Automotive
Jeep pressed pause on the Cherokee in 2023, then went back to the drawing board. The result is the all-new 2026 Cherokee, a boxier, roomier, hybrid-only SUV that jumps into one of the most competitive segments with fresh style, real efficiency, and a smarter cabin.
Power comes from a new 350 volt hybrid system designed specifically for the Cherokee. It pairs a turbocharged 1.6 liter four cylinder with a two motor electronically controlled CVT and a compact 1.08 kilowatt hour battery that is charged by the engine and through regenerative braking.
Output lands at 210 horsepower and 230 pound feet of torque, with Jeep targeting more than 500 miles of range and an estimated 37 mpg combined. The brand quotes 0 to 60 mph in 8.3 seconds, which should make highway on ramps painless without crushing your fuel budget.
The new model rides on Stellantis STLA Large platform and grows in all the right ways. Overall length measures 188.1 inches, width is 83.6 inches with mirrors, and height is 67.6 inches. A 113.0 inch wheelbase is roughly six inches longer than before, and Jeep says cargo capacity is up by about 30 percent. Families and weekend haulers will feel the difference the first time the liftgate opens.
Capability still matters to Cherokee buyers, so every trim gets Jeep’s Active Drive I 4×4 system with a rear axle disconnect. Selec-Terrain offers Auto, Sport, Snow, and Mud/Sand modes, and the geometry is stout for the class with a 19.6 degree approach angle, 29.4 degree departure angle, an 18.8 degree breakover, and 8.0 inches of ground clearance. A new Cherokee Trailhawk is in development for those who want more hardware, with details to come.
Designers kept the look simple and purposeful while nodding to the XJ era. The body is clean and boxy, the U shaped daytime running lights frame the LED headlights in a way that recalls the classic square lamps, and the sharp break at the D pillar around the taillights takes inspiration from military jerry cans. It reads as authentically Jeep without feeling like a costume.
Inside, the Cherokee borrows the upscale vibe we have seen in recent Jeeps. A squircle steering wheel fronts a 10.25 inch digital cluster, and a 12.3 inch center display runs Uconnect 5 with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A new rotary gear selector frees up real space in the console, and the cabin layout focuses on clever storage so everyday life feels less cluttered.
Standard equipment is generous, including rain sensing wipers, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear park assist, and Active Driving Assist that delivers Level 2 capability. Depending on trim, buyers can add a 360 degree camera, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, a front tire to curb view, a dual pane sunroof, and a foot activated power liftgate.
Pricing lands right where shoppers expect. The entry Cherokee is set at $38,990, which is two hundred dollars less than before, and the mid grade Laredo is $41,990. The Limited and Overland arrive first later this year at $44,490 and $47,990, prices that include a $1,995 destination charge. The entry and mid trims follow at dealers in early 2026.
Big picture, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee returns with the right mix of heritage design, real world efficiency, standard 4×4 confidence, and a cabin that finally feels modern. If Jeep executes the upcoming Trailhawk as well as expected, this comeback is poised to resonate with longtime fans and newcomers alike.
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Mike Floyd is a finance executive by trade and a car enthusiast at heart. As a CFO with a keen eye for detail and strategy, Mike brings his analytical mindset to the automotive world, uncovering fresh insights and unique perspectives that go beyond the surface. His passion for cars—especially his favorite, the Porsche 911, fuels his contributions to Automotive Addicts, where he blends a love for performance and design with his professional precision. Whether he’s breaking down industry trends or spotlighting emerging innovations, Mike helps keep the site both sharp and forward-thinking.
