2026 Jeep Cherokee Review with Price, Specs, & Photos
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 Cherokee nameplate dates back decades, and the current version is both a clear descendant of those previous models, and a thoroughly modern and high-tech addition to the Jeep lineup. The Cherokee comes with a hybrid drivetrain that sends power to all four wheels as standard. It boasts great fuel economy, and enough power to tow 3,500 pounds, quite a bit more than the average in this segment. The Cherokee is technically a compact SUV, but you’ll find it has a lot more interior space than you’re used to in compact models, all without losing the practicality of a compact. That interior space comes well-equipped and comfortable as well, with features that set the Cherokee even further apart from 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
After a brief hiatus, the Cherokee is back and all new for 2026. It’s bigger than the old 2023 model, with more legroom and a massive 30% increase in rear cargo space. This also marks the first non-plug-in hybrid model for the Jeep brand in North America, and the Cherokee overall gets a major tech upgrade from the previous generation. The styling, on the other hand, is boxier and harkens back to the original versions of the Cherokee, much more so than the more rounded styling of the last generation.
Jeep Cherokee Features
Capable Power
Under the hood, you’ll find a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that is mated to a hybrid drivetrain with an additional two electric motors. This system comes with a 4x4 configuration as standard, and avoids a common pitfall for AWD hybrids, many of which have the gasoline engine only connected to two of the wheels, with electric power motivating the other pair. This kind of configuration works for wet or snowy roads, but a Jeep vehicle needs to be more capable, and all four of the Cherokee’s wheels are powered by both gasoline and electricity. To help even more, the Cherokee comes with selectable drive modes, Auto, Sport, Snow, and Sand/Mud, to better tackle changing conditions. The system total output is 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque, which allows for an impressive 3,500-pound towing capacity.
Comfortable Interior
The first thing you’ll probably notice about the interior of the Cherokee is that it’s bigger than its rivals, bordering on midsize levels of space, despite the compact exterior dimensions. Not only is dual-zone automatic climate control standard, but so is an air purification system, adding another layer of comfort to the well-designed cabin. Cloth seats come standard, but there is also Capri leatherette available with contrasting Cognac stitching for a more high-end look. There’s an available dual-pane panoramic sunroof for lots of natural light as well. The Cherokee comes with Jeep’s superb Uconnect® 5 infotainment system, which is far more responsive and intuitive than the systems from competitors, and comes with wireless Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® support, plus 10 years of over-the-air updates. The stereo comes with 6 speakers, but for audiophiles, there is an available 9-speaker Alpine® system with a subwoofer.
Premium Interior & Technology
The Cherokee comes with a highly advanced hybrid drivetrain, but that’s far from the only area where the Cherokee’s tech shines. The Cherokee offers features like Active Driving Assist, a hands-on semi-autonomous system that works with the adaptive cruise control to give you a much more relaxed highway driving experience. And there is a front tire-to-curb camera view, something you won’t find in many competitors, and both of these features are standard. That’s not surprising, as the list of high-tech standard features on the Cherokee is impressive, including rain-sensing wipers, intersection collision assist, and rear park assist with rear automatic emergency braking. It also comes with a customizable 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a large 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.
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.