The Cherokee returns 37 mpg combined and this should attract new customers to the Jeep brand
- The 2026 Jeep Cherokee will offer an all-new hybrid powertrain.
- It produces 210 hp and will return up to 37 mpg combined.
- The brand believes the hybrid engine will attract new customers.
Jeep might be renowned as a rugged off-road brand, but they’ve already embraced electrification. Fans, in turn, have embraced the Grand Cherokee 4xe and Wrangler 4xe, turning them into some of the best-selling plug-in hybrids in America.
Their success means more eco-friendly models are coming as former Jeep CEO Antonio Filosa confirmed a Gladiator 4xe last year. The company also recently teased the 2026 Grand Wagoneer with a charging port, indicating it has a range-extended powertrain.
A New Chapter for Cherokee
However, Jeep is expecting even greater success with the 2026 Cherokee. It’s their first traditional hybrid in America and it features a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, and a 1.08 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
More: Jeep Cherokee Returns As A Luxurious Hybrid With A Price To Match
This gives the crossover a combined output of 210 hp (157 kW / 213 PS) and 230 lb-ft (312 Nm) of torque. While that trails some key rivals, the Cherokee is expected to return 42 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 37 mpg combined.
Efficiency Meets Capability
Those are great numbers for a four-wheel drive SUV, especially one that’s larger than many competitors. Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf is particularly upbeat as he described powertrains as the “heart and soul” of vehicles and noted going hybrid opens up new opportunities.
In particular, it’s expected to draw in new customers that may not have considered a Jeep before. Officials also believe the hybrid powertrain will attract attention and it’s hard to argue with that, especially when you’re talking about a crossover that returns 37 mpg combined.
Poised for a Comeback
While the Cherokee nameplate has been out of production for awhile, Jeep isn’t concerned that its absence will impact the launch. Quite the opposite, as they’re expecting the redesigned model to be an “immediate competitor.” The hybrid powertrain should also help the crossover stand out, especially against non-hybrid competitors such as the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain.