The Jeep Cherokee mid-sized SUV returns to market this fall after a two-year hiatus. Jeep faithful will likely be happier with the new 2027 Cherokee than they were with the last generation because it’s styling is upright, boxy and arguably more masculine than before.
As such, the 2026 Cherokee is longer, wider and taller than the last generation. It has bolder shapes, more detail and in my opinion fits better with the long-term Jeep styling lineage. It has sharp edges, squared-off LED headlights, and depending on the trim grade a number of more aggressive details than before.
Its new interior gets larger too with a more modern sweeping design similar to that of the larger Grand Cherokee. The cockpit features a 10.25-inch full-color digital instrument cluster and center stage is a
12.3-inch infotainment screen that is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible.
The shift lever is gone though, replaced by the not so favorite rotary gear selector but they say it makes more room for stuff. It has 30% more cargo capacity than before which is a good thing in this class. Better materials are promised in the cabins which come standard in black and offer a light gray tone called Arctic on top trim grades.
Unlike most of its competitors, it comes standard with the Jeep Active Drive I 4×4 system. Featuring a standard rear-axle disconnect it does default to front-wheel-drive when it’s not engaged. Expect all the standard software traction toys and modes including Auto, Sport, Snow, Sand/Mud.
For a crossover SUV, Jeep says it will offer best-in-class metrics around off-road capability including 8-inches of ground clearance. Departure angles is of 19.6 degrees front and 29.4 degrees rear. Breakover angle is 18.8 degrees. Not Wangler numbers, but better than bad.
The biggest news is under the hood where Jeep steps deftly into the standard hybrid powertrain business. A brand new full hybrid system comes with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a true to nuts two-motor hybrid power-split transmission with planetary gearset – not that mild eTorque stuff that Stellantis has been serving up for a long while.
Promising 37 mpg combined and more than 500 miles to a tank of fuel, the standard hybrid powertrain has impressive power too, rated at 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. Electric power comes from a 1.03-kWh lithium-ion battery and can power the Cherokee up to 62 mph for short distances in EV only mode..
The new powertrain will be produced in Michigan at the Stellantis’ Dundee engine plant while assembly of the Cherokee will take place at the company’s existing Toluca, Mexico facility.
Pricing you ask? According to Jeep the entry-level Cherokee starts at $36,995. Next up is Laredo trim at $39,995. Limited and Overland trims, starting at $42,495 and $45,995 each. All pricing I mentioned is inclusive of a $1,995 destination charge.
Production starts this fall with arrival of the 2026 Jeep Cherokee at dealerships in late 2025. They are on the website now to build and play around with.
