BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The Jeep Cherokee, a nameplate that helped shape the American sport utility vehicle landscape, is making a bold return for the 2026 model year, merging a heritage of off-road grit with a growing demand for efficiency, advanced safety and digital convenience. On Thursday, Jeep unveiled the redesigned Cherokee in Brooklyn, introducing a new 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid powertrain, a boxier and more upright exterior, and a cabin brimming with technology aimed squarely at midsize SUV buyers.
The debut was marked by a lively presentation featuring LL COOL J, whose 1990s anthem “Mama Said Knock You Out” — and its famous lyric, “Don’t call it a comeback” — set the tone for the brand’s message: this is a revival that intends to reclaim ground in North America’s most competitive utility segment.
A New Heart: Hybrid Power, More Range
At the center of the 2026 Cherokee is Stellantis’ first North American application of its new 1.6-liter turbo-four hybrid propulsion system. The combination of a gasoline engine, two electric motors and a battery produces 210 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, enabling a projected combined fuel economy of 37 miles per gallon and a driving range exceeding 500 miles on a single tank.
Bob Broderdorf, Jeep’s chief executive, described the powertrain as “a turning point for the Cherokee and a critical step in the brand’s multi-energy strategy,” saying it delivers “turbocharged performance without compromise, electrified torque on demand and a range that makes long-distance travel worry-free.”
The system will be assembled in Michigan, at Stellantis’ Dundee Engine Plant, and is designed to support both everyday commuting and extended road trips, a balance the company sees as vital in a market where hybrid SUVs are increasingly appealing to mainstream buyers.
More Space, More Standard Features
The 2026 Cherokee is also larger in nearly every dimension, offering a more spacious cabin and 30 percent more cargo capacity than its predecessor — enough, Jeep notes, to add the equivalent of a large dog crate behind the second row when the seats are folded.
Inside, the Cherokee features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the brand’s Uconnect 5 system. Standard safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, intersection collision assist, drowsy driver detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection and a Level 2 Active Driving Assist system with adaptive cruise control.
Jeep has also simplified its connected services offering with the new Connect One package, included for 10 years at no cost, allowing over-the-air updates, remote access via a smartphone app and automatic SOS calls. Buyers can upgrade to Connect Wi-Fi Plus for unlimited data and additional features.
A Broader Range of Trims and Options
The Cherokee will be available in four trims — entry-level Cherokee, Laredo, Limited and Overland — with prices starting at $36,995 including destination charges. The more premium Limited and Overland models, which arrive in late 2025, will begin at $42,495 and $45,995 respectively, with the entry-level and Laredo trims following in early 2026.
Optional equipment includes a dual-pane sunroof, foot-activated power liftgate, 360-degree camera, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, a premium audio system, Alexa in-vehicle assistant and features like a digital rearview mirror and turn-signal activated blind-spot view.
Upholding the Jeep Off-Road Tradition
While the new hybrid powertrain and refined cabin underline Jeep’s shift toward electrification and tech-savvy buyers, the Cherokee retains the brand’s hallmark off-road credentials. Every model comes standard with Jeep’s Active Drive I four-wheel-drive system with a rear-axle disconnect, Selec-Terrain traction management with four modes — Auto, Sport, Snow, and Sand/Mud — and best-in-class approach and departure angles of 19.6 and 29.4 degrees, respectively. Ground clearance stands at eight inches, enough for moderate trail work.
“The Cherokee has always been about more than just getting from A to B,” said Vince Galante, vice president of Jeep global design. “We wanted to honor its adventurous past while creating a silhouette that feels modern, upright and unmistakably Jeep.”
A Design Language Both Familiar and Forward
Visually, the 2026 Cherokee reflects a more squared-off, bold aesthetic, drawing inspiration from five decades of heritage. The front fascia incorporates boxy LED headlamps with distinctive U-shaped accents, while the profile adopts sharper edges and a taller, more assertive stance. At the rear, jerrican-inspired taillights nod to Jeep’s utilitarian roots.
Inside, Jeep designers focused on four themes — active, playful, practical and progressive — pairing elevated materials with sustainable touches, including non-leather seating options and carpets made with recycled materials. The Overland trim features unique perforation patterns, while a new Global Black interior is standard across the lineup, with Arctic interior tones available on select trims.
Positioning for a Crowded Market
The midsize SUV segment remains one of the most hotly contested in North America, with competitors from Toyota, Ford, Honda and Hyundai offering hybrid options of their own. Jeep executives acknowledged that reclaiming market share will require not only nostalgic appeal but also a competitive mix of technology, fuel economy and value.
With a starting price just under $37,000, the 2026 Cherokee positions itself below some hybrid rivals while offering a suite of standard features that would have been optional in previous generations. Its towing ratings, which Jeep says remain best in class for the segment, and its expanded cargo area aim to appeal to families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Availability and Production
Production of the new Cherokee will take place at Stellantis’ Toluca Assembly Plant in Mexico, with first deliveries expected in late 2025. The launch video, titled “America’s Original Influencer,” is now live on Jeep’s YouTube channel, signaling what the brand hopes will be both a return to form and a new chapter in the SUV’s evolution.
For Jeep, which coined the very term “sport utility vehicle,” the 2026 Cherokee represents a chance to bridge a rich past with a rapidly changing automotive landscape — one where efficiency, connectivity and safety are no longer optional but expected.