The 2026 Jeep Cherokee is back and it’s not what you’d expect from a nameplate born in the dirt and raised on rugged trails. This time it’s a hybrid, measuring 188.1 inches long, 83.6 inches wide and 67.5 inches tall. That extra room means the cabin feels open and airy, paired with a hybrid powertrain that gets 37 mpg combined.
Power comes from a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 177 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque on its own. Add in two electric motors and a 1.08 kWh lithium-ion battery and the combined output is 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. The system sends power through a CVT and a standard four-wheel-drive setup with a rear-axle disconnect for better fuel economy. Expect 42 mpg city, 33 mpg highway and more than 500 miles per tank. Micky Bly, Stellantis’ head of propulsion says the torque hits early and holds steady after thousands of miles of testing. Compared to rivals like the Toyota RAV4’s 236 horsepower or the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid’s 231 horsepower the Cherokee’s output is modest but tuned for smooth confident pulls.
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Inside the cabin is a departure from Jeep’s utilitarian roots. A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster sits behind a squared-off steering wheel and a 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The center console is sleek with a rotary gear selector and a small switch for Selec-Terrain modes—Auto, Sport, Snow and Sand/Mud. Physical buttons are minimal with most controls folded into the touchscreen though dedicated climate dials remain for quick adjustments. Jeep swaps leather for eco-friendly Capri vinyl which has a unique perforation pattern on the Overland trim. Recycled materials shape the headliner, carpets and soft trim nodding to sustainability without sacrificing comfort.
Cargo capacity increases 30% over the previous model with 33.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 68.3 cubic feet with seats folded. That’s enough for an extra-large dog crate or a weekend’s worth of gear. Second-row legroom dips slightly to 38.5 inches from 40.3 inches, but shoulder room gains 2.5 inches and hip room adds 5.2 inches. At 6’2” I found the rear seats surprisingly roomy with headroom to spare. Options like heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, digital rearview mirror and dual-pane sunroof make it nice, and a foot-activated power liftgate is a convenience.
On the outside it leans into its heritage with a boxy profile and sharp edges. The front end stands tall with a slender seven-slot grille and rectangular LED headlights that echo the classic XJ. Flush door handles and 17- to 20-inch wheels wrapped in Nexen or Pirelli all-season tires give it a modern look. The rear liftgate has subtle XJ-inspired cut lines but the taillights shaped like jerry cans are the real show stopper. Built on the STLA Large platform it weighs 4,295 pounds – 420 pounds more than before – but still tows 3,500 pounds. Off-road it has best-in-class approach and departure angles of 19.6° and 29.4°, an 18.8° breakover angle and 8 inches of ground clearance. A Trailhawk variant is coming later that will have even more capability.
Every Cherokee comes with a 10-year Connect One subscription which includes over-the-air updates, automatic emergency calls and smartphone app connection. The standard safety features are robust. Active Driving Assist combines adaptive cruise control and lane centering, intersection collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path recognition and automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection. A 360° camera and turn-signal-activated blind-spot view are available as options. The Uconnect 5 system also includes an AppMarket for games like Sudoku and Geocaching and optional Wi-Fi and Jeep Off-Road Pages Plus.
Pricing starts at $36,995 including $1,995 destination for the base model, $39,995 for Laredo, $42,495 for Limited and $45,995 for Overland. Deliveries start late 2025 for Limited and Overland trims, then base and Laredo models in early 2026. Built in Toluca, Mexico the Cherokee is in a crowded field. The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid starts at $34,960 and the Kia Sportage Hybrid at $31,735 so it’s undercut. The 2026 Toyota RAV4 pricing hasn’t been announced but will likely be competitive. Still the Cherokee’s efficiency, space and Jeep off-road DNA makes it a good choice.
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