2027 Jeep Cherokee

The Jeep Cherokee name has a long history of taking the heritage and capability that Jeep is famous for and packaging it as a practical compact SUV. The 2027 model carries that torch, now coming standard as a hybrid with all-wheel drive (AWD). The 2027 model turns the capability up a notch with an extra rugged Trailhawk model, while the rest of the lineup provides sensible transportation with the distinct Jeep character that the brand’s fans love. If you’re in an earlier version of the Cherokee and you’re considering this one, a significant upgrade awaits.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of compact SUVs, including the Jeep Cherokee.

The Cherokee still feels fresh from its 2026 redesign, but a rugged new Trailhawk model joins the lineup for 2027.

2027 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

Because every Jeep Cherokee comes standard with a turbocharged hybrid powertrain and AWD, its starting price is a little high for a compact SUV. The hybrid-only Toyota RAV4 and the Kia Sportage Hybrid both have lower starting prices than the Cherokee, but the Honda CR-V Hybrid costs more.

Before buying a Cherokee, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Jeep Cherokee resale value is below average for the segment. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The Jeep Cherokee packs a turbocharged hybrid 4-cylinder as its standard engine, producing 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. These ratings are just okay for this class; its hybrid rivals from Toyota and Kia make more power, and the Honda makes more torque. That said, we’ve found the Cherokee’s performance adequate for daily driving duties. Drivers with snowy driveways or an appetite for a little off-roading will appreciate that every Cherokee comes standard with AWD.

As far as conventional hybrids go, the Jeep Cherokee does a pretty good job blending gas and electric power without any fuss. In everyday driving, it’s not all that noticeable that it’s a hybrid. However, hard acceleration serves as a reminder, as it tends to produce a loud droning noise. But, as long as we didn’t stab the throttle too much, we found noise levels acceptable. Steering and braking are par for the course in hybrid SUVs, though we prefer the Normal or Sport steering setting to the looser Comfort mode.

Powertrain

If you’re coming from an earlier Cherokee into the new Cherokee that debuted for 2026, you may be surprised by how big an upgrade it is in terms of design and overall quality. It feels modern in a way that reminds us of pricier Jeep models, like the electric Wagoneer S. The big 12.3-inch infotainment display is nicely integrated without feeling overwhelming. There’s a bank of physical HVAC controls under the screen, but they’re not regular buttons. It’s like one giant touch-sensitive button. We prefer more tactile feedback, but this setup is preferable to screen-only climate controls.

The new Cherokee is roomier than the old Cherokee, but its interior space is middle-of-the-pack compared to other hybrid compact SUVs. When we climbed into the back seats, we were quite comfortable with 38.5 inches of legroom, but that’s a little less than what you get in the Honda CR-V, Kia Sportage, and new-for-2027 Hyundai Tucson. It’s about the same as the RAV4. The Cherokee has 33.6 cubic feet of cargo room behind the back seats, which is enough for the needs of the average compact SUV shopper, but notably less than what you get in all of the aforementioned rivals.

Our editors are a bit split on the unconventional octagonal-shaped steering wheel in the Cherokee. This unusual shape makes the big digital gauge cluster easy to read and the road easy to view, but it can feel a bit odd in the hands when turning. What we do agree on is that the straightforward steering wheel buttons are refreshingly easy to read and use.

Trailhawk
The new-for-2027 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is the most off-road-ready version of this practical hybrid SUV. In addition to its rugged appearance package, it has improved approach and departure angles, an extra inch of ground clearance, the Active Drive II AWD system with an electronic locking rear axle, an off-road suspension system, and all-terrain tires.

Towing muscle
The Jeep Cherokee is tied with the Toyota RAV4 for a best-in-class maximum tow rating of up to 3,500 pounds. That’s impressive for a compact SUV, and it adds to the Cherokee’s adventurous versatility.

Uconnect infotainment system
We’re longtime fans of the Uconnect infotainment systems found in Jeep, Dodge, Ram, and Chrysler vehicles. The Cherokee has a standard 12.3-inch central infotainment display and a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster. This is a user-friendly and feature-rich system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.