The Jeep Cherokee returns for 2026 after a two-year hiatus following the 2023 model year. This compact SUV is completely redesigned inside and out, and is now only available as a hybrid. But the Cherokee retains elements of its rugged heritage including standard all-wheel drive across the line-up.
Base Price: $43,000
As Tested: $45,900
Horsepower: 210
Mileage: 39 mpg city/35 mpg highway/37 mpg combined
The Cherokee has been around since the 1970s. Back then, it had a boxy look. For 2026, the Cherokee returns to a boxier look, moving away from the softer styling of previous generations. It’s also longer and wider, which makes for a roomier cabin and more cargo space. The Cherokee fits in the Jeep lineup between the subcompact Compass and larger midsize Grand Cherokee.
The 2026 Cherokee comes in four main trims: Cherokee, Laredo, Limited, and Overland. Starting prices range from $35,000 to $43,000. There’s also an 85th Anniversary Edition that starts at $40,905. These prices are a bit more than some rivals, but the Cherokee has more standard features.
There’s room for five passengers in two rows of seating.
Under the hood is a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid powertrain, combining gasoline and electric motors for better efficiency, paired with a continuously variable transmission. Total output is 210 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque.
The 2026 Cherokee is easy to drive with a smooth and comfortable ride. The hybrid powertrain operates quietly, and the suspension is tuned for everyday commuting rather than spirited driving dynamics. Acceleration is ok but can feel a bit sluggish if you’re trying to speed up quickly for merging and passing. Steering is light, and brakes have a normal feel without the squishiness of some regenerative braking systems. The Cherokee prioritizes comfort and efficiency, making it well-suited for family road trips and shuttling the kids around.
Off-road capability is ok – this is a Jeep, after all, but there’s no dedicated off-road trim. Jeep may add a trail-ready trim later. The 2026 Cherokee is suitable for light off-roading with eight inches of ground clearance, but you’ll want to look elsewhere for tackling extreme trails.
Fuel efficiency is very good for a hybrid SUV. EPA estimates for all trims are 39 mpg city, 35 mpg highway and 37 mpg combined. I got 36 mpg during my week with a mix of city and highway driving.
When properly equipped, the 2026 Cherokee can tow up to 3,500 pounds. This is good for the class.
The cabin is much improved over the previous model. It’s more refined, spacious and tech-forward, making it one of the better interiors among rivals. Most materials are soft-touch. There are some plastics, but they have attractive patterns and textures that make them look nice. Passengers in both rows have good leg- and headroom. Front seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long trips. And the back seat is roomy enough for two taller adults. Second-row seats aren’t as supportive as the front ones, but still decent.
The dash looks modern with a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 12.3-inch touchscreen. These displays look great with sharp graphics and are user-friendly. The infotainment system has the latest Stellantis Uconnect 5 software, which is one of the easiest systems to use. Another plus – there are many physical controls for often-used functions such as audio and climate.
Cargo space is competitive with 33.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 68.3 cubes with the second row folded. The cargo floor is fairly low and the hatch opening is wide, making it easy to load and unload your stuff. There’s also a hidden storage area under the cargo floor. The rear seats split-fold 60/40 providing flexibility in hauling passengers and cargo. A power liftgate and hands-free power liftgate are available.
Here are the trim levels of the 2026 Jeep Cherokee:
Cherokee – MSRP $35,000. The entry-level trim is good value for the money and comes with a decent number of standard features.
- Remote keyless entry
- Push-button start
- 17-inch wheels
- Six-way manual adjustable driver’s seat
- Four-way manual adjustable front passenger seat
- 12.3-inch infotainment display
- Digital instrument panel
- Six-speaker audio system
- Satellite radio
- Bluetooth
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Wi-Fi hot spot
- Rain-detecting wipers
- Automatic headlights
Laredo – MSRP $38,000. This trim adds several everyday comfort features at a relatively affordable price point.
- 18-inch wheels
- Remote start
- Upgraded cloth upholstery
- Heated front seats
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Rear-seat Type C USB charge ports
- Front LED Fog lights
Limited – MSRP $40,000. This trim is arguably the sweet spot of the lineup.
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Perforated synthetic leather seats
- Six-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
- Heated steering wheel
- Alexa Built-In
- Wireless device charging
- Universal garage door opener
- Power-folding mirrors
- Power liftgate
Overland – MSRP $43,000. This is the fully-loaded top trim and is the most luxurious and expensive Cherokee.
- 20-inch wheels
- Driver’s seat memory functions
- 10-speaker premium audio system
- Household-style power outlet
- Hands-free liftgate
- Dual-pane sunroof
85th Anniversary Edition – MSRP $40,905. This special-edition trim commemorates Jeep’s 85 years of off-road history. It features exclusive styling, including Mayan gold stitching in the cabin, classic plaid seat inserts, and commemorative badging.
- 20-inch wheels
- 85th anniversary perforated Capri leatherette seats
- Nine-speaker Alpine premium audio system with subwoofer
- HD Radio
- Navigation
- Integrated voice command
- Hands-free liftgate
Standard driver assistance technologies include
- Rear parking sensors
- Lane-departure warning
- Lane-keep assist
- Stop-and-go adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Forward collision warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Rearview camera
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Driver-attention monitoring
Available driver assistance technologies include
- Surround-view camera system
- Traffic-sign recognition
- Front parking sensors
- Automated parking assist
The good:
Smooth, comfortable ride
Good fuel efficiency
Standard AWD
Spacious, attractive cabin
User-friendly infotainment system with many physical controls
Many standard and available features and tech
The not-so-good:
Not as engaging to drive as some rivals
Lacks an off-road dedicated trim
Pricing info:
My 2026 Jeep Cherokee Overland test vehicle starts at $43,000. The Advanced Pro Tech Group package is $995 and includes ventilated front seats, automatic dimming exterior driver mirror, digital auto-dimming rear view mirror, rear back-up camera washer, heated rear seats, windshield wiper de-icer, surround-view camera system, front camera washer, and ParkSense automated parking system. The destination charge is $1,995, bringing the grand total to $45,900.
Bottom line:
The 2026 Jeep Cherokee takes an aging crossover and turns it into a modern, hybrid SUV with a smooth ride, standard AWD, good fuel efficiency, a roomy and comfortable cabin, and lots of standard features. But this new Cherokee sacrifices some of the ruggedness and off-road capability the Cherokee was known for. Still, it’s a well-rounded SUV that will appeal to Jeep fans and others who want a modern daily driver.
