Big on comfort and efficiency, light on Jeep character.
Review
It may seem like a while since we last reviewed a Jeep Cherokee, and that’s because it has been. Jeep’s once-popular compact/midsize crossover had grown dated, and production volume at the Belvidere Assemble facility in Illinois wasn’t sufficient to just operation of the plant, so the decision was made to halt Cherokee production entirely.
Cherokee Sales
In in 5th-generation guise for the 2014 model year, the Cherokee had its time as a volume seller, filling the crucial space between the subcompact Compass and premium-price midsize Grand Cherokee.
But as the Cherokee aged, sales feel, and the smallish midsize crossover was, as noted above, discontinued, leaving Jeep showrooms short an entry in a critical market segment.
Redesign
That all changes for 2026, as Jeep rolls out an all-new 6th-generation Cherokee. The new Jeep boasts more cabin space, more crowd-pleasing tech, and an exclusively hybrid powertrain. On paper, the new Cherokee is a better vehicle than the one it replaces, but, is it a better Jeep?
Compared to the 2024 Cherokee and the 2026 Compass, the new Cherokee is 5 and 15 inches longer overall respectively, and rides on a wheelbase that is 6 and 9 inches longer. The new Jeep is only marginally wider than the other two vehicles, however.
Rear-seat passengers are the primary beneficiaries of the added mass, enjoying significantly greater head, leg, and shoulder room than that found in the old Cherokee.
Prices and Trim Levels
For 2026, the Cherokee is offered in five trim levels:
- Base ($36,995)
- Laredo ($39,995)
- Limited ($41,995)
- Limited Altitude ($42,590)
- 85th Anniversary ($42,900)
- Overland ($44,995)
Standard AWD
Compared to t he like-sized Hyundai Santa Fe (base price: $36,650) and Kia Sorento ($33,885) appears pricey, however the Jeep is offered only with AWD and with a hybrid drivetrain.
Engines
The hybrid systems is comprised of a turbocharged 1.6-liter four augmented by two electric motors mated to a CVT-style automatic transmission. All told, the system is rated at 210 horsepower.
Drive Modes
As noted above, AWD is standard, and can be managed via four driver-selectable drive modes: Auto, Sport, Snow, and Sand/Mud. An off-road focused Trailhawk trim level will expand on the Cherokee’s rugged potential, and will include suspension upgrades as well as additional drive model options.
Test Car
Consumer Guide recently spent a week behind the wheel of the all-new Cherokee. Our test vehicle arrived in Diamond Black Crystal in Laredo trim. All told, the Cherokee seen here came to $40,590.
Room and Comfort
Jeep is a little vague on where the Cherokee is positioned in the broader market, as it is larger than a Honda CR-V but slightly shorter overall than a Hyundai Santa Fe. That said, unlike the Hyundai, the Cherokee is not offered with a 3rd-row seat.
All that said, our first impression is that the new Cherokee cabin is easy to access and offers generous space for four adults. This big editor found plenty of space behind the wheel, and even with the driver’s seat extended fully rearward, there is plenty of adult leg space remaining in the 2nd seating row.
The darkly finished cabin of our test car came off as a bit drab, and though generally tidy, the materials quality of our lower-midline Laredo model largely trailed that of other vehicles of similar price. For a truly premium cabin experience, be sure to check out the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Controls and Connectivity
Cherokee’s Uconnect 5 connectivity suite employs a 12.3-inch touchscreen and includes wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto. We found the setup easy enough to use, legible in bright light, and quick to respond to touch inputs.
Power and Performance
Underway the new Cherokee generally acquits itself well, though we’d appreciate a little more snap from a stop. The hybrid powertrain delivers sufficient power for around-town use and on-ramp merging adventures, but lacks snap pulling away from a stop. We suspect this will frustrate aggressive drivers.
Fuel Economy
Making up for the dearth of power is impressive fuel economy. In routine driving we averaged just over 43 mpg, which impresses especially given the Cherokee’s size and standard AWD.
Ride and Handling
Ride quality is excellent, however, and cabin quietness noteworthy. If one your chief aims is buying a new vehicle is one-road long-trim family comfort, the Cherokee will likely serve you well.
Value
While we’re not sure the Cherokee—at least in Laredo trim—feels especially like a Jeep to us, it is a roomy, practical, efficient, right-size offering that slots nicely in the brand’s lineup. We’d appreciate a little more power, but find the roomy cabin and excellent on-road refinement good reasons to recommend Jeep’s latest offering.
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