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2026 Jeep Cherokee Reborn with Wagoneer S Styling, Hybrid Power, and Expanded Interior
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Jeep has brought the Cherokee back — and this time it looks like a luxury SUV. The 2026 Cherokee starts at $36,995 and borrows its design directly from the $67,000 Wagoneer S EV. According to The Detroit News, that makes it "the DNA of the Wagoneer S for 60% of the cost."
The new Cherokee is a hybrid that charges itself — no plugging in required. It gets an EPA-estimated 37 combined MPG and can travel up to 534 miles on a single tank, according to Kelley Blue Book. It went on sale in late 2025 after a two-year gap following the previous Cherokee's 2023 discontinuation.
Wagoneer S Interior at a Fraction of the Price
Step inside the 2026 Cherokee and you'd be forgiven for thinking you're in something far more expensive. The cabin mirrors the Wagoneer S EV almost exactly, featuring climate-control screens and a dedicated passenger display. It also has a bejeweled starter button and a rectangular steering wheel — design details borrowed straight from Jeep's premium sub-brand, according to Star-Telegram.
A vertical smartphone charging system sits in the center console. It keeps your phone visible for hands-free calls while it charges. Miami Herald notes the interior is considered a replica of the much-pricier EV — a deliberate move to make the $37K Cherokee feel like a bargain.
Cherokee Grows Bigger in Every Direction
The 2026 Cherokee is larger than the old model in every measurement. Cargo space behind the second row jumped 30%, reaching 33.6 cubic feet. Fold the seats flat and you get 68.3 cubic feet total. Second-row legroom also grew by one inch, according to San Luis Obispo Tribune.
The Cherokee runs on a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor. Together they make 210 horsepower. Jeep designed the system to be "self-charging" — meaning the battery refills on its own while you drive. No charging station needed.
What the Cherokee Lost in the Redesign
The new model is not without trade-offs. Torque dropped to 230 lb-ft — a 30% cut from the previous generation's 2.0-liter turbo engine. The 0-60 mph time slowed from 6.6 seconds to 8.1 seconds. Towing capacity also fell sharply, from 4,500 lbs down to 3,500 lbs, according to Bellingham Herald.
Some reviewers had ergonomic complaints too. Macon.com noted that experts flagged "congested front knee room" and push-button door releases that puzzled some drivers. A high beltline limits visibility, giving the cabin a "bunkerlike" feel in the eyes of one comparison test that placed the Cherokee sixth out of its class.
Cherokee Targets BMW Buyers on a Honda Budget
Jeep is pricing the Cherokee to squeeze luxury brands from below. The $36,995 starting MSRP undercuts the BMW X3 by roughly $15,000, according to News & Observer. At the same time, it targets mainstream rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V — two segment leaders that Jeep lost ground to after the old Cherokee disappeared in 2023.
Production currently runs in Toluca, Mexico. But Stellantis announced a $600 million investment to reopen its Belvidere, Illinois plant for Cherokee production by 2027. That move could create up to 3,300 jobs, according to Idaho Statesman. Jeep is betting the Cherokee can anchor its mainstream lineup while the Wagoneer brand handles the luxury end.
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