hybrid systems. Rumor has it that CT killed the GME running Miller Cycle because he insisted Auburn Hills was to go all in on battery electric. I'm not happy about the 1.5 GSE-T being banished to South America either. A MHEV Renegade 4Xe with that engine and the 7-speed Magna transmission would be a huge hit in our market. The decision to give us the 1.6 PSA motor instead of the 1.5 GSE was made in France, not Auburn Hills. The lines are in place and production is starting, so it is a little late to change their minds.

A hybrid version of the 3.0 liter Hurricane 6 is missing along with implementation of the ZF hybrid transmissions in both 48V and high voltage versions.

If the Toyota/Aisin/BluE Nexus consortium really is the supplier for the hybrid transmission in the KM Cherokee, that is very good news. Auburn Hills can get them back on the phone and ask for their single motor hybrid transmission to use behind a 2.0 liter GME for the Trailhawk. A PHEV version of that transmission would rescue the Wagoneer S and probably the Recon in our market as an alternative to the battery electric drive.

 

[UN4GTBL]

I agree with you on that. It’s priced too closely to the Grand Cherokee.

I also don’t disagree that a more powerful engine would be ideal for those of us who are car enthusiasts. The 2.0 turbo would be great. The people who buy these compact crossovers don’t seem to care about power though, given that GM discontinued the 2.0 turbo in the Equinox and Terrain several years ago too.

I’d like to see a few changes:
- A Summit model without the ugly black cladding
- A Trailhawk with legitimate off-road cred
- 2.0 turbo as a no cost option on Limited and above
- A non-grayscale interior color

KL Overland had body coloured trim, not sure why the KM Overland looks so basic.

I’m still stumped about the nose on KM, and still baffled that this wasn’t revealed with a Trailhawk version at launch.

 

[TripleT]

KL Overland had body coloured trim, not sure why the KM Overland looks so basic.

I’m still stumped about the nose on KM, and still baffled that this wasn’t revealed with a Trailhawk version at launch.

Pretty common to start with these parts a launch and thing transition to body match later in life cycle.

Looks like there is room for better approach in TrailHawk.... what I am hoping is the Drivetrain and AWD low system is not ready yet?

 

[patfromigh]

Pretty common to start with these parts a launch and thing transition to body match later in life cycle.

Looks like there is room for better approach in TrailHawk.... what I am hoping is the Drivetrain and AWD low system is not ready yet?

Did Jeep already give us a Cherokee TrailHawk preview, but under a different name?

Meet The 'Trail-Rated' 2024 Jeep® Wagoneer S Trailhawk Concept

Jeep® has once again pushed the envelope of capability and design with the introduction of its all-new Jeep Wagoneer S Trailhawk Concept. Unveiled after reveal of the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition in New York City, this fully electric SUV is the first Wagoneer to proudly wear the Trailhawk...

moparinsiders.com

 

[TripleT]

 

[patfromigh]

I need more confirmation on the supplier for the KM Cherokee's hybrid transmission. If it is Aisin then Jeep could use their single motor transmission for the Trailhawk and basically duplicate Toyota's Hybrid Max system from the Grand Highlander. It uses a conventional 6-speed automatic with the torque convertor replaced by an e-motor and clutches. Aisin will happily sell the transmission to a competitor. (The Tonale uses a version from this series, but I don't know if it has a torque converter or not.) Some of the hybrids from the PSA side of the house used the hybrid version before CT bought into the Punch. The secret ingredient in the Toyota Hybrid Max is the rear axle and if Jeep can't come up with one of their own from the Wagoneer S or Recon, shame on them. The same thing goes with finding a high output four cylinder.

There are other driveline solutions as well from the other suppliers listed in the Auburn Hills Rolodex.

 

[TripleT]

I would champion the E-axle for the Trailhawk. Even coupled with the 1.3T, but my preference would be the 2.0T

 

[patfromigh]

It will be interesting to see what the Recon has under the hood when it arrives. It is the replacement for the Wrangler in Europe, so if it is strictly a battery electric that's understandable, but also unfortunate for our market. Sharing e-axles between battery electrics and hybrids is so obvious and simple that it's genius. There's an economy of scale with a faster ROI for the engineering and tooling of the common parts involved. Any shift in the political climate or with market direction is cushioned by having the manufacturing capabilities already in place when shifting from one drive solution to another.

That said, the Wagoneer S and Recon both will need a range extender for better acceptance in our market. I'm fairly confident that such strategies will pay off the investments in EVs, even in the absence of government incentives,

 

[TripleT]

Absolutely every EV should be and should have been a REV including the Charger and WagoneerS

REV is the new Hybrid.

Hybrid is the new ICE.

ICE is Niche for Driver or purpose vehicles.

 

[The Mopar Junkie]

 

[patfromigh]

I caught the video above while it was still live on YouTube. If I was there I would have asked about if the switch up in vehicle sizes was planned or accidental. (The KM Cherokee is the size of the WK2 Grand Cherokee and the next Compass will be the size of the old Cherokee.) What struck me was the statement that a regular hybrid doesn't require a lifestyle change like an EV or a plug-in hybrid does. I hadn't thought of that way. I also hope they are serious about cutting back on the option bundles and other mandatory option schemes. I'm still very curious what other drive trains will be offered both on the Cherokee and the next Compass.

I hope the KM Cherokee does well.

 

[TripleT]

What struck me was the statement that a regular hybrid doesn't require a lifestyle change like an EV or a plug-in hybrid does. I hadn't thought of that way.

I hope the KM Cherokee does well.

This is a odd statement... maybe a bit of a COPE... because doesn't PHEV "requires" a lifestyle change. It just gives you the option of low cost head start. Otherwise it operates as just as Hybrid. You put gas in and drive it. But if you wish you can plug it in at home and drive locally without using gas at all.

Our Tonale averages over 60 mpg (that would have been interesting thing to tell Hornet customers) and JGC 4xE over 40.

 

[UN4GTBL]

This is a odd statement... maybe a bit of a COPE... because doesn't PHEV "requires" a lifestyle change. It just gives you the option of low cost head start. Otherwise it operates as just as Hybrid. You put gas in and drive it. But if you wish you can plug it in at home and drive locally without using gas at all.

Our Tonale averages over 60 mpg (that would have been interesting thing to tell Hornet customers) and JGC 4xE over 40.

To give your JGC 4xe numbers context, our 2017 Prius has averaged 42.4 MPG since we bought it early 2020.

That includes having Blizzaks on it and lots of remote starting during the winter months. It also goes up and down a "mountain" most days when it leaves the house.

In the summer months, it averages closer to 50MPGs.

 

[TripleT]

To give your JGC 4xe numbers context, our 2017 Prius has averaged 42.4 MPG since we bought it early 2020.

That includes having Blizzaks on it and lots of remote starting during the winter months. It also goes up and down a "mountain" most days when it leaves the house.

In the summer months, it averages closer to 50MPGs.

For sure, there needs to be some way to monetize that Electric uses, but some have solar, and I happen to live in a low cost region so it certainly pennies compared to gas. I telecommute, and most of our travel is inside 40 miles. But as for lifestyle change, the biggest is trading plugging in when parking in garage, and then buying gas every 6 weeks. So lifestyle change is positive, because it still is a Hybrid and there is no range anxiety.

 

[patfromigh]

The average person is intimidated by the plug. I saw this a lot when I was working the ready line on the rental floor. The rental companies were a dumping ground for the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4Xe models along with many EVs. I would show people the button on the dash to bypass the EV mode on the Jeeps, but apparently even that act of choosing a drive mode is a lifestyle change. I can’t remember which thread it was, but there are some individuals on this forum who don’t believe that regenerative braking technology works well enough to charge the batteries on a hybrid vehicle.

My Corolla Cross hybrid (Prius in a box) gets just short of 50 mpg in mixed driving. It’s shaped like a brick and the tires belong on a Tacoma. I lose 5 mpg when the temperatures drop below 40 degrees F. When the subzero temperatures show up in the winter my fuel economy drops well into the thirties, but that’s only for two tanks a year.