2026 Jeep Cherokee First Look: Jeep's New Hybrid SUV Starts at $36,995

• The Jeep Cherokee is back for 2026.
• It's more rugged-looking, it's bigger, and for now it's hybrid-only. 
• Does it do enough to compete with the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4? Read on to find out. 

Old name, brand-new competitor

The Cherokee will be the first Jeep hybrid sold in North America without a plug. The powertrain pairs a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors. Total system output is rated at 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. That's on par with the Toyota RAV4 hybrid, but Jeep's system differs slightly. While the Toyota's rear wheels are powered exclusively by a rear-mounted electric motor, the Jeep links the rear wheels to the transmission via a physical drive shaft. 

Don't expect much in the way of extra performance, though. Jeep cites a 0-60 mph time of 8.7 seconds — more than a full second slower than the last RAV4 hybrid we tested. Jeep also says the new Cherokee will get an EPA-estimated 37 mpg combined and have a range of more than 500 miles on a single tank. That makes it Jeep's most efficient gas-powered vehicle, but it still lags behind both the RAV4 and Honda CR-V when it comes to fuel efficiency. 

Where the physical connection to the rear wheels might come in handy is when you're off-road. Because it's a Jeep, the Cherokee comes with 8 inches of ground clearance and better approach and departure angles than both the RAV4 and CR-V. It also comes with Auto, Sport, Snow and Sand/Mud drive modes to help you get the most traction in slippery situations.

A much-improved interior

Inside, all Cherokees are getting big screens. The instrument cluster is a 10.3-inch display and the infotainment display is a 12.3-inch unit. Both of these screens, as well as the dash design and the steering wheel, have been ripped straight out of the Wagoneer S (Jeep's much pricier EV). As a result, the cabin has an expensive feel to it, and it's nice that Jeep found a way to bring its ritzier kit to a lower price point. 

The cabin of the new Cherokee feels like a vast improvement over the last car. The material choice is nicer, and there are multiple little cubbies for phones, your wallet and other small items. The Cherokee will also support over-the-air updates so Jeep will be able to keep those screens up to date with its latest tech without you ever having to visit the dealership. 

The rear feels spacious, too — much more so than the Toyota RAV4 we saw a few months ago. Jeep stretched the wheelbase of the Cherokee to the betterment of both rear passenger room and cargo space. With the rear bench folded up, the Cherokee offers 33.6 cubic feet of cargo space; with it down, that more than doubles to 68.3 cubic feet. That's right on par with some of the biggest vehicles in the class.

All Cherokees also get keyless entry, blind-spot warning and adaptive cruise control. The latter isn't the fancy eyes-on, hands-off system that's available on higher-end Jeeps, but it's definitely better than regular old cruise control.

The new compact Jeep will come in a few trims at launch: base Cherokee, Laredo, Limited and Overland. A more trail-rated Cherokee Trailhawk that comes with even more off-road goodies will arrive later on down the line. Prices start at $36,995 for the base car and go up to $45,995 for the top-spec Overland model. Jeep says the new Cherokee will hit dealerships near the end of this year.