2026 Jeep Cherokee breaks cover, gets a hybrid powertrain

The next-generation Jeep Cherokee has been revealed globally, 2 years after the automaker discontinued the nameplate. The SUV was first launched in 2013 and had a good 10-year run. It will make its debut in late 2025, followed by an early 2026 launch. It will sit between the Compass and Grand Cherokee in Jeep’s SUV portfolio.

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2026 Jeep Cherokee: First look

The new Jeep Cherokee’s aesthetics are in line with the automaker’s new design philosophy. The SUV gets the signature seven-slot grille up front. Flanking this grille are rectangular LED headlamps. The indicator sections of the headlamps wrap around the edges of the front fascia. The front bumper looks muscular due to the plastic cladding. It hosts the large air dam. There are silver inserts on either side of the bumper.

Along the sides, the SUV gets a new design for the alloy wheels. The ‘Cherokee’ lettering is studded at the bottom of the front door panels. The images of the rear profile have not been revealed so far, but we expect the taillamp design to be tweaked for the next-gen SUV. The taillamps will likely be connected by a light bar.

Jeep is keeping the interior of the Cherokee under wraps for now. We expect it to borrow design elements from its elder sibling, the Grand Cherokee. In terms of tech and instrumentation, the SUV will rock a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a fully digital instrument cluster, touch controls for the HVAC, a three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel with integrated controls, wireless charging, and other features.

 

The 2026 Grand Cherokee will be underpinned by Stellantis’ new STLA platform. This platform is compatible with petrol, hybrid, and all-electric powertrains. Jeep has confirmed a hybrid powertrain for the Cherokee, but it is very likely that an all-electric avatar of the SUV will be introduced later down the line. More powertrain details are awaited as we get closer to the SUV’s launch event.

Mr Bob Broderdorf, Jeep CEO, said, “The all-new Jeep Cherokee headlines our efforts to deliver more product, innovation, choice and standard content to customers than ever before. Jeep Cherokee will boast competitive pricing that strikes at the core of the largest vehicle segment and sits perfectly between Jeep Compass and Jeep Grand Cherokee to bolster our winning mainstream lineup.”

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Final Thoughts

As mentioned earlier, the next-gen Jeep Cherokee will make its debut in late 2025. It will be officially launched in 2026. It remains to be seen whether the SUV will be introduced in India. Globally, it will rival the Volvo XC60, BMW X3, Audi Q5, and other premium midsize SUVs.