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 goes back decades. Its life has been on pause for the past few years, however, when the model went radio silent after the 2023 model year. Thankfully, it still has stories to tell and experiences to create with an all-new model for the 2026 model year.

The latest incarnation of the Cherokee debuts a new gas-electric hybrid system and innovative technology, all while retaining Jeep’s penchant for off-road adventures. As a hybrid compact SUV, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee will compete with the new, hybrid-only 2026 Toyota RAV4 and hybrid variants of other outdoorsy compact SUVs like the Mazda CX-50 and Subaru Forester.

The Jeep Cherokee is all-new for the 2026 model year, featuring fresh design and technology, plus a hybrid powertrain. The 2026 Jeep Cherokee is set to go on sale in late 2025.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee will debut in four trims: base, Laredo, Limited, and Overland. The base model starts at $36,995, including destination fee. The top-line (for now) Overland trim starts at $45,995. Jeep has yet to announce a new Cherokee Trailhawk, but we’d bet one will arrive at some point. The first models to go on sale will be the pricier Limited and Overland trims, with the base and Laredo coming in early 2026.

At its starting price, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee sits higher than rival hybrid compact SUVs like the Kia Sportage Hybrid, Mazda CX-50 Hybrid, and Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, and in a similar range as the Subaru Forester Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid. Still TBA is where the all-new hybrid 2026 Toyota RAV4 will land.

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.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee remains a 2-row/5-passenger SUV, but this all-new model comes with all the latest tech to compete with the best in its segment. Front and center is a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. The cabin is significantly roomier than the previous Cherokee and feels much more open. Features like a rotary dial transmission selector open up space in front. The Cherokee’s steering wheel is squarish in shape and especially thick.

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 Wagoneer.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee is 188.1 inches in length, putting it firmly in the compact SUV class. However you measure it, we like the proportions. Jeep says the Cherokee has best-in-class approach and departure angles of 19.6 and 29.4 degrees, respectively. As for ground clearance, the 2026 Cherokee sits at 8 inches, and has a breakover angle of 18.8 degrees. If you’re an off-roader, you’ll appreciate these numbers.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee uses a new gas-electric powertrain that pairs a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with a dual-motor hybrid transmission. Total output is 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. All Cherokee models are all-wheel drive, and power is routed through a continuously variable transmission. Jeep says the new Cherokee’s fuel economy is an estimated 37 mpg in combined city/highway driving.