The 2026 Jeep Cherokee SUV is spacious and comfortable. It’s now a hybrid
The revived 2026 Jeep Cherokee is a hybrid and comes standard with all-wheel drive. Will this make you a winner?
- The 2026 Jeep Cherokee is larger, far better equipped, more comfortable and far more fuel efficient than the vehicle it replaces.
- The 2026 Cherokee shares no parts with the previous generation, which ended production in early 2023.
The 2026 Jeep Cherokee compact SUV appears to be everything owners want and everything the brand wants.
That’s my firm verdict after spending a day driving the new five-seater hybrid along the coastline and into the scenic foothills north of Los Angeles.
There is one caveat. Heavy rain and possible landslides prevented us from taking our new Jeep off the road.
I would like to write about the off-road driving of the new Cherokee if I have a chance. Jeep knows that every vehicle in its lineup must prove itself as a worthy successor to the SUVs that built the brand’s reputation, so expect that to happen soon.
As of today, the 2026 Cherokee is larger, far better equipped, more comfortable, and far more fuel efficient than the vehicle it replaces. This is a strong addition to a class that includes luxury vehicles such as the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Bronco Sport, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportstage, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Outback, Toyota RAV4, and VW Tiguan.
Pricing for the 2026 Jeep Cherokee starts at $35,000, excluding a $1,995 destination charge.
The 2026 Jeep Cherokee is currently at the dealership.
2026 Jeep Cherokee trim levels and prices
- Base: $35,000
- Laredo: $38,000
- Limited: $40,000
- Land: $43,000
Note: All prices exclude $1,995 destination charge.
Source: Jeep
Everything is new except the name
The 2026 Cherokee shares no parts with the previous generation, which ended production in early 2023.
If Cherokee fans are happy to have this capable and practical SUV back, then trust me, without Cherokee fans, Jeep dealers and Stellantis shareholders, who have watched the brand’s sales and finances slump, will not benefit.
The 2026 Cherokee uses the STLA architecture developed at the automaker’s Auburn Hills, Michigan, engineering center. It is 4.7 inches longer, 1.5 inches wider, and 2 inches taller than the previous model. STLA supports a variety of vehicles, including the Dodge Charger, Jeep Wagoneer S, and Jeep Recon. Developed for internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid and electric vehicles.
The new Cherokee has more hip, shoulder, knee and head room. It’s trimmed with attractive materials, including leather-free seat covers and carpets made from recycled materials.
The dashboard features a 10.25-inch configurable cluster and a 12.3-inch touch screen.
The steering wheel is thick and well padded. I liked the look and feel of it, but drivers with smaller hands will need to see if it fits them.
There’s one problem. While driving, I noticed that my right hand in the standard 10-2 position was blocking my view of part of the navigation screen. According to my fellow drivers, I was the only one in that situation.
The exterior styling is very different from the previous model, which was designed at a time when sleek SUVs were in vogue. The ’26 consciously recalls the boxy, squared-off style that has defined Cherokee for decades. The nose is blunt, with two large rectangular headlights surrounding Jeep’s signature seven-slot grille.
The windshield is upright, leading to a flat roof and an upright tailgate. Square “jerry can” taillights pay homage to Cherokee heritage.
2026 Jeep Cherokee Key Features
- standard all wheel drive
- hybrid power
- 5 seats
- 4.7 inches long. 1.5 inches wider than previous Cherokee
- Up to 20 inches of water crossing
- 12.-3.inch touch screen
- wireless charging
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Hands-free highway driving system
- 37mpg combined city/highway driving
Driving impression
All Cherokees come with four-wheel drive and a hybrid drivetrain, which improves fuel economy by about 50 percent.
Developed in Michigan, this hybrid combines a 1.6L turbo engine with an electric motor.
This system produces up to 210 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. A continuously variable transmission mates with the powerplant for quick and seamless response.
The Cherokee’s all-wheel-drive system has a mechanical propeller shaft that connects the front and rear axles, unlike some hybrid SUVs that have a small, separate electric motor on the rear axle.
The mechanical system allows Cherokee to send up to 100 percent of its total torque to the rear axle. The rear axle can also be disconnected from the engine to improve fuel efficiency.
The system worked flawlessly throughout the day as I drove the Cherokee up and down winding hills from highways, coastal roads, and the Pacific Coast Highway to a ranch with a famously difficult off-road course. A few days of rapids and good road feel made these trails off-limits, but the hybrid drivetrain was more than capable for all other types of driving.
The 4WD system senses wheel slip and reacts automatically, but drivers can also select a drive mode if they know a difficult situation is ahead.
2026 Jeep Cherokee Drive Modes:
The Cherokee is equipped with the Stellantis Hands-Free Highway System.
An off-road version of the Trailhawk is expected to arrive, but Jeep hasn’t announced when.
Why buy a 2026 Jeep Cherokee?
Everything about the 2026 Jeep Cherokee works great. The interior is comfortable and accommodating, with a spacious cargo area. The new hybrid drivetrain provided plenty of power and excellent fuel economy, even when pushed hard on hills.
If off-road testing is possible, the Cherokee is a clear winner in the competitive compact SUV class, assuming it’s as comfortable as a Jeep.
2026 Jeep Cherokee Overview
All-wheel drive hybrid compact SUV
5 seater
Now on sale
Base price: $35,000. All prices exclude $1,895 destination charge.
Model tested: Laredo
Price as tested: $42,590
Power: Hybrid 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with electric motor
Output: 210 horsepower; 230 pound-feet of torque
Transmission: Continuously automatic
Estimated fuel economy: 35 mpg city/highway/37 mpg combined. 500 miles in a tank. Regular gasoline, octane rating 87.
Estimated annual fuel cost at current prices: $1,350
Wheelbase: 113 inches
Length: 188.1 inches
Width: 74.7 inches (excluding mirrors)
Height: 67.5 inches (including antenna)
Ground clearance: 8 inches
Rotation ratio: 40.3 feet
Passenger space: 107.4 cubic feet
Cargo space: 33.6 cubic feet behind rear seats. 68.3 cubic feet with seats folded
Vehicle weight: 4,295 lbs.
Towing capacity: 3,500 lbs.
Assembled in Toluca, Mexico
Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark ferran. read more car and sign up for our service automotive newsletter. become a subscriber.
