The 2026 Jeep Cherokee needed a change to better fight its competitors. Maybe that change would be a simplified powertrain lineup, nicer interior duds, a better transmission, or sexier styling. Instead, Jeep has taken a leap of faith by making the Cherokee its first hybrid.
And, at least for now, its hybrid only.
I know a few of you have already starting to scroll to the comments to fact-check that claim about this being Jeep’s first hybrid, but it is — the 4xe powertrain on offer in other models is a plug-in setup.
This one will be pairing a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with an electric motor for a total output of 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. An electronically-controlled continuously-variable unit will be the sole transmission choice.
Over 500 miles of range is promised, along with a combined mpg rating of 37.
Jeep is also claiming this will have the most cargo space of a Cherokee ever and that towing ratings will be “unsurpassed.” It will also offer over 140 standard and available safety and security features, including standard Active Driving Assist. That’s Stellantis-speak for a Level 2 hands-free driving system with adaptive cruise control.
Standard features will include a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Uconnect 5 infotainment, passive entry, rain-sensing wipers, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist identification, intersection collision assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection, drowsy-driver detection, and rear-park assist with rear automatic emergency braking.
Also standard is Connect One, a suite of tech features such as over-the-air updates and a Jeep app. This will be of no cost to the buyer for 10 years.
The trim walk will include base, Laredo, Limited, and Overland trims. Available features, depending on trim, include a dual-pane sunroof, foot-activated power tailgate with adjustable lift height, 360-degree camera, digital rearview mirror, heated rear seats, cooled front seats, windshield wiper de-icer, front tire-to-curb view, turn-signal-activated blind-spot view, premium audio, and in-vehicle Alexa voice assistant.
In a major interior change, the shifter goes rotary to free up space, and cargo capacity is reportedly up by 30 percent.
All the four-wheelin’ goodies will be here. That starts with Jeep Active Drive I 4×4 system with standard rear-axle disconnect, and the Cherokee will be available with Selec-Terrain traction management with four driving modes: Auto, Sport, Snow, Sand/Mud.
The approach and departure angles are 19.6 and 29.4 degrees, respectively, and the breakover angle is 8.8 degrees. Expect 8 inches of ground clearance.
Outside, the styling is boxier, while the cabin is designed to maximize storage space. Upper trim levels will be available with a white interior.
Pricing will start at $36,995, with the Laredo costing you $39,995. Those prices include the $1,995 destination fee.
Limited and Overland trims arrive at Jeep dealers late this year, and they start at $42,995 and $45,995 respectively.
Base models and Laredos hit stores early next year, and the Cherokee will be built in Toluca, Mexico — it won’t be returning to Stellantis’ Belvidere, Illinois plant.
The new Cherokee looks more “Jeepy”, for lack of a better word, than the outgoing model. It will be interesting to see if the changes allow it to better stack up against the likes of the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Bronco Sport. The hybrid-only play is especially intriguing. By the way, I said up top that the hybrid is the only engine “for now” but I have no inside sourcing or reporting there — I just suspect a pure EV in the future, and probably an ICE-only model, too. There’s also no news yet on a Trailhawk trim, but I’d eat my hat if one doesn’t appear soon.
Jeep is taking a major swing here. Will it connect?
[Images: Jeep]
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