Jeep Cherokee Hybrid Details

The 2026 Cherokee arrives with a larger, more upscale interior and a new hybrid powertrain that blends efficiency with Jeep DNA.

Jeep Cherokee Returns as Luxurious Hybrid With a Price to Match

The 2026 Cherokee is unveiled with a bigger footprint and a new hybrid setup. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder teams with two electric motors and a 1.08 kWh battery to deliver a combined 210 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque. The powertrain is paired to a smooth continuously variable transmission and a standard four‑wheel drive system with a rear-axle disconnect to optimize efficiency. Jeep also shifts to the STLA Large platform, yielding a cabin that’s longer, wider, and taller than before, with a 113-inch wheelbase that adds interior room.

Inside, the Cherokee embraces a refined, tech-forward feel. A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster sits behind a squared steering wheel, while a 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen handles infotainment with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A ten year Connect One subscription supports over‑the‑air updates and connected services. The cabin trades some traditional hardware for digital latches, a rotary gear selector, and a center console that emphasizes openness. The brand also leans into eco‑friendly materials, using Capri vinyl and recycled textiles instead of leather. Second-row legroom shrinks to 38.5 inches, but cargo capacity grows to 33.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 68.3 cubic feet behind the front seats. Optional gear includes a digital rearview mirror, a dual‑pane sunroof, an Alpine audio system, and a 360-degree camera.

Power sits behind a 210 hp total, with a peak of 230 lb-ft of torque, and the drivetrain is paired to standard four‑wheel drive with a rear-axle disconnect for efficiency. Official testing and development messages from Jeep point to strong, early torque delivery, and the company highlights thousands of miles of validation for the hybrid system. On the road, the Cherokee offers 42 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 37 mpg combined, figures that edge out some rivals while leaving others with higher numbers. The model also carries a 3,500-pound towing capacity and an eight-inch ground clearance, framing light off‑roading in a more upscale package. Starts at $36,995, including a $1,995 destination fee, with deliveries slated for late this year and initial trims Limited and Overland before others arrive early next year.

Jeep is steering the Cherokee toward a more premium feel without abandoning its off‑road soul. The shift to a mostly digital, restraint-heavy interior marks a clear break from the old model’s tactile practicality, and it aligns with a broader industry move toward connected services and sustainable materials. The pricing tilt places the Cherokee in a competitive space where buyers weigh interior quality and efficiency against raw power and brand cachet. That strategy will test Jeep’s ability to convert hybrid shoppers into Jeep enthusiasts, especially as rivals like the RAV4 and Tucson Hybrid boast higher horsepower or efficiency in some trims. Production in Toluca, Mexico, signals a cost-conscious approach that many brands are adopting to balance content with price in a crowded market.

For buyers who want a larger, quieter cabin and a hybrid badge that genuinely improves fuel economy, the Cherokee offers a compelling value proposition. For traditional Jeep fans who expect leather, more raw torque, and rugged, no-frills control layouts, the move toward digital controls and vinyl will be a notable shift. The real test will be real-world reliability, total ownership costs, and how well the Cherokee slots into Jeep’s broader roadmap as electrification accelerates.

Highlights

The Cherokee enters a crowded field with a clear premium tilt that will either broaden Jeep’s appeal or redefine its image in a new era of electrified crossovers.