Photo Credit: Ross BallotPhoto Credit: Ross BallotThe newest Jeep Cherokee has large shoes to fill, and it's not those of its immediate predecessor.Perhaps a consequence of its controversial styling and transmission-centric flaws, the 2014-2023 KL generation was never loved as much as the iconic 1983-2001 XJ, even despite still being fairly Jeep-esque by modern standards. To that end, Jeep tried to (hopefully) conjure some of the XJ nostalgia for the KM Cherokee's 2026 model year debut. With the redesign came a fully modern vehicle complete with hybridization and all the latest tech Stellantis could muster.AdvertisementAdvertisementUnfortunately, with it came an inflated price and, somehow, a Cherokee that doesn't feel much like a Cherokee-- or even a Jeep-- at all. Can it still stand as a decent vehicle?Quick Take:The 2026 Cherokee isn't the Jeep that diehard Jeep fans were looking for. With more technology and powertrain complexity than ever, plus a low ride height that betrays any "Trail Rated" badge, the Cherokee will undoubtedly still draw in new and returning buyers seeking the brand name but not the rugged and rough-and-tough feel of the company's most iconic models. But it also punches below its price, and though it's not a bad vehicle, there are better options.Photo Credit: Ross BallotPhoto Credit: Ross BallotWhat's New for 2026:The Cherokee is all new for the 2026 model year. Based on Stellantis' STLA Large Transverse platform (which also underpins Alfa Romeos, Maseratis, the Grand Cherokee, and the all-electric Wagoneer S), the compact CUV/SUV (description depending on who you ask) slots in one rung up from the Compass on the Jeep ladder.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis is the fourth generation of the Cherokee, with the model name dating back to 1974's SJ full-size, body-on-frame vehicle. It ushers in a new generation of entry-level Jeeps, with a new US-built Cherokee coming in the next few years as well.Exterior Style:To say the KL's styling was poorly received would be putting it lightly, so Jeep could only go up from there with the KM. To appeal to older Jeep fans they threw in an attempt to incorporate some of the XJ's boxiness and evoke nostalgia from would-be buyers. It looks more like a Jeep now, yet if it wasn't for the iconic 7-slot grille up front, it would be hard to distinguish the 2026 Cherokee as Jeep and not as a vehicle sold by a competitor. There's also something awkward about the relation of the front and rear overhangs, and the proportionally long wheelbase and low fuel-economy-focused front air dam also makes the ~8" of ground clearance look even less than it is.Photo Credit: Ross BallotPhoto Credit: Ross BallotPowertrain and Fuel Economy:All 2026 Jeep Cherokees are powered by the same powertrain. It's a hybrid setup with a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder at its heart, paired to a 1.08 kWh lithium-ion battery and the increasingly ubiquitous eCVT. Output is a combined 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. The drivetrain itself is that of a front-wheel-drive vehicle that touts four-wheel-drive on paper but in reality is more of an all-wheel-drive system, sending power to the rear tires only when need be. Jeep tasks this whole setup with carrying around 4,300-4,400 pounds (depending on trim).AdvertisementAdvertisementIt's not a particularly groundbreaking powertrain, but it is a relatively common one these days. Jeep (via Stellantis) has done fairly well with this iteration. Though acceleration isn't totally linear in practice, with occasional hiccups in the electric-gas handoff, it achieves excellent gas mileage on paper (39 MPG city, 35 MPG highway, and 37 MPG combined) and in practice as well, though we averaged a sub-EPA-rating indicated 34.8 MPG over our week with the car.Given this efficiency doesn't quite match that of the CR-V Hybrid and RAV4 (all of which boast better figures, and more proven powertrains at that). Jeep claims the Cherokee can do over 500 miles on a tank.Acceleration is sufficient yet nothing more. Around town, the electric input helps substantially, and off the line when getting away from stop lights, and it's competent enough when cruising on the highway. Yet mid-range punch is decidedly lethargic and leaves us wanting more, especially as the eCVT groans while the four-cylinder engine fires away, not as much for the size and class of the vehicle but more for the nearly $44k as-tested price.Photo Credit: Ross BallotPhoto Credit: Ross BallotHandling and Drivability:Entry-level crossovers-- and especially those with a slight luxury or lifestyle-brand inclination to them-- have to be very easy to drive and spend time in, as buyers want something that meshes with their lifestyle with minimal impact or inconvenience. The Cherokee achieves this, with a high level of ease of drivability. You never know where power is (or isn't) being sent, which helps make for a pleasant (albeit unremarkable) driving experience.AdvertisementAdvertisementHandling is as expected for the class: Slightly mushy and fairly direct. The economy-focused Nexen tires give up the ghost long before the chassis, but handling isn't even remotely on the Cherokee's priority list.Competitors:Ford Bronco SportToyota Rav4Honda CR-VSubaru ForesterMazda CX-50Photo Credit: Ross BallotPhoto Credit: Ross BallotRide Quality and Comfort:Jeep tuned the Cherokee's ride quality to prioritize on-road comfort (as it should have). They got most of the way to succeeding, with the caveat that on larger bumps the suspension can quickly become bouncy. Additionally, more jarring potholes don't unsettle suspension but do bring a "slamming" effect from the tire that impacted said broken tarmac.AdvertisementAdvertisementStill, the Cherokee is comfortable and complacent in daily use. It's compliant, somewhat well developed in regards to NVH, and far outdoes the prior Cherokee in the seat and seating position departments. This plus a mostly well-damped suspension makes for a ride quality that puts it about mid-pack, which is more than enough for most.Photo Credit: Ross BallotPhoto Credit: Ross BallotInterior Style and QualityJeep has really done a good job improving the design and quality of its interiors, at least in trying to achieve a cut-rate Range Rover or luxury-class vibe. Though there's no way to evaluate long-term quality during a week-long press loan (and it wouldn't be fair to include such in a review reflecting such), the initial feel of the new era of Jeep interiors-- Cherokee included-- is strong. There's a luxurious sense to them that makes vehicles like this newest Cherokee present a dramatic punch above its predecessor in design and ergonomic usefulness.On the front of using the Cherokee as a family vehicle, the relatively big door openings and impressive 38.5" of rear legroom make for an overall good experience when handling car seats, children, or both. We appreciate the large door openings and found that even though the trunk space (33.6 cubic feet behind the second row) isn't a lot, the square shape of the cargo hold makes for easy use in practice.AdvertisementAdvertisementA few interior qualms: Whoever designed the steering wheel needs a thorough talking to, or at least a re-education on what shape something with "wheel" in the name should be. The size is also far too large for the vehicle it controls. Perhaps the most problematic point of the interior lives within the center of the steering wheel: Cover up the Jeep badge, and you would have no way to sense this is a Jeep interior in any way. It's just that anonymous.Photo Credit: Ross BallotPhoto Credit: Ross BallotTechnologyUConnect is the star of the show, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen front and center on the dashboard. Resolution is strong, and the interface is easy to use; however, we found the system to occasionally be slow and glitchy. Difficulties remaining connected to wireless Apple CarPlay presented themselves, and we experienced some delays between clicking a button and getting a response from it. Thankfully, there are physical HVAC controls as well. There's also some unfortunate glare from the screen when the sunroof screen is open.On board is also a digital rearview mirror, wireless phone charger, 360-degree surround view camera, Active Driving Assist (which includes lane keep assist and radar cruise control), front collision warning and braking, blind spot monitoring, and so on. It's all the stuff you'd expect in this class and price point.Source: JeepSource: JeepValue Dollars and SenseThe 2026 Jeep Cherokee starts at $35,000. The Limited 4x4, like our test vehicle, begins at $40,000, and the Cherokee seen here was optioned to $43,590. A fully-loaded top trim Overland 4x4 can run up to $46,000. Pretty big numbers for the class, but not out of line with some of the competition's top-trim models.AdvertisementAdvertisementAcross the competitive spread, the Ford Bronco Sport can be optioned and priced similarly but has a more rough-and-tough vibe to it. Then again, there's no hybrid Bronco Sport. The Subaru Forester Limited Hybrid costs slightly less, though is less luxurious, and the Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is less expensive as well even at its Premium Plus trim. The former feels more like a familiar hiking shoe, while the latter is by far the nicest inside in the class and easily has the best driving dynamics.Given the inflated price of the Cherokee, it's also worth noting that you can option the Compass to an eye-watering $40k. Jeep people, at least those who return to the brand time and time again, don't want expensive vehicles; it's what helped make Jeep what Jeep is. But the ever-rising prices associated with Jeeps is hurting sales, and the huge decreases in price you see with the Wagoneer / Grand Wagoneer and Wrangler/Gladiator (not to mention $10k on the hood for those on dealer lots) confirm this.Needless to say, a $45k just-above entry-level Jeep is encroaching on the cost of a vehicle from an actual luxury brand, but the Cherokee itself isn't really luxurious under the surface. It has some luxury flair on the inside, but one drive with the hybrid powertrain and you realize this is still a brand trying to get into the category rather than one that already lives there.Photo Credit: Ross BallotPhoto Credit: Ross BallotFinal Thoughts:The Jeep Cherokee has changed, and though it betrays some of that once-baked-in Jeep-ness that made the model so attractive and unique in the space, it results in a better all-around vehicle to show for it. The 2026 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4x4 is by far the most comfortable, efficient, safe, and practical Cherokee ever, and that it bears a Jeep badge and "four-wheel-drive" will be enough to get many buyers in the door. However, once you consider the price and competition and spend time driving one, it's a much muddier picture. Given how strong the other vehicles in the class are, wanting something with the Jeep logo has to outweigh other factors to give it the nod.AdvertisementAdvertisementBecome an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.(The manufacturer provided insurance and a tank of fuel for this loan, and big thanks as always to the team at FMI for arranging and coordinating logistics. - RB)Category2026 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4x4Powertrain7 / 10Efficiency8 / 10Handling and Drivability7 / 10Passenger Comfort7 / 10Ride Quality3 / 5Exterior Style2.5 / 5Interior Style and Quality6 / 10Infotainment6 / 10Cargo Capacity and Towing4 / 5Safety4.5 / 5Value5 / 10Emotional Appeal5 / 10TOTAL65 / 100PROSCONSFuel economyExpensiveTechHow long will it work?Comfortable and easy to driveDoesn't feel very "Jeep"Roomy interior for its sizeSteering wheel shapeDaily usabilityHaptic HVAC controlsSPECIFICATIONSEngine/Motor1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybridOutput:210 hp and 230 lb-ft (combined)Drivetrain:AWDTransmission:eCVTFuel Economy (mpg):39 city, 35 highwayFuel Economy (L/100 km):6.03 city, 6.72 highwayStarting Price USA$39,995 (incl dest)Starting Price Canada$55,674 (incl dest)As Tested Price USA$43,590 (incl dest)As Tested Price Canada$60,684 (incl dest)
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