2026 Jeep Cherokee Model Review
Key Features
- Starting at $35,000 MSRP*
- 1.6-liter I4 Turbo Hybrid engine producing 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque
- Standard 4x4
- 10.25-inch full-color digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch infotainment screen equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Active Driving Assist system (Level 2 driver-assistance system with adaptive cruise control)
- Rear park assist with rear automatic emergency braking
About The Jeep Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee is both a continuation of a long-running favorite of the Jeep lineup and also a high-tech look into the future. The Cherokee comes standard with a powerful and efficient hybrid drivetrain with 4x4 as standard. Straddling the line between compact and midsize, the Cherokee hits the size sweet spot where it offers a lot of interior space without sacrificing maneuverability. The Cherokee comes well-equipped, including tech-forward exterior styling that is immediately recognizable as a Jeep, and a sophisticated interior that lets you relax in comfort no matter what the exterior conditions are like. To top it all off, the Cherokee is rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds, significantly more than the competition.
What the Critics Say
“The instrument cluster is a 10.3-inch display and the infotainment display is a 12.3-inch unit. Both of these screens, as well as the dash design and the steering wheel, have been ripped straight out of the Wagoneer S (Jeep's much pricier EV). As a result, the cabin has an expensive feel to it, and it's nice that Jeep found a way to bring its ritzier kit to a lower price point.” - Edmunds
“Fixing Jeep starts today. New from the ground up, with hybrid power and the promise of serious off-road capability, the 2026 Cherokee midsize SUV patches a gaping hole in the brand’s lineup.” - USA Today
What’s New in the 2026
The Cherokee isn’t a new nameplate, but the 2026 model is an entirely new vehicle from the ground up, following the exit of the old model in 2023. The new model is bigger, offering more legroom and significantly more cargo space. The hybrid drivetrain is also new, not just for the Cherokee, but for Jeep, as this is the first non-plug-in hybrid drivetrain the brand has offered. The new design is boxier than before, which is always a plus for Jeep fans, and the level of standard equipment makes it a standout in its segment.
Jeep Cherokee Features
Capable Power
The Cherokee is powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that’s mated to a hybrid drivetrain with two electric motors. A 4x4 system is standard, and even though there are two electric motors, all four wheels are connected to the gasoline engine. This is significant, since a lot of hybrids that come with AWD will have two of the wheels driven just by electric motors. That’s fine for a road covered in snow, but you really need a system that can better redirect power across all four corners if you want to go off-road. And to help with this, the Cherokee comes with Auto, Sport, Snow, and Sand/Mud driving modes. The drivetrain produces a combined 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to give it a 3,500-pound towing capacity, significantly higher than the other hybrids in the compact segment.
Comfortable Interior
The Cherokee boasts far more interior space than its rivals, but that’s not the only advantage. It also goes the extra mile to make the interior comfortable, with standard features like dual-zone automatic climate control and an air purification system, something you often don’t find as standard on luxury models. Also standard is the Uconnect® 5 infotainment system, which includes wireless Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® support, as well as 10 years of over-the-air updates. A 6-speaker stereo comes standard, but music lovers can opt for a 9-speaker Alpine® system that includes a subwoofer. There is available Capri leatherette upholstery, complete with contrasting stitching in Cognac for a subtly sophisticated look. And to help you see that stitching, there is an available dual-pane panoramic sunroof to let in warm natural light.
Premium Interior & Technology
Technology helps the Cherokee stand out in its segment, not just for how many advanced features are available, but also how many of them are standard. Features like rain-sensing wipers, intersection collision assist, and rear park assist with rear automatic emergency braking are usually optional extras, but they all come standard on the Cherokee. Even the Active Driving Assist system, which is a hands-on semi-autonomous system that works with the adaptive cruise control, is standard on the Cherokee. The front tire-to-curb camera view, something you’re unlikely to find even as an option on many competitors, is also standard. A customizable 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster comes with every Cherokee, as does the large 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. And, of course, the hybrid drivetrain itself is both advanced and something that is usually an optional extra on other vehicles.
Trims & Specs
Cherokee
- Starting at $35,000 MSRP*
- 12.3-Inch Uconnect® 5 Touchscreen Display and a 10.25-Inch Digital Cluster Display
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go
- Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers
- Eco-Friendly Cloth Seats and a Premium Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Selec-Terrain® System
Laredo
- Starting at $38,595 MSRP*
- Heated Front Seats with a 10-Way Power Adjustable Driver Seat
- Front LED Fog Lamps
- Remote Vehicle Start
- Second-Row Dual USB Chargers—Type C Charge Only
- 18-Inch Machine Face Painted Aluminum Wheels
Limited
- Starting at $41,095 MSRP*
- Premium Capri Leatherette Perforated Seats
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Wireless Charging Pad
- Power Liftgate with Adjustable Height
- Auto-Dim Rearview Mirror
Overland
- Starting at $44,595 MSRP*
- Capri Leatherette Seats with Unique Perforation and 10-Way Power Adjustable Driver and Front Passenger Seats
- Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof
- Nine-Speaker Premium Alpine® Audio System
- Foot-Activated Power Liftgate with Adjustable Height
- 20-Inch Machine Face Aluminum Wheels
*MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your dealer.