Jeep Cherokee returns as a fuel-efficient hybrid

The all-new Cherokee is launching for the 2026 model year and will be powered by hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine.

Jeep Cherokee Overland front — *The all-new Jeep Cherokee is launching for the 2026 model year. – Stellantis photo*

After months of releasing teaser images, Jeep has finally fully unveiled the all-new Cherokee, which is launching for the 2026 model year.

Canadians will be able to start buying it later this year.

The previous Jeep Cherokee was discontinued at the end of the 2023 model year. The new model maintains Jeep’s classic boxy SUV style, but this one is all-new and is powered by a hybrid powertrain that greatly reduces fuel consumption.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee will be powered by a hybrid powertrain featuring a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors.

The midsize SUV also comes standard with Jeep Active Drive, a 4×4 system with standard rear-axle disconnect.

2026 Jeep Cherokee Overland rear — *The new Jeep Cherokee is more fuel efficient than the old one despite it being larger and more powerful. – Stellantis photo*

Fuel consumption

The estimated fuel economy is rated as low as 6.4 L/100 km in city-highway combined driving, the automaker said. The 2023 Cherokee had city-highway combined fuel-efficiency rating of around 9.4 L/100 km.

Fuel efficiency is improved, but so is power.

The new Cherokee gets 210 hp and 230 lb.-ft. of torque out of its powertrain.

The 2023 Cherokee, with its standard 2.4-litre engine had 180 hp and 171 lb.-ft. of torque. There was also a turbocharged option, which increased power to 270 hp, but it drank even more gas, with a fuel-efficiency rating of around 10.7 L/100 km.

“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,” Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf said in a news release. “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.”

2026 Jeep Cherokee drive mode selector — *Drivers can select a drive mode via the Selec-Terrain system. – Stellantis photo*

Off-road capability

The 4×4 gets Jeep’s Selec-Terrain traction management system, which includes four driving modes: Auto, Sport, Snow and Sand/Mud.

The approach angle is 19.6 degrees, the departure angle is 29.4 degrees and the breakover angle is 18.8 degrees.

The Cherokee also has 20 centimetres (eight inches) of ground clearance.

2026 Jeep Cherokee Overland interior — *The 2026 Jeep Cherokee, seen here in Overland trim, is more spacious than the old model. – Stellantis photo*

More interior space

The new Cherokee is longer, taller and wider and has a more upright stance.

Jeep said the new model maximizes space, and has 30 per cent more cargo capacity than the previous Cherokee.

“From every angle, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee evokes the best of the brand’s rich design history,” said Vince Galante, vice president, Jeep global design, in the release. “These bold, upright shapes are complimented by Jeep’s iconic seven-slot grille, boxy side profile and distinctive jerrican-inspired taillight design, giving it an instantly recognizable signature on the road.”

2026 Jeep Cherokee Limited interior — *Buyers of the 2026 Jeep Cherokee can choose from four trims. This is the interior of the Limited model. – Stellantis photo*

Four trims

The 2026 model will be available in four trims: Cherokee, Laredo, Limited and Overland.

Standard features on every trim include:

10.25-inch full-colour digital instrument cluster
12.3-inch infotainment screen equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability
Uconnect 5 infotainment system
Heated front seats
Passive entry system
Rain-sensing wipers
Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist identification
Intersection Collision Assist
Blind-spot Monitoring system with Rear Cross Path detection
Drowsy Driver Detection
Active Driving Assist system (Level 2 driver-assistance system with adaptive cruise control)
Rear park assist with rear automatic emergency braking

2026 Jeep Cherokee Limited exterior — *The 2026 Jeep Cherokee, seen here in Limited trim, has a host of available options. – Stellantis photo*

Some of the available features on the higher grades include:

Dual-pane sunroof
Foot-activated power liftgate with adjustable height
360-degree camera
Digital rearview mirror
Heated rear seats
Ventilated front seats
Windshield wiper de-icer
Front tire-to-curb view
Turn signal-activated blind spot
Premium audio
Alexa in-vehicle assistant

2026 Jeep Cherokee Overland side — *The 2026 Jeep Cherokee will be initially available in Canada in Overland (seen here) and Limited trims. – Stellantis photo*

Canadian pricing

Starting Canadian prices are as follows:

Cherokee – $42,390 ($39,995 MSRP plus additional fees)
Laredo – $47,390 ($44,995 MSRP plus additional fees)
Limited – $52,390 ($49,995 MSRP plus additional fees)
Overland $56,390 ($53,995 MSRP plus additional fees)

The two more expensive trims, Limited and Overland, will be available in Canada first, available sometime in late 2025. The Cherokee and Laredo trims are expected to be available in early 2026.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee is assembled in Mexico.

For full model details, visit the Jeep Canada website.