2026 Cherokee is Jeep’s First Hybrid for North America

The Cherokee is finally returning to the Jeep lineup after a two-year hiatus, and it’s coming back as the brand’s first-ever no plug hybrid for the North American market. With an all-new platform, powertrain, and history-informed design, the 2026 Cherokee seeks to help Jeep compete in the continent’s busiest segment.

An Electrified Comeback

To compete with the likes of the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and the fearsome Toyota RAV4, the new Cherokee will be powered by a 1.6L turbocharged engine that works in concert with a pair of electric motors to deliver 210 net hp and 230 net lb-ft of torque, allowing it to tow 1,587 kg (3,500 lbs).

At launch, all versions of the model will be equipped with the hybrid powertrain but Jeep has not ruled out adding other engines and power units later in the model’s run. The automaker has confirmed that a Trailhawk version is in the works.

The motors will source their energy from a 1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and Jeep is aiming for competitive fuel economy figures. The automaker is claiming fuel economy figures of 6.4 L/100 km and a total range of over 800 km (500 miles) on a full tank and battery.

For comparison, the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid consumes a combined 6.4 L/100 km while the 2025 Toyota RAV4 hybrid is a little more miserly, burning just 6.0 L/100 km. The RAV4 has been updated for 2026, though, and may eke out a few extra km for every litre in its tank in the near future, while the plug-in hybrid versions of the Toyota crossover, as well as the Ford Escape, are even more efficient still.

Modern Design, Retro Cues

Elsewhere, the Cherokee benefits from new design that is distinctly modern despite being inspired by the much-loved XJ Cherokee of the ‘80s and ‘90s, Vince Galante, VP of design for the brand, told media at a presentation ahead of the crossover’s official unveiling

He pointed to the way the grille connects to the headlights to form a single unit across the front of the vehicle, the way the tailgate is shaped, and other design touches as evidence of the way the brand looked backwards without falling into the trap of creating retro design. It wasn’t all about looking inward, though. Galante pointed out that the square-shaped LED taillights were inspired by the shape of the indents on a WWII Jerry can.

On a more functional note, the new design means a lot more space for people and stuff. The new Cherokee is 119 mm (4.7 inches) longer, 25 mm (one inch) wider, 50 mm (two inches) taller, and has a 162 mm (6.4-inch) longer wheelbase than the now defunct KL Cherokee that it replaces.

That means an extra 25 mm (one inch) of legroom for rear seat passengers and 30 per cent more cargo volume than the outgoing model (for a total of 951 L with the rear seats up and 1,934 L with them down).

Farther forward, all versions of the Cherokee will be equipped with a 10.25-inch instrument display behind the steering wheel, in addition to a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard. The automaker is offering a variety of cloth and leather-free upholstery options that it says are more environmentally friendly than cow hide.

Pricing

Production of the 2026 Jeep Cherokee will take place in Toluca, Mexico, and the vehicle will arrive at Canadian dealerships in late 2025. Prices will open at $42,390 (all prices include $2,295 destination fee). However, the first trims available to buyers will be the Limited and Overland trims, which start at $52,390 and $56,390, respectively. The entry level model and the Laredo trim will arrive in early 2026.

2026 Jeep Cherokee pricing

Cherokee - $42,390

Laredo - $47,390

Limited - $52,390

Overland - $56,390