The Jeep Cherokee Is Back for 2026—Starts at $36,995
DETROIT – The Cherokee is back, leading a blitz of new SUVs for Jeep, which has struggled in recent years with rising prices and falling sales.
The 2026 Jeep Cherokee starts at $36,995, including destination, and arrives later this year as the first part of Jeep’s efforts to turn the tide against its recent misfortunes – some of which were self-inflicted.
Now running a hybrid powertrain and considerably larger than its predecessor, the Cherokee takes aim at the midsize segment in hopes of recapturing the customers it lost when the last generation ended production in early 2023. While the previous model was considered a compact crossover, the new one enters a hugely competitive arena, with everything from the new Subaru Forester, Mazda CX-90, Honda Passport, Hyundai Santa Fe and many more models, some of which have three rows.
“We took the time to step back and analyze the North American midsize SUV market to understand one thing: what do customers want from a next-generation Jeep Cherokee? The answer is a great-looking SUV with incredible range, more standard technology, safety equipment, capability to match their lifestyles, driven by a powerful and efficient powertrain,” said Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf. “The 2026 Jeep Cherokee is an incredibly capable and competitive midsize SUV that’s ready to reclaim our territory in North America’s largest vehicle segment.”
The Cherokee’s hybrid system promises 37 miles per gallon (combined) and up to 500 miles of range. The powertrain has a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder that’s in its third generation in Europe. It teams with a lithium-ion battery pack and electronically controlled CVT for 210 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque. The Cherokee will be the first Jeep to use a conventional (non-plug-in) hybrid system.
Only all-wheel drive models will be available at launch. It runs the Standard Jeep Active Drive system with rear axle disconnect. Selec-Terrain offers four driving modes: Auto, Sport, Snow, and Sand/Mud. The Jeep will have a breakover angle of 18.8 degrees and eight inches of ground clearance.
Based on Stellantis’ widely used STLA platform, the new Cherokee is 4.7 inches longer, one inch wider, two inches taller, and has a 6.4-inch longer wheelbase than the previous model. This makes for an inch more leg room and 30 percent more storage capacity.
While the Cherokee’s design has always been a key element, the 2026 model takes an understated approach in line with Jeep’s most recent stylings of this decade. It has a box-like silhouette and with defined wheel arches, but aside from a few lines and angles, nothing is an overt throwback to the XJ, though the Jeep design team used it for inspiration. Conversely, the new Cherokee won’t stir controversy like the 2014 model, which was initially panned for its dramatic break from traditional cues.
“For those of us in studio, the Cherokee has a special place,” said Vince Galente, vice president of Jeep Design. “We started to blend the blockiness with modern shapes. I would never call this retro. We were definitely paying attention to that old XJ design.”
The cabin is marked by a trapezoidal steering wheel and standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and 10.25-inch driver’s cluster. The Cherokee will also feature non-leather materials with an eye toward sustainability. “Most people won’t realize it’s not leather,” said Ryan Nagode, Stellantis vice president of interior design.
The base Cherokee will have Uconnect 5, rear park assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking standard. Uplevel trims will include Laredo (starting at $39,995), Limited ($42,495), and Overland ($45,995), offering vented seats, heated rear seats, a dual-pane sunroof, and an upgraded audio system, depending on the trim.
The Cherokee leads Jeep’s four launches over the next four months, followed by the Grand Cherokee, Grand Wagoneer, and Recon. Tantalyzingly, Broderdorf said the Cherokee Trailhawk is in the card, though he didn’t say when. “We’re not going soft. “We’re going to get back to what we do and have some fun.”
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Greg Migliore has covered the auto industry for two decades, most recently as editor-in-chief of Autoblog. He's also been an editor at Automobile and Autoweek. He's a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, Michigan State University and the Yale Publishing course. Greg is a member of the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards jury.
More by Greg Migliore
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Hybrid only? Another lame grocery getter. PASS!
Why would anyone want this when 4 door Rubicons already exist? Just stick a streamlined body on a 4 door Rubicon and call it done. 37 mpg with a 500 mile range is a worthy pursuit. Maybe in 70 years Jeep will be offering 21st century vehicles.