2026 Jeep Cherokee is back after a three-year hiatus, returning stronger than ever with a bold new identity. This latest generation ditches traditional powertrains for a hybrid-only lineup, reflecting Jeep’s push toward efficiency and sustainability without sacrificing capability. Positioned squarely between the smaller Jeep Compass and the larger Grand Cherokee, the new Cherokee aims to reclaim its place as one of the most versatile midsize SUVs in the market.

In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the 2026 Jeep Cherokee’s design, technology, performance, pricing, and release details. As an automotive expert who has followed Jeep’s evolution for decades, I’ll break down what this comeback means for drivers who value both rugged off-road capability and modern comfort. Whether you’re considering it as a family SUV, a daily commuter, or an adventure-ready hybrid, this article will help you decide if the all-new Cherokee deserves a spot in your garage.

Design and platform

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee moves to Stellantis’ STLA Large transverse platform, a step that makes the vehicle ready for hybrid architectures now and potential EV variants later. This new understructure is the technical reason the Cherokee grows in size, gains a long wheelbase and adds room for a larger in-floor hybrid package.

Visually, Jeep returns the Cherokee to a boxier, more purposeful look that nods to the original XJ lineage. Expect a squared-off roofline, strong shoulder lines, and the familiar seven-slot grille reinterpreted with modern lighting elements and a rugged, upright stance. The design balances heritage cues with a contemporary, premium finish aimed at buyers who want capability and presence.

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Dimensions & cargo

The new Cherokee is meaningfully larger than the previous generation. Overall length increases by roughly five to six inches and the wheelbase stretches by about six inches, which translates to more interior space and a roomier cabin. These dimensional gains push the Cherokee toward the larger end of the compact segment and give it more usable interior volume versus rivals.

Cargo capacity is one of the headline improvements. Rear cargo volume is quoted at 33.6 cubic feet with the seats up and about 68.3 cubic feet with the second row folded flat, an increase of roughly 30 percent compared with the prior model. The increased rear-seat width improves passenger comfort, although legroom is reported to be similar or slightly reduced in some trims due to packaging decisions around the hybrid system.

Powertrain & performance

Jeep launches the 2026 Cherokee as a non-plug-in hybrid only model. The powertrain combines a reworked 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, commonly referred to as the Prince family engine, with two electric drive motors and a 400-volt electrical system that uses a 1.08 kWh battery. Combined output is about 210 horsepower and approximately 230 lb-ft of torque. This setup prioritizes everyday fuel efficiency while preserving responsive torque delivery for real-world driving.

Fuel economy is a major selling point. Jeep cites a combined figure near 37 mpg and a driving range that exceeds 500 miles on a full tank in typical configurations, reflecting the hybrid system’s efficiency advantage over the old gasoline-only Cherokee. All-wheel drive is standard, implemented with an intelligent drivetrain that can disconnect the rear axle to save fuel when full-time AWD is not needed. An electronic continuously variable transmission is part of the system and Jeep retains terrain-focused features such as Selec-Terrain drive modes and roughly eight inches of ground clearance for light off-road capability.

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Interior & Technology

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee makes a clear leap forward inside, trading the previous model’s dated cabin for a modern, tech-first layout that feels more premium and purposeful.

• Screens and layout: Jeep fits a large 12.3-inch Uconnect touchscreen paired with a digital instrument cluster of roughly 10.2–10.3 inches, and the horizontally oriented dash gives the cabin a much airier, more spacious feel.
• Materials and finishes: Jeep emphasizes sustainable, non-leather materials across the lineup with a standard Global Black interior palette and upscale trim choices on higher grades. The overall material quality and fit-and-finish are a marked improvement over the prior Cherokee.
• Connectivity and software: Uconnect 5 is standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and over-the-air update capability to keep software current. The system supports modern smartphone mirroring and connected services that owners expect in this class.
• Safety and driver aids: The Cherokee ships with a Level 2 suite of driver assists, including adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Optional safety and convenience packages add a 360-degree camera, advanced parking aids, and upgraded ADAS calibrations on higher trims
• Comfort and options: Higher trims offer creature comforts such as heated rear seats, available massage functions, and panoramic roof options on select grades, reinforcing the Cherokee’s move upmarket.

Towing & Utility

Jeep positions the 2026 Cherokee as a more capable compact/midsize SUV that still wears Jeep DNA, with towing and utility numbers that surprise for the segment.

• Towing capacity: Jeep rates the 2026 Cherokee at up to 3,500 pounds, which the brand calls an unsurpassed-in-class towing capability for this category. That number opens practical trailer use for small campers, boats, and utility trailers.
• Off-road and capability features: All-wheel drive is standard with intelligent drivetrain features such as a rear-axle disconnect to improve efficiency. The Cherokee retains terrain management modes and roughly eight inches of ground clearance, giving it real light off-road capability while preserving on-road civility.
• Real-world utility: Cargo volume increases and a longer wheelbase translate to more usable space for gear and family loadouts. The Cherokee is not a hardcore rock-crawler in its current launch spec, but it balances everyday utility, towing ability, and modest off-road chops better than many crossovers in the class.

Pricing & Release Timeline

Jeep has priced the 2026 Cherokee at a premium relative to some compact rivals, reflecting its hybrid powertrain, larger footprint, and upgraded content.

• MSRP and trims: Official starting prices are Base $36,995, Laredo $39,995, Limited $42,495, and Overland $45,995; those figures include the typical destination charge reported by Jeep.
• Sales rollout: Jeep plans to bring the higher Limited and Overland trims to market first in late 2025, with the Base and Laredo models following in early 2026. Expect initial inventory to favor better-equipped trims as Jeep ramps production.
• Value context: The Cherokee’s pricing places it above many mainstream compact hybrids but below some premium rivals; consider the higher starting price as a trade-off for stronger towing, greater cabin space, standard AWD, and the brand’s off-road pedigree.

Bottom line: budget-conscious buyers should weigh the Cherokee’s improved capability and technology against its higher entry price. For buyers who value hybrid efficiency, towing capacity, and Jeep styling in one package, the 2026 Cherokee presents a compelling, if more costly, option.

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Comparison with segment peers

Power and drivetrain

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee’s hybrid system produces about 210 horsepower, which is very close to the Honda CR-V Hybrid’s 204 horsepower and lower than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid’s higher output.

Fuel economy

Jeep rates the Cherokee at roughly 37 mpg combined, the same combined estimate as the CR-V Hybrid, while the RAV4 Hybrid typically posts a slightly higher combined figure around 39 mpg in recent EPA ratings.

Size, cargo and towing

The Cherokee is physically larger than the CR-V and offers substantially more cargo volume when the rear seats are folded, and it also beats the CR-V on towing. Jeep rates the Cherokee’s maximum towing capacity at 3,500 pounds, which matches or exceeds typical RAV4 figures and is well above the CR-V’s much lower tow rating.

Bottom line for shoppers

If you want the largest cargo area and the best towing flexibility among these compact/midsize hybrids, Cherokee stands out. If your priority is maximum fuel economy in normal driving, the RAV4 Hybrid retains a mild edge. If you want a proven, efficient midsize daily with lower cost of ownership, the CR-V Hybrid remains a strong pick.

Why it matters

The Cherokee’s return as a hybrid-only model signals a broader shift in the mainstream SUV market toward electrified drivetrains. Jeep is repositioning the Cherokee to offer hybrid efficiency, genuine towing ability, and greater interior utility while keeping recognizable Jeep styling and capability cues. That combination is noteworthy because it brings Jeep characteristics into a more fuel-efficient package that appeals to buyers who want weekend adventure capability without the fuel penalty of a traditional gasoline-only SUV.

Strategically, the new Cherokee helps Jeep fill the gap between Compass and Grand Cherokee with a model that can serve families, outdoor enthusiasts, and buyers who want useful towing capacity without stepping up to a larger, heavier truck. For the segment, Cherokee’s mix of efficiency, tech, and towing capability raises the bar for rivals.

FAQs

Q: When will the 2026 Jeep Cherokee arrive?

Limited and Overland trims are scheduled to arrive late in 2025. Base and Laredo trims are expected to reach dealers in early 2026.

Q: Is the 2026 Cherokee hybrid only?

Yes. Jeep is launching the 2026 Cherokee with a non-plug-in hybrid powertrain only, combining a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with two electric motors

Q: How fuel-efficient is the new Cherokee?

Jeep estimates about 37 mpg combined for the 2026 Cherokee and claims a driving range of more than 500 miles on a full tank in typical configurations.

Q: What is its towing capacity?

Jeep rates the 2026 Cherokee at up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity, which is class-leading among many compact and midsize SUV competitors.

Conclusion

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee is a significant and pragmatic return. It combines hybrid efficiency, increased interior and cargo space, modern technology, and meaningful towing capability in a package that keeps Jeep styling and off-road intent. For buyers who want more cargo room and the option to tow trailers or small campers while still getting strong fuel economy, the Cherokee is a compelling new choice.

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