The Cherokee has been on a short vacation from the Jeep lineup, but it’s set to return for the 2026 model year with all-new styling and a new hybrid powertrain. While the new SUV won’t arrive until later this year, Jeep is busy teasing the Cherokee with a short video and new images.
Jeep dropped the previous Cherokee after the 2023 model year, and it had floated on for almost a decade without significant updates. The new model is expected to gain an electrified powertrain option, but we don’t yet know if it will be hybrid or plug-in hybrid.
The teaser images show a boxier SUV with a more upright grille and unique taillights. It retains its predecessor’s basic attitude, but it’s more modern looking and should fit in better with the current crop of compact SUVs. Jeep could utilize Stellantis’ STLA Large Platform for the vehicle, which is also used by the Wagoneer S EV. The platform offers flexibility with fuel type, so the Cherokee could eventually blossom into a full range of electrified and internal combustion vehicles.
Pricing and exact release date details are forthcoming, but we expect an MSRP increase over 2023’s pricing. The new Cherokee will slot into the Jeep lineup above the Compass, which recently received a decent update, and below the larger, more expensive Grand Cherokee.
[Images: Jeep]
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