MALIBU, CA – The 2026 Jeep Cherokee compact SUV appears to be everything owners will want, and everything the brand needs it to be.
That’s my firm judgment after a day driving the new five-seat hybrid along the coastline and up into the scenic hills north of Los Angeles.
One caveat: Torrential rain and potential landslides kept me from taking the new Jeep off road.
I’ll write about off-roading the new Cherokee when the opportunity presents itself. I expect that to be soon, because Jeep understands that every vehicle in its lineup must prove itself a worthy heir to the SUVs that built the brand’s reputation.
As of today, I can tell you the 2026 Cherokee is bigger, much better equipped, more comfortable and far more fuel-efficient than the vehicle it replaces. It’s a strong addition to a class that includes fine vehicles like the Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Bronco Sport, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Subaru Outback, Toyota RAV4 and VW Tiguan.
Prices for the 2026 Jeep Cherokee start at $35,000, excluding $1,995 destination charge.
The 2026 Jeep Cherokee is in dealerships now.
2026 Jeep Cherokee trim levels and prices
Note: All prices exclude $1,995 destination charge
Source: Jeep
Everything’s new but the name
The 2026 Cherokee doesn’t share a single part with the previous generation, which went out of production in early 2023.
If Cherokee fans think they’re happy to have the capable and practical SUV back … trust me, they got nothing on Jeep dealers and Stellantis stockholders, who watched the brand’s sales and finances crater without it.
The 2026 Cherokee rides on the STLA Large architecture, developed at the automaker’s Auburn Hills, Michigan, engineering center. It’s 4.7 inches longer, 1.5 inch wider and 2 inches taller than the old model. STLA underpins a range of vehicles including the Dodge Charger, Jeep Wagoneer S and Jeep Recon. It was developed to accommodate internal combustion engines, or ICE, hybrids and electric vehicles.
The new Cherokee has more hip, shoulder, knee and head room. It’s trimmed in attractive materials, including leather-free seat coverings and carpet with recycled content.
The dash features a 10.25-inch configurable cluster and 12.3-inch touch screen.
The steering wheel is thick and nicely padded. I liked its look and feel, but drivers with small hands should make sure it suits them.
One hitch: I found my right hand — in the standard 10-2 position — blocked my view of part of the navigation screen when I was driving. I was alone in that, based on queries to my fellow drivers.
Exterior styling is a radical departure from the previous model, which was designed when sleek SUVs were in fashion. The ’26 consciously recalls the boxy, squared-off styling that defined the Cherokee for decades. The nose is blunt, with two big rectangular headlights bracketing Jeep’s signature seven-slot grille.
The windshield is upright, leading to a flat roof and upright tailgate. Square “jerry can” taillights complete the homage to Cherokee heritage.
2026 Jeep Cherokee key features
Driving impressions
All Cherokees come with four-wheel drive and a hybrid drivetrain that improves fuel economy about 50%.
Developed in Michigan, the hybrid combines a 1.6L turbocharged engine and electric motor.
The system produces up to 210 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. A continuously variable transmission pairs with the powerplant for quick, seamless response.
The Cherokee’s all-wheel-drive system has a mechanical prop shaft connecting the front and rear axles, unlike some hybrid SUVs with a small independent electric motor on the rear axle.
The mechanical system allows the Cherokee to send up to 100% of total torque to the rear axle. It can also disconnect the rear axle from the engine to improve fuel economy .
The system operated faultlessly in my day of driving the Cherokee on highways, coastal roads and up and down twisty hills from the Pacific Coast Highway up to a ranch with famously challenging off-road courses. Days of torrential and good road sense put those paths off limits, but the hybrid drivetrain was more than capable in every other kind of driving.
The 4WD system senses and responds automatically to wheel slip, but the driver can also select drive modes when they know challenging conditions are ahead.
2026 Jeep Cherokee drive modes:
The Cherokee offers Stellantis’ hands-free highway system.
A Trailhawk off-road model is coming, but Jeep won’t say when.
Why buy a 2026 Jeep Cherokee?
The 2026 Jeep Cherokee does everything well. The interior is comfortable and accommodating, with a generous cargo compartment. Its new hybrid drivetrain provided plenty of power and returned good fuel economy, even when pushed hard in the hills.
Assuming the Cherokee comports itself like a Jeep when an off-road test is possible, it’s a clear winner in the fiercely competitive compact SUV class.
2026 Jeep Cherokee at a glance
All-wheel drive hybrid compact SUV
Seats five
On sale now
Base price: $35,000. All prices exclude $1,895 destination charge.
Model tested: Laredo
Price as tested: $42,590
Power: Hybrid, 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with electric motor
Output: 210 hp; 230 pound-feet of torque
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic
Estimated fuel economy: 39 mpg city//35 highway/37 combined. 500 miles on a tank. Regular gasoline, 87 octane.
Estimated annual fuel cost at current prices: $1,350
Wheelbase: 113 inches
Length: 188.1 inches
Width: 74.7 inches (excluding mirrors)
Height: 67.5 inches (with antenna)
Ground clearance: 8 inches
Turning ratio: 40.3 feet
Passenger space: 107.4 cubic feet
Cargo space: 33.6 cubic feet behind rear seat; 68.3 cubic feet seat folded
Curb weight: 4,295 pounds
Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds
Assembled in Toluca, Mexico
Contact Mark Phelan: mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 2026 Cherokee hybrid is the Jeep we’ve been waiting for
Reporting by Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
