When the Cherokee left Jeep’s lineup at the end of 2023, it created a noticeable gap between the smaller Compass and the midsize Grand Cherokee, leaving a lot of potential buyers wondering what happened. The Cherokee has always been a strong player in a super competitive field, going head-to-head with big names like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Equinox, and Hyundai Tucson. So, it was a bit confusing when Jeep pulled the plug on the last generation without having a replacement lined up. After two years of sitting on the sidelines, Jeep is finally bringing the Cherokee back.
Recently, Jeep shared the first teasers of the new SUV ahead of its big reveal and expected launch later this year. Fans of classic Cherokees might be excited about the new model’s design, which goes back to a boxier, more rugged look that feels true to Jeep’s roots. To highlight this, Jeep put out a cool image showing the new model alongside the older XJ-series Cherokees from the ’80s and early 2000s. The 2026 version sports a flatter front end and squared-off headlights that remind many of the classic models, and the roofline is more upright, giving it a tougher vibe.
“The all-new Jeep Cherokee headlines our efforts to deliver more product, innovation, choice and standard content to customers than ever before,” said Bob Broderdorf, Jeep CEO. “Jeep Cherokee will boast competitive pricing that strikes at the core of the largest vehicle segment and sits perfectly between Jeep Compass and Jeep Grand Cherokee to bolster our winning mainstream lineup.”
Right now, Jeep offers a mix of vehicles, including gas engines and plug-in hybrids with their clever 4xe technology available in models like the Grand Cherokee and Wrangler. There’s a chance the new Cherokee could include a basic gas engine—maybe the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder found in the Compass—alongside a 4xe hybrid model or even an all-electric version. For now, more details are still under wraps, but fans are eager to find out what Jeep has in store as the launch date gets closer.
The Grand Cherokee fits neatly into the midsize category, while the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are full-size SUVs perfect for families. However, going along with market trends seen in its competitors, it looks like the new Cherokee will be getting a bit bigger, shifting closer to the Grand Cherokee’s size rather than sticking with the smaller Compass.
One key reason for this shift is the new platform the Cherokee will be built on. It’s expected to land on Stellantis’ STLA Large architecture, a flexible platform that supports everything from traditional gas engines to hybrids and all-electric drives. This same platform is used in the Jeep Wagoneer S EV. With this change, the Cherokee is likely to have a longer wheelbase, which should open up the cabin and give it a more stable feel on the road. Plus, the wheels will be pushed further out to the corners—something clearly seen in the latest photos Jeep has dropped.
Inside, the 2026 Cherokee is expected to come loaded with the newest version of the Uconnect infotainment system, likely featuring cool tech like an additional display in front of the passenger seat on higher trims, similar to what’s available in the Wagoneer S. This addition promises to enhance the driving experience, mixing modern tech with comfort and style.
Jeep plans to keep the price appealing, likely around $30,000, which positions it nicely between the budget-friendly Compass and the more upscale Grand Cherokee. With the Cherokee’s return, Jeep is aiming to reclaim its spot in the SUV game, promising a blend of innovation, performance, and a nod to its classic heritage in one exciting package.
