Jeep® Cherokee Will Return In 2026, With Hybrid Power

The Jeep® Cherokee is officially making its comeback next year, equipped with a hybrid powertrain to align with Jeep’s vision of electrified mobility. Antonio Filosa, Jeep® CEO, and Stellantis’ North American COO confirmed the news during the 2024 LA Auto Show, generating excitement among fans of the iconic nameplate.

A New Generation on a New Platform – 

Our sources have informed us that the all-new 2026 Jeep Cherokee (KM) will be built on the advanced STLA Large architecture, a versatile multi-energy unibody platform. Production will take place at the Toluca Assembly Plant in Mexico, where it will join the assembly line with the all-new, all-electric Jeep Wagoneer S (KX) and Jeep Recon (EJ)—two cutting-edge EVs in Jeep’s growing lineup.

Our sources say that, unlike its siblings, the all-new Cherokee will be launched with a turbocharged 1.6-liter hybrid powertrain. This new engine was announced two years ago as part of an investment in the Dundee Engine Plant in Michigan. These sources also say the Cherokee’s new engine will debut with a new three-speed hybrid-friendly transmission. This could be the same three-speed gearbox we uncovered a patent for on the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) website, which we reported on back in September. 

What to Expect from the New Cherokee – 

The Cherokee will return as a D-segment SUV, slotting between the Compass and Grand Cherokee in both size and price. We hear that Jeep plans to slightly increase the Cherokee’s size (to similar dimensions as the Wagoneer S) to differentiate it from the Compass better, offering more room and a bolder presence.

We are told that the Cherokee will come standard with four-wheel-drive (4×4) capability, reinforcing its adventurous spirit. However, we would love to see a more budget-friendly front-wheel-drive (FWD) offering for those who don’t need 4×4 capability.

According to our sources, Jeep will continue to use a similar trim formula as it did on the last generation of Cherokee:

• Sport
• Latitude (referred to as North in Canada)
• Limited

An off-road-oriented Trailhawk model could arrive later, potentially incorporating many styling cues and features teased on the Wagoneer S Trailhawk Concept, which Jeep teased a few months ago.

Why the Cherokee Matters – 

The Cherokee nameplate has a long-standing legacy in the Jeep lineup, representing a balance of capability, comfort, and style. Jeep is honoring that tradition by reintroducing the Cherokee with a hybrid powertrain while adapting to the evolving demands of today’s market.

Production is set to begin in Q3 2025, and the new Cherokee is expected to hit dealerships in Q4 2025. It will play a crucial role in Jeep’s portfolio, catering to drivers who want an environmentally conscious SUV without sacrificing Jeep’s signature off-road prowess.