New Delhi: Jeep Cherokee was absent for a while, preparing for its newest incarnation. The new 2026 Cherokee is here, and it is much larger than the model it replaces, and as standard comes with much more technology and a hybrid powertrain. It is a big addition to Jeep’s portfolio, trying their best in one of the trickiest segments of the industry.
Through Cherokee, there is also a new 350-volt hybrid powertrain from Stellantis being launched, built in particular for this crossover. At launch, it is the only powertrain available, although it will soon get some more powertrain options. It combines a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with a two-motor electronically controlled, constantly variable transmission as well.
Jeep Cherokee powertrain
It doesn’t get a plug and has a tiny, 1.08-kilowatt-hour battery fed by the engine and regenerative braking. The system makes 210 bhp and 311 Nm of torque, and Jeep have said the Cherokee will have a range of 804 km and an economy of around 15 kpl and will go from 0-100 kph in 8.3 seconds.
The new Cherokee comes with Stellantis’s STLA Large platform, which measures around 188.1 inches in length, 83.6 inches in width and 67.6 inches in height. It comes with a wheelbase that measures 113 inches, almost six inches longer than the previous edition, and the manufacturer has said it increases boot space.
The Cherokee will get Jeep’s Active Drive I 4/4 system, which includes a rear-axle disconnect and four driving modes, which are Auto, Snow, Sport and Mud/Sand. Further, it has the best-in-segment approach and departure angles and has a ground clearance of 8 inches and an 18.8-degree breakover angle. Jeep are also making Cherokee Trailhawk, though the details are unknown at present.
Jeep Cherokee interior and exterior
2026 Jeep Cherokee interior
While the design may be new but the Jeep still manages to pay tribute to the original XJ. The crossover has simplistic styling with a much more boxy silhouette. The U-shaped daytime running lights are positioned around the LED headlights. On the back, it gets a sharp D-pillar break around the taillights.
The inside is simple and much like the Wangoor S, and it is a luxury-oriented cabin coming with a steering squircle and similar vents. It gets a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch infotainment displays as standard in the SUV. It runs with Uconnect 5 with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s even a new rotary gear selector freeing more space in the centre console.
All Cherokee gets rain-sensing wipers, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear-park assist and Active Driving Assist, a Level 2 assistance system. Some of the optional upgrades, depending on the trim, include 360-degree camera, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, front tire-to-curb view, dual-pane sunroof and a foot-activated power liftgate.