Image: Kyle Patrick Image: Kyle Patrick WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA-Welcome back, Jeep. Jeep people themselves won't deny it: it was a bad move having no competitor in the crucial family SUV segment. The previous Cherokee disappeared a few years ago, and the small Compass never truly aligned with the class. No longer: the Cherokee is back. Not only is it right-sized-in fact, it's slightly larger than the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V et al-but it now comes standard with a hybrid powertrain, promising an extra dash of efficiency with that trademark Jeep ruggedness. Has the Cherokee struck a better balance this time around? Jeep invited AutoGuide to a waterlogged Westlake Village and the surrounding area to find out. 2026 Jeep Cherokee Quick Take With a standard hybrid powertrain and a larger, more practical cabin than its predecessor, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee makes a lot more sense within the RAV4 and CR-V class. While much more road-biased than traditionalists may want, the Cherokee is a well-equipped and well-rounded (re)entry in the largest new-vehicle segment. What's New for 2026: Image: Kyle Patrick Image: Kyle Patrick Old-school Cherokee fans look away: this isn't the second coming of XJ. This latest Cherokee is distinctly more road-focused than that unibody originator, and arguably even more than anything else in the Jeep lineup right now. That's fine: at launch there is no Trailhawk trim, leaving room for Jeep to build a proper Subaru Wilderness competitor down the road. The new Cherokee is built on the same STLA Large platform as the current Dodge Charger, as well as the upcoming Jeep Recon. For now this is a purely hybrid affair however, pairing a 1.6-liter turbocharged gas engine with electric motors a la Toyota RAV4. Exterior Style: Image: Kyle Patrick Image: Kyle Patrick After the squinty-eyed visage of the previous Cherokee, Jeep is moving back towards a more traditionally blocky shape for this generation. Large rectangular headlights with U-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs) frame the latest evolution of the classic seven-slot grille, though the two outer-most slots are filled in for aerodynamic purposes. This being a Jeep, the brand touts best-in-class approach and departure angles of 19.6 and 29.4 degrees, respectively. Anybody looking at those integrated spats ahead of the front wheels will understand it could be an expensive pursuit testing that former measurement. Move around to the side and a few aspects stand out: the traditional (squared-off arches), the non-traditional (recessed electronic door handles), and the sheer size of this thing. At 188.1 inches (4,778 millimeters) long the Cherokee has a good half-foot on a RAV4, and is actually closer in size to the Grand Cherokee. The tail features simply shaped lights with an internal pattern said to reference a jerry can. The rear window is usefully large, and there's no second-guessing where the liftgate release is. Viewed in profile, the shutline above the taillights is directly inspired by the classic XJ-generation Cherokee, with the angle of the liftgate nearly matching that of the icon. All trims bar the current range-topping Overland roll on 18-inch wheels; that one gets 20s. 2026 Jeep Cherokee: All the Details 2026 Jeep Cherokee: All the Details View Gallery 25 photos Powertrain and Fuel Economy: Image: Kyle Patrick Image: Kyle Patrick At launch, all ‘26 Cherokees will arrive with a standard hybrid powertrain, Jeep's first non-plug-in setup. The gasoline portion of the setup will be a familiar one, the latest evolution of parent company Stellantis' workhorse 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. North Americans will be most familiar with its predecessors tucked under the short nose of various Mini models. It has been thoroughly reworked for American audiences however, and comes paired with a duo of electric motors, a 1.08-kilowatt-hour battery pack, and an electronic continuously variable transmission. Total system output is a class-competitive 210 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. The engine is produced in Dundee, Michigan. The on-site Jeep engineering team stressed the importance of smoothness in this powertrain's development. Those who have driven the (now-discontinued) 4xe plug-in hybrid setup in the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee can understand why: that was not the most refined experience. Thankfully, the Cherokee's electrified heart is a much different story. The hand-off and blend between the power sources is seamless. Sure, the little turbo-four can blare into existence when suddenly gunned for maximum power, but there's no jerkiness and only the briefest of delays when it does. As a day-to-day proposition the Cherokee's powertrain is eager and easy to live with. It's not particularly quick but feels bang-on for the segment. It's also much more efficient than anything else that has carried this badge. The headline figure is 37 mpg (6.4 L/100 km) combined, and even during the soggiest southern California trip I've had in years, the not-so-little Jeep easily matched-and in brief stints, handily beat-its official numbers. That's impressive for something still rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds. Those aching for more power should be patient: the turbocharged 2.0-liter Hurricane from the refreshed Grand Cherokee will find its way into this model soon-ish. Handling and Drivability: Image: Kyle Patrick Image: Kyle Patrick 2026 Kia EV9 GT-Line: All the Details We've established the Cherokee is a wee bit on the large side. It ain't light either, tipping the scales at roughly 4,300 pounds (1,950 kilograms). Thankfully it doesn't drive big, with a tidy feel behind its oddly octagonal steering wheel. While light, the helm is pleasantly tight at 2.57 turns lock-to-lock, blessing the Cherokee with quick reactions-necessary when there's debris littered across the roads due to all that rain. Where the Cherokee loses points is with its braking. The pedal is inconsistent, with an overeager first few millimeters of travel followed by a lack of bite. On a few occasions during my drive I needed to dig deeper than originally intended. Jeep calls the Cherokee's AWD system a 4x4 setup ("Jeep Active Drive I"), but there is no locking differential or low range setup. In normal conditions its a plain 50:50 split, but will disconnect drive to the rear wheels in certain situations to maximize fuel economy. I'd love to touch on just how capable the Cherokee is off-road, but the rain was so persistent that Jeep elected to nix the trail portion of the event. Ride Quality and Comfort: Image: Kyle Patrick Image: Kyle Patrick The Cherokee rides with a quiet confidence befitting its family hauler status. Sound deadening seems above-average for the class, at least based on the brief respites between downpours. There isn't much noise from the suspension as it ably handles uneven surfaces. Style-conscious buyers will be happy to know that there's barely a discernible difference between the standard 18-inch wheels and the optional 20s in terms of ride quality. This is Jeep's first leather-free interior, and the vinyl seats are satisfying in their lower-back and thigh support. A wide range of adjustments makes the driver's seat suitable for family use too; power adjustment is standard on all but the base trim. Second-row passengers will benefit from a class-competitive 38.5 inches (977 millimeters) of legroom, with headroom measuring either slightly less with the large glass pano roof or around an inch and a half more without. Jeep is proud that this Cherokee has 30-percent more cargo capacity than the last model, but at 33.6 cubic feet (952 liters) with the second row up that's still trailing a few (smaller overall) SUVs in the segment. Interior Style and Quality: Image: Kyle Patrick Image: Kyle Patrick There are definite Grand Cherokee vibes within the Cherokee's cabin, and that's no bad thing especially at this end of the market. Classy and restrained, the dashboard design is more Mazda than typical mainstream, giving the Cherokee a more upmarket vibe. Sure, there are some cheapish plastics along the door panels and lower on the dash, but clever texture use and placement keeps the overall vibe strong. A dark interior treatment is standard but the lighter tone is the way to go for those who don't mind the extra upkeep, as it makes for a bright and airy cabin. Top-shelf Overland trims benefit from a unique pattern on the seats while also featuring useful front-seat ventilation and rear-seat heating. Value Dollars and Sense: Image: Kyle Patrick Image: Kyle Patrick American pricing for the 2026 Cherokee starts from $36,995 (including destination) for the base model, which includes niceties like Jeep's Level 2 hands-on highway drive assist, a long list of standard safety features, six-speaker sound system, and heated and powered mirrors. The Laredo ($39,995) adds a power-adjustable seat, remote start, more USB-C ports and other goodies while unlocking the trailer tow package and pano roof options. Limited ($41,995) trims add the key features such as wireless charging, power passenger seat, and power liftgate, while the Overland ($44,995) represents the current top of the range. Final Thoughts: 2026 Jeep Cherokee First Drive Review Image: Kyle Patrick Image: Kyle Patrick The 2026 Jeep Cherokee reframes an iconic nameplate for modern times. While it isn't the rough-and-tumble great-grandchild of the XJ, it's arguably more important, reinserting Jeep into a key vehicle segment. Well-equipped, refined, and with a feel slightly more upmarket than many of its competitors, the Cherokee now gives Wrangler owners a same-brand family hauler option, and could even peel folks away from the established class leaders. Pros Cons Standard hybrid Limited off-road capability Bigger, better cabin Still not the most spacious Simplified trim walk Weak brakes Engine/Motor: 1.6L w/ hybrid Output: 210 hp, 230 lb-ft Drivetrain: AWD Transmission: eCVT US Fuel Economy (mpg): 39/35/37 CAN Fuel Economy (L/100 km): N/A Starting Price (USD): $36,995 (inc. dest.) As-Tested Price (USD): $41,995 (inc. dest.) Starting Price (CAD): N/A As-Tested Price (CAD): N/A 50 Years of the Audi Five-Cylinder: All The Details