2026 Jeep Cherokee

The Cherokee holds a special place in the heart of Jeep loyalists thanks to its adventure-ready capability and a legacy that spans at least four decades. Jeep paused production after the 2023 model year, then resurrected the Cherokee for 2026 on a larger, more efficient, and more versatile platform.

The redesigned 2026 Jeep Cherokee debuts the brand’s new gas-electric hybrid system to compete with other hybrid compact SUVs, including the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V Hybrid, as well as hybrid versions of the Subaru Forester and Hyundai Tucson. The new Cherokee offers a pleasant cabin, quiet yet capable driving, and 37 mpg combined.

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

Before buying a new Jeep Cherokee, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying. The Jeep Cherokee’s residual values are still being determined. The higher the resale value, the more money you can put down on your next vehicle when it’s time to sell or trade in.

Jeep’s new dual-motor hybrid system is similar to the Toyota RAV4, except Jeep pairs it with a 1.6-liter turbo-4 engine. Total output is rated at 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque.

With the small 1.03 kWh battery charged, the Cherokee can be driven in electric-only mode up to speeds of 62 mph, but that’s unlikely to happen. The hybrid system helps power off the line, and again at speed for passing moves. It’s more responsive than quick, a common attribute of rival hybrids.

It’s quieter and calmer than the RAV4, however, with a seamless blend of engine and motor power. Toggling to Sport mode and hitting the throttle for an uphill passing move results in the expected engine drone since there’s no conventional transmission. Jeep buries the steering settings in the touchscreen, and we recommend switching from the loose Comfort mode to the more resistant Normal or Sport setting.

The looser steering play may work better off-road, though we’ve yet to test it on anything but pavement. The Cherokee boasts good approach and departure angles of 19.6 and 29.4 degrees, respectively, but its 8-inch ground clearance trails both the RAV4 (8.1 inches) and the Subaru Forester (8.7 inches).

There is one regenerative braking setting via a Low Gear button below the climate panel, but it doesn’t produce much more deceleration than the default mode. Still, Jeep estimates a respectable 37 mpg combined EPA rating. Jeep engineers program in some engine braking when the battery is full and you’re off the throttle, as you may encounter on a steep descent from a mountain pass. It beats cooking the brakes.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee remains a 2-row/5-passenger SUV, but this all-new model comes with a bit more refinement than rivals. The dashboard stretches long and low, with the standard 12.3-inch touchscreen embedded in the dash below a brow of vents. The RAV4 and CR-V have touchscreens that stick out like a tablet.

The Cherokee takes some attributes from the electric vehicles that share its platform, with a chunky octagonal steering wheel and a wide center console that eats into some knee room. The cabin feels a step above the CR-V and RAV4; however, Jeep’s contoured rubber surfaces have a ribbed texture that contrasts with soft fibers and two-tone stitching. It’s subtle, but pleasant. An available dual-pane sunroof adds a sense of airiness to the boxy cabin.

In the rear, passenger legroom is quite good at 38.5 inches, as is cargo space — 33.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat, and 68.3 with them folded. Those numbers aren’t quite best in class, but they’re certainly up there.

The new Jeep Cherokee has a far more blocky, upright design than previous generations. We dig it. The rear is especially angular and flat, while the brawny front grille brings cues we’ve seen from its big brothers the Grand Cherokee and even the classic Wagoneer that spun off the Cherokee way back in 1984.

• Standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster: Touchscreen icons can be on the smaller side, but volume and tuning knobs, as well as a separate panel for climate controls, limits reliance on the touchscreen. Wireless smartphone connectivity is standard but a wireless device charger is extra.
• Good standard driver-assist features: Includes adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
• Sharp interior design: Rubberized plastic is common for this segment, but the Cherokee features ribbed insets contrasting soft materials with accent stitching.