Preview: 2026 Jeep Cherokee Returns as a Boxy 37-MPG Hybrid

This new Cherokee promises one important thing that’s far grander than its larger Grand Cherokee brand-mate: better fuel economy. Our four-wheel-drive 2025 Grand Cherokee was awfully thirsty in CR’s tests, delivering only 20 mpg overall. The Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) offers up to 25 miles of electric-only range, but we still saw only 21 mpg after the EV battery is depleted. The PHEV also comes with a massive jump in price over the regular Grand Cherokee, starting at $60,490. 

The base Cherokee undercuts the entry-level, nonhybrid Grand Cherokee only by less than a couple of thousand dollars, but it should be a far less expensive car to fuel over its lifetime. However, buyers will still have to upgrade to the Grand Cherokee L if they want three rows of seating, or perhaps go with one of the Cherokee’s three-row hybrid competitors like the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid or Toyota Highlander Hybrid. 

More interior space than the previous Cherokee and no third row shoehorned in sounds promising in terms of cabin comfort, and the interior has an attractive, modern design. We’re less enthused about the touch-sensitive climate control panel that’s tucked in relatively low on the center stack. We’ve found that those can be harder than physical buttons to adjust while driving, although the two large full-color displays should make other information relatively easy to see.

The boxiness is back, as the new Cherokee ditches the 2023 model’s more rounded nose for a squared-off look akin to the Grand Cherokee. Black cladding along the lower edges helps drive home the more rugged vibe. It also grew in size in all directions from the previous generation to enable more room inside (more on that next). Even the LED headlights are squared off compared with the smoothed-over look of the previous generation. Each headlight features a U-shaped daytime running light inside. 

One notable change over the previous Cherokee is in its increased interior space. Jeep claims the new Cherokee has 30 percent more cargo capacity than the last model.

Every Cherokee features a pair of full-color displays on the dashboard: a 10.25-inch driver’s information display behind the wheel and a centrally located 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Climate controls are on a touch-sensitive panel as opposed to a row of traditional buttons or knobs, but there are still physical buttons for off-road-related controls and on the steering wheel. A dial-style gear selector sits atop the center console. 

Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard for those who prefer using a phone-style interface and the apps on their phone. Jeep’s UConnect 5 infotainment system is also capable of downloading useful apps of its own, including ones for activities like camping and geocaching, and games to play like Sudoku. Ten years of access to Jeep’s basic connected services package comes standard on every Cherokee, which enables the vehicle to accept over-the-air updates and make SOS calls, and includes access to Jeep’s smartphone app. 

Available upgrades include an onboard WiFi hot spot with unlimited data, an Amazon Alexa in-vehicle voice assistant, and the Jeep Off-Road Pages Plus system that displays off-road guides and related information about your SUV on your infotainment system.

The Cherokee also features a standard passive entry system, which unlocks the doors once it senses the key is nearby. A foot-activated power liftgate is also available as an option.

Other available interior upgrades include a dual-pane sunroof, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a premium audio system. All Cherokees come standard with a black interior, while the non-base-model trims are also available with a light grey “Arctic” interior color scheme. 

The real star of the new Cherokee is its powertrain, which combines a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a dual-electric-motor hybrid system and an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT). Jeep says it outputs a total of 210 hp and 236 lb.-ft. of torque, all while delivering 37 mpg combined fuel economy and a total driving range of over 500 miles. Most competitors make more horsepower than the Cherokee.

While this is nowhere near as hardcore as a Wrangler or even the long-running XJ-generation Cherokees from the ’80s, ’90s, and early ’00s, Jeep still touts its 8 inches of ground clearance and off-road capability. 

Because this is a Jeep, it can power all four of its wheels and refers to the system responsible as 4WD accordingly. However, the Cherokee’s drivetrain acts more like a modern AWD system, hence us calling it AWD here. The AWD system comes standard with a rear-axle disconnect, which improves fuel economy by powering only the front wheels until the rear wheels are needed. Jeep’s Selec-Terrain traction management system offers drivers four driving modes (Sport, Snow, Sand/Mud, and Auto) with settings customized for different driving conditions. 

Jeep’s Active Driving Assist hands-free driving system with adaptive cruise control comes standard, along with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, rear parking sensors with reverse automatic emergency braking, a driver alertness monitor, and audible and visual alerts for potential collisions at intersections. 

Additional camera views are available as options, including a 360-degree camera, digital rear-view mirror; a front tire-to-curb view; and a blind-spot view that appears when you activate the turn signal. Rain-sensing windshield wipers are standard, and a windshield wiper de-icer is available.