2026 Jeep Cherokee SUV preview
The Jeep is reviving the popular Cherokee medium-sized hybrid SUV.
- The 2026 Cherokee Midsize SUV will be on sale in the second half of 2025.
- The 2026 Cherokee, part of a multi-billion dollar investment in the Jeep, is a replacement for the core vehicle that ceased production in 2023, causing major damage to the Jeep lineup.
The Jeep fix starts today. With promises of hybrid power and serious off-road capabilities, the 2026 Cherokee midsize SUV has a big hole in the brand’s lineup.
The 2026 Cherokee, part of a multi-billion dollar investment in the Jeep, is an expiration-up replacement for the core vehicle that ceased production in 2023, and suffers severe damage to the Jeep lineup and finances.
Designed and developed in the US, the Cherokee is also an important point of evidence for those concerned about Stellantis leaders who don’t understand why the brand is special and the invaluable profit center.
The Jeep promises that the new Cherokees will go anywhere where the old Cherokees can cover over 500 miles with tanks of gasoline.
2026 Jeep Cherokee Prices and Trim Levels
- Cherokee: $35,000
- Cheroquiraredo: $38,000
- Cherokee Limited: $40,500
- Cherokee Overland: $44,000
Source: Jeep. All prices exclude the $1,995 destination charge.
The 2026 Cherokee will be released later this year. It’s longer, taller and wider than the previous model.
Prices start at $35,000, but don’t expect a dealer base model before early 2026. Sales start with limited Overland models priced at $40,500 and $44,000 respectively. All prices exclude the $1,995 destination charge.
Hybrid power and all-wheel drive are standard at first, but the full lineup could include cheaper models with gasoline-only power and front-wheel drive.
The ’26 Cherokee offers a number of features that were not available in older models sold in 2013.
Compared to the older models, the 2026 Cherokee is:
- 4.7 inches long.
- 1 inch wide.
- He’s 2 inches taller.
- Built on a 6.4-inch Longer wheelbase.
The power comes from a new hybrid system that is expected to offer 37 MPG in the city/highway combination. This is up 54% from the most efficient version of the 2023 Cherokee, the last model Stellantis built before idling production.
- Hybrid Power
- 210 horsepower, 230 pound-feet of torque
- 37 MPG city/highway fuel economy combined
- Drive range over 500 miles
- Dual-pane sunroof
- 360 Degree Camera
- Digital back camera
- Heated and ventilated front set
- Heated rear seats
- Foot-activated tailgate width adjustable height
New Hybrid System
The Hybrid uses a 1.6L engine Stellantis with Dundee, Michigan and two electric motors. The four-wheel drive system features rear axle cutting to improve fuel economy. This is a mechanical 4WD system, unlike some hybrids with an electric rear axle that does not have a physical connection to the engine and front wheels.
Total system output is 210 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque. Continuous variable transmission is standard.
This system is quite different from the mild hybrids available in smaller European Jeep Avengers.
Operating mode:
Designed and developed in the US
The Jeep does not share any information on off-road capabilities, but it is essential to surpass medium-sized SUVs such as the Honda Passport, Hyundai Santa Fe and VW Atlas. Trail rate models with more off-road equipment are working.
The Cherokee uses the new STLA large architecture that supports the Jeep Wagoneer S, Dodge Charger, Daytona charger, and upcoming Recon Electric SUVs. Designed in STLA’s Technology Center, Auburn Hills, Michigan, STLA was developed to accommodate electrical, hybrid and gasoline outputs.
Key Off-Road Specification:
- 19.6 degree approach angle
- 18.8 degrees breakover
- 29.4 degrees departure angle
- 8 inch ground clearance
2026 Jeep Cherokee Standard Features
- 10.25 inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.3 inch touch screen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Rain Sensory Wiper
- Blind spots and rear traffic alerts
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist identification
- Crossroads Collision Assist
- Rear parking assist and emergency braking
- Ten years of aerial updates
A familiar look, new interior
The Cherokee wears the mandatory Jeep brand identifier: Seven slot grille and trapezoid wheel arch. The silhouette is less rounded than its predecessor, with a vertical nose, a relatively boxy profile, a thick D-pillar, and a wide upright rear opening. The rear LED light reminds me of a World War I jelly can for fuel. The U-shaped LED running light sits under the rectangular headlights.
The interior features an impressive new steering wheel squared from the top and bottom for vision and comfort. The horizontal themed dash emphasizes the width.
New storage cubby and wireless charging are standard. Other merchandise that didn’t exist when the final Cherokee debuted include available heating rear seats and a 10.25-inch customizable equipment cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen.
Both passengers and cargo space increase.
2026 Jeep Cherokee at a glance
5-seat medium-sized SUV with four-wheel drive
Base Price: $35,000 (All prices exclude $1,995 destination charges)
Available for sale in the second half of 2025
Power: 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 2 electric motors
Output: 210 HP; 230 pound-feet of torque
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic
Weight distribution: 58.6% front and 31.4% rear
0-60 mph: 8.3 seconds
Wheelbase: 113 inches
Length: 188.1 inch
Width: 83.6 inches in mirror
Height: 67.5 inches with roof rails/antenna
Ground clearance: 8 inches
Passenger volume: 107.3 cubic feet
Cargo capacity: 33.6 cubic feet behind the second row. 68.3 The second row is folded
Towing ability: 3,500 pounds
Curb weight: 4,295 lbs
It was assembled in Toruca, Mexico
Please contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Please read more Auto And sign up for us Automotive Newsletter. Become a subscriber.
