2026 Jeep Cherokee First Look: Hybrid Power, More Space, Real Angles

The all-new 2026 Cherokee returns as a larger, smarter, and more useful family hauler that still feels like a Jeep. It lands in one of the fiercest segments out there, and it shows up prepared, with a new hybrid powertrain, standard four-wheel drive, and thoughtful details that make daily life easier.

Jeep launches the Cherokee with a new 350-volt hybrid system tailored specifically for this crossover. The setup pairs a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with a two-motor electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. There is no plug; energy comes from the engine and regenerative braking to a compact 1.08-kilowatt-hour battery. Output is rated at 210 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, with Jeep estimating more than 500 miles of total driving range and 37 miles per gallon combined. It is not a rocket at 0 to 60 miles per hour in 8.3 seconds, but the mission here is efficiency and smoothness, and the Cherokee leans into that character.

The hardware underneath moves to the Stellantis STLA Large platform. Dimensions grow to 188.1 inches in length, 83.6 inches in width with mirrors, and 67.6 inches in height, riding on a 113.0-inch wheelbase that is roughly six inches longer than before. Practical payoffs are clear: Jeep says cargo space grows by 30 percent, and the cabin has more places to stash the daily stuff of family life. A new rotary gear selector clears out the center console so there is room for phones, cups, and the occasional bag of snacks after a long day.

Every Cherokee includes the Jeep Active Drive I four-wheel-drive system with a rear-axle disconnect and drive modes for Auto, Sport, Snow, and Mud or Sand. Angles are reassuringly Jeep: a 19.6-degree approach, a 29.4-degree departure, an 18.8-degree breakover, and 8.0 inches of ground clearance. You will not confuse this with a soft roader. A Cherokee Trailhawk is in development as well, which should add the tougher bits enthusiasts expect, even if details are still under wraps.

Design takes a respectful bow to the XJ without getting stuck in the past. The body is blocky in the right places, with simple surfacing and a confident stance. U-shaped daytime running lights frame the light emitting diode headlamps and subtly nod to the square look many people loved. At the rear, the sharp break around the D-pillar near the taillamps echoes the shape of military jerry cans, a clever little Easter egg for brand fans.

Inside, the Cherokee mirrors the modern, premium vibe Jeep has been building, with a layout that will feel familiar if you have peeked inside a Wagoneer S. A 10.25-inch digital cluster sits ahead of the driver and a 12.3-inch infotainment display runs Uconnect 5 with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Storage is generous, materials look and feel upscale, and the new steering squircle somehow just works in your hands.

Safety and convenience tech are standard where it counts: rain-sensing wipers, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear-park assist, and Active Driving Assist, which is a Level 2 assistance system for highway comfort. Depending on trim, you can add a 360-degree camera, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, a front tire-to-curb view to save your wheels, a dual-pane sunroof, and a foot-activated power liftgate.

Pricing is straightforward. The Limited arrives at $44,490 and the Overland at $47,990, both including the $1,995 destination charge. The entry model starts at $38,990 and the Laredo at $41,990, with those two trims scheduled to hit dealers in early 2026. For shoppers who want a quiet, efficient, genuinely capable sport utility vehicle with real Jeep character, the new Cherokee looks ready.