The New Jeep Cherokee Is Finally The SUV It Was Always Meant To Be

Well, they did it. After pulling the Cherokee from the market, Jeep has brought it back. And let me tell you, it’s not just a comeback—it’s a total reinvention. The 2026 Jeep Cherokee has grown up, gotten smarter, and now comes standard as a hybrid with 4×4. No more confusing trim levels or opting for front-wheel drive. This is the SUV Jeep purists always wanted.

I got a deep dive into the specs and features, and here’s the real-world breakdown of what’s new, what’s great, and what might make you hesitate.

A Design That Actually Looks Like a Jeep

Remember the last Cherokee? Its polarizing, slanted headlights are gone. The 2026 model ditches the weird curves for a boxy, confident stance that proudly echoes the classic XJ Cherokee without feeling like a cheap imitation.

The seven-slot grille is still there, of course. But now it’s paired with high hood lines and tough, rectangular LED headlights. The overall look is muscular and purposeful. It finally has the presence of a real Jeep, the kind that makes you look twice in a parking lot full of bland crossovers.

 

It’s Bigger Where It Counts

The biggest news might be the size. Built on Stellantis’s new STLA Large platform, the Cherokee has grown in every dimension. The result? A shockingly spacious interior and a trunk that offers a massive 951 liters of cargo space. Fold the seats down, and you get a van-like 1,935 liters. For families and adventurers who actually use their SUV for gear, this is a game-changer.

The Interior: Tech That Doesn’t Annoy You

Step inside, and it feels modern and functional. Every model gets a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a responsive 12.3-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5. This system is legitimately one of the best in the business—fast, intuitive, and with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Crucially, Jeep kept physical buttons and knobs for the climate control and volume. Thank you. The days of fumbling with touchscreen sliders while driving are over. The new trapezoidal steering wheel feels great, and sustainable materials are used throughout, ditching real leather for good.

The Heart of the Matter: Standard Hybrid 4×4

This is the headline. Every single 2026 Cherokee comes with a hybrid powertrain and 4×4. No exceptions.

The setup combines a 1.6-liter turbocharged gas engine with two electric motors and a small 1.0 kWh battery. Total output is 210 horsepower and 312 Nm of torque, sent through a dedicated e-CVT transmission.

The numbers are impressive: an estimated 6.4 L/100 km (around 36.8 mpg) and a driving range of over 800 km (500 miles) on a single tank. For a midsize SUV with standard all-wheel drive, that’s exceptional efficiency. The 4×4 system (“Active Drive I”) is primarily front-wheel drive for fuel savings but can automatically engage the rear wheels when it detects slip. You can also manually lock it into a 50/50 split for serious traction.

But Can It Actually Go Off-Road?

With 8 inches (204 mm) of ground clearance and respectable approach/departure angles (19.6°/29.4°), the Cherokee is far more capable than your average grocery-getter. The Selec-Terrain system offers Auto, Sport, Snow, and Sand/Mud modes.

Now, is it a Rubicon? No. The hardcore Trailhawk version with its lifted suspension and all-terrain tires is coming later. But for 95% of buyers who encounter dirt roads, beach trails, or heavy snow, this standard Cherokee is more than capable. It easily outclasses rivals like the Honda CR-V Hybrid or Toyota RAV4 in light off-road duty.

Price & Verdict: Who Should Buy It?

Expect the base price to start around $37,000 (approx. €34,000). That gets you a seriously well-equipped SUV with a full suite of advanced safety features (adaptive cruise, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring) as standard.

It’s not the cheapest in the segment, but it is arguably the most complete package at its starting price.

Buy the 2026 Cherokee if:

• You need a fuel-efficient family SUV that can handle weather and light trails.

• You love the idea of standard 4×4 and don’t want to pay extra for it.

• You want a rugged, practical design that stands out.

Wait for the Trailhawk or 4xe if:

• Your idea of off-roading involves serious rock crawling.

• You want a plug-in hybrid for all-electric daily commuting.

The bottom line? Jeep finally made the Cherokee we’ve been asking for: capable, efficient, and unmistakably Jeep.

The Good:

• Standard hybrid 4×4 on all models is a huge win.

• Excellent real-world fuel economy for its size.

• Spacious, practical interior with great tech.

• Bold, classic Jeep styling.

The Wait-and-See:

• The Trailhawk version isn’t here yet for serious off-roaders.

• The towing capacity (3,500 lbs) is good, but less than old V6 models.

• The starting price is higher than some non-hybrid rivals.

Image Source- canalcarro.net.br