The Jeep Cherokee has had a long, winding, and, on more than one occasion, interrupted life. Evolving from an enthusiast’s darling to a crossover with intermittent production, its existence has been tumultuous. After a few years of absence, the Cherokee is making a comeback for 2026. It will bolster an expanding Jeep lineup, which recently welcomed the all-electric Wagoneer S and is set to receive the off-road Recon, as well as new versions equipped with Hemi engines.
The Grand Return of a Staple
After years of rising prices and increasing exclusivity, Jeep is doing its best to return to the mainstream. And what do drivers want today? Simply put, hybrids.
Rugged mid-size SUVs are very popular right now. The Cherokee itself helped create this segment. As the saying goes, “Out of sight, out of mind,” isn’t it?
A Hybrid Offensive from Launch
At launch, the Cherokee will be offered in only one configuration: an all-wheel-drive hybrid. A 1.6-liter turbocharged engine is paired with an electric motor and a 1.08 kWh NCM-Graphite battery. It is not a plug-in model.
Total power is rated at 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via a CVT transmission and Jeep’s “Active Drive I” 4×4 system, which includes a single-speed transfer case and automatic torque distribution. Jeep announces a very un-Jeep-like combined fuel economy of 37 MPG.
Pricing and Availability
The 2026 Jeep Cherokee starts at $36,995 (including $1,995 destination fee). Jeep will initially launch the Limited and Overland trims ($42,495 and $45,995 respectively) in the fall. The base and Laredo models ($39,995) will arrive in early 2026.
What About Driving Fun?
Stay tuned. A Trailhawk version is in the works.