Jeep discontinued the fifth-generation Cherokee in 2023 after a solid 10-year production run in the US. But its retirement was short-lived. For the 2026 model year, Jeep has an all-new Cherokee on the horizon—and these early images give us an idea of what to expect from the brand’s next mid-size off-roader.
The 2026 Cherokee adopts the automaker’s latest design language, first seen on the Wagoneer S, then on the new Compass that debuted in May. Up front, the Cherokee wears the brand’s iconic seven-slot grille, while the body has a familiar, rugged shape. We can’t see the rear in these images, but we assume it has a similar look to the Compass.
The new Cherokee will use Stellantis’s STLA Large architecture, which means it could have a variety of powertrain options. Jeep has already confirmed a hybrid, but pure gas and fully electric powertrains are highly likely as well. This is the same platform that will be used in the upcoming Alfa Romeo Stelvio.
If we’re lucky, the Cherokee could even adopt a version of the company’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre ‘Hurricane’ inline-six, which makes up to 510 horsepower. But, don’t expect that much oomph on Jeep’s mid-size SUV.
An electric Cherokee would likely have a similar setup to the current Wagoneer S, which uses a 100.0-kilowatt-hour battery pack and two electric motors to produce 600 hp and 617 pound-feet of torque. But again, don’t expect the electric Cherokee to match the output of its big sibling.
Photo by: Jeep
“The all-new Jeep Cherokee headlines our efforts to deliver more product, innovation, choice, and standard content to customers than ever before,” noted Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf. “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.”
The new Jeep Cherokee officially debuts later this year before going on sale sometime in 2026. And unlike the latest Compass, we do expect the new Cherokee to be available in the US.
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