The Jeep Cherokee is back, and it’s ready to reclaim its spot as a go-anywhere, do-anything midsize SUV that doesn’t compromise on what makes Jeep a legend. After a two-year break, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee rolls into showrooms with a fresh design, a hybrid powertrain, and a promise to deliver the off-road capability that has defined the brand for decades. With a competitive starting price, a roomier interior, and enough tech to keep up with modern demands, this Cherokee aims to win over drivers who crave adventure without breaking the bank.
A Comeback with Purpose
Jeep’s decision to bring back the Cherokee comes at a critical time. The midsize SUV market is no longer a niche—it’s a battlefield. Rivals like Toyota’s new Land Cruiser and 4Runner, Subaru’s rugged Forester, and Honda’s trail-ready CR-V have raised the stakes. Even Nissan is rumored to be plotting an Xterra revival. In this crowded arena, Jeep needed something that could stand out while staying true to its heritage. The 2026 Cherokee is that answer, filling a gap left when the previous model ended production in 2023.
Image credit: Jeep
Jeep’s showrooms have been buzzing with Wrangler and Gladiator fans, but many customers end up driving away in more practical Grand Cherokees or Compasses. The Cherokee’s return gives dealers a much-needed option for buyers who want Jeep’s legendary capability in a more affordable package. Starting at $36,995 (including a $1,995 destination charge), it’s priced to compete, undercutting many all-wheel-drive competitors like the 2026 Honda CR-V. The higher-end Limited and Overland trims, priced at $42,495 and $45,995, respectively, hit dealerships in late 2025, with base and Laredo models following in early 2026.
Hybrid Power with Jeep Grit
The biggest news under the hood is the Cherokee’s new hybrid powertrain. Jeep has equipped every 2026 Cherokee with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This setup, a first for Jeep in North America, delivers 210 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque—plenty for daily driving and weekend adventures. Built at Stellantis’ Dundee Engine Plant in Michigan, the hybrid system promises an impressive 37 mpg combined and a range of over 500 miles on a single tank, making it one of the most efficient SUVs in its class.
Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf emphasized that the hybrid isn’t just about fuel savings. “The 2026 Jeep Cherokee redefines what a modern midsize SUV can and should be—a striking, turbocharged vehicle with 500-plus miles of range, uncompromising safety, and the capability to chase every adventure,” he said. The system’s electrified torque provides instant response, whether navigating city streets or tackling a muddy trail. While a plug-in hybrid or gasoline-only option might come later, the hybrid-only approach for now keeps the Cherokee competitive with rivals like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid.
Image credit: Jeep
The Cherokee’s four-wheel-drive system is pure Jeep, featuring the Active Drive I setup with a rear-axle disconnect for better fuel economy on the highway. Drivers can choose from four Selec-Terrain modes—Auto, Sport, Snow, and Sand/Mud—to tackle different conditions. With best-in-class approach and departure angles of 19.6 and 29.4 degrees, respectively, a breakover angle of 18.8 degrees, and 8 inches of ground clearance, the Cherokee is built to handle more than just pavement. Broderdorf confirmed that even the base models have the mechanical bones for off-road adventures, ensuring no Cherokee feels like a soft-roader.
Off-Road Legacy and a Trailhawk on the Horizon
For Jeep fans, the brand’s off-road legacy is non-negotiable. The Cherokee’s return doesn’t disappoint. Built on Stellantis’ STLA Large platform—shared with the Dodge Charger, Jeep Wagoneer S, and upcoming Recon electric SUV—the new Cherokee is longer, taller, and wider than its predecessor. It’s 4.7 inches longer, 1 inch wider, and 2 inches taller, with a 6.4-inch longer wheelbase, giving it a commanding presence and improved stability on rough terrain.
Jeep has promised a Trailhawk variant, though details are still under wraps. Broderdorf’s assurance that a Trailhawk is coming signals Jeep’s commitment to keeping the Cherokee a serious off-road contender. While the standard models already boast impressive off-road specs, the Trailhawk is expected to up the ante with additional trail-ready hardware, possibly including skid plates, all-terrain tires, and tow hooks. Until then, the standard Cherokee’s 3,500-pound towing capacity and rugged design make it a versatile choice for weekend warriors.
A Modern, Rugged Design
The 2026 Cherokee’s look is a love letter to Jeep’s past, with a modern twist. Its boxy, upright stance draws inspiration from the iconic XJ Cherokee of the 1980s and 1990s, which helped define the modern SUV. The signature seven-slot grille is flanked by squared-off LED headlights with U-shaped daytime running lights, giving the front end a bold, distinctive face. At the rear, jerrycan-inspired taillights add a nod to Jeep’s World War II roots, while trapezoidal wheel arches reinforce the brand’s rugged identity.
Image credit: Jeep
Inside, the Cherokee blends practicality with premium touches. The cabin is 30% roomier than the previous model, with 33.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded—enough for camping gear, hunting equipment, or a large dog crate. Jeep’s designers focused on four themes: active, playful, practical, and progressive. The result is a cockpit with more storage cubbies, a wireless charging pad, and a rotary gear selector that frees up space for everyday items. Sustainable materials, like recycled carpeting and non-leather upholstery, appeal to environmentally conscious buyers without sacrificing quality.
The interior tech is a major leap forward. Every Cherokee comes with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen running Jeep’s Uconnect 5 system, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A squared-off steering wheel improves visibility of the gauge cluster, while a capacitive touch panel handles climate controls. Higher trims offer luxuries like a dual-pane sunroof, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a 360-degree camera, and a premium audio system. The Uconnect 5 system supports over-the-air updates and includes an AppMarket for apps like Geocaching and games like Sudoku, making long road trips more entertaining.
Safety and Tech for the Modern Driver
Jeep has loaded the 2026 Cherokee with 140 standard and available safety features, ensuring peace of mind on and off the road. Standard equipment includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, drowsy driver detection, and a Level 2 Active Driving Assist system with adaptive cruise control. Rear parking sensors with emergency braking and rain-sensing wipers are also standard across all trims.
The Cherokee’s Connect One package, included at no extra cost, offers 10 years of over-the-air updates, automatic SOS calls, and remote vehicle functions via a smartphone app. For those who want more, the optional Connect Wi-Fi Plus package provides unlimited data and additional features like Jeep Off-Road Pages Plus, which displays real-time off-road data. Optional tech like a digital rearview mirror, windshield wiper de-icer, and turn signal-activated blind-spot cameras add convenience for drivers tackling tough conditions.
Pricing and Availability
The 2026 Cherokee lineup includes four trims at launch: base, Laredo, Limited, and Overland, with the Trailhawk coming later. The base model starts at $36,995, making it one of the more affordable midsize SUVs with standard four-wheel drive and hybrid power. The Laredo trim, at $39,995, adds more features, while the Limited ($42,495) and Overland ($45,995) cater to buyers seeking premium comfort. Production takes place at Stellantis’ Toluca Assembly Plant in Mexico, with Limited and Overland trims arriving in late 2025 and base and Laredo models following in early 2026.
A Cherokee for Today’s Adventures
The 2026 Jeep Cherokee isn’t just a comeback—it’s a statement. Jeep has crafted a midsize SUV that balances efficiency, technology, and rugged capability in a way that appeals to drivers who want it all. Whether it’s navigating city streets, hauling gear for a weekend getaway, or tackling a rocky trail, the Cherokee is built to deliver. With its hybrid powertrain, bold design, and off-road prowess, it’s ready to take on a competitive market while staying true to Jeep’s legacy of adventure.
For those who’ve been waiting for the Cherokee’s return, the wait is almost over. This is a Jeep that’s not just back—it’s better than ever.
