Next-Gen Jeep® Cherokee (KM) Teased Again With Bold New Look

Jeep® is stirring up excitement once again, dropping a fresh teaser for the all-new 2026 Jeep Cherokee (KM) on its social media pages yesterday. This latest preview gives us the clearest look yet at what’s to come—and it’s got “Jeep” written all over it.

Let’s start with the front end. Unlike the all-electric Wagoneer S, which is all about smooth surfaces and sealed-off grilles, the new Cherokee sticks to its roots. Jeep’s signature seven-slot grille is front and center, wide open and ready to breathe. This SUV needs airflow because, well, it’s built to move—not just look pretty. 

The body looks beefier than before. Compared to the outgoing KL model, this new Cherokee is visibly longer and wider. That’s great news for families, commuters, and weekend warriors who need more space for people or gear. The squared-off rear end is clean and functional—no sloping roofline or exaggerated spoilers here. This is a real SUV for real life.

Side profile? Think baby Grand Cherokee L. The proportions, glass shape, and upright design clearly pull inspiration from its bigger sibling. It looks more upscale now without going full luxury, keeping that balance between rugged and refined.

Recent spy photos showed us the cabin design leaning to a more modern look, but still keeps it practical. Those photos showed the Latitude trim, which skips the fancier features found in pricier versions but still includes a huge 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen and a matching 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster for the driver. Jeep’s new rotary shifter is front and center, with piano black accents and haptic buttons now moved lower on the center stack for better usability. It’s a clean, smart layout that doesn’t try too hard.

What’s especially cool about this new teaser is how it celebrates the Cherokee’s legacy in the North American market. The ad highlights three iconic generations—the original full-size Cherokee (SJ), the legendary XJ, and the outgoing KL. It’s a reminder that this nameplate has been a key part of Jeep’s lineup since the late ’70s. Jeep didn’t show the Liberty (KJ and KK) models, which were branded as “Cherokee” outside of the U.S. and Canada, keeping the spotlight on the American connection.

According to our sources, production of the new Cherokee will be exclusive to the North American market, and that’s no accident. Jeep knows its audience here, and it’s building this SUV to meet the demands of American buyers. From daily commuters to off-roaders, there’s still a big appetite for midsize SUVs that do it all—and Jeep is clearly positioning the new Cherokee to compete hard in the crowded D-SUV segment.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee is expected to land in dealerships later this year.