Jeep has officially revealed the next-generation 2026 Cherokee SUV, confirming it will keep the iconic “Cherokee” name despite earlier rumors suggesting a change out of respect for the Cherokee Nation. The reveal comes ahead of the vehicle’s scheduled launch later this year.
The redesigned Cherokee adopts a more traditional Jeep styling, featuring a boxier shape and a front end influenced by the upcoming electric Recon 4xe model. This marks a departure from the swoopier design seen in the 2023 version, aligning more closely with Jeep’s rugged brand identity.
Positioned between the Jeep Compass and Grand Cherokee, the new model will offer competitive pricing to capture the mid-size SUV market.
The 2026 Cherokee will debut with a new hybrid propulsion option built on Stellantis’s STLA-Large platform, with traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) and an all-electric variant expected to join the lineup later. The platform’s versatility supports multiple powertrain types, enabling it to meet diverse consumer preferences.
Moreover, the interior design shares similarities with the Wagoneer S EV, featuring a large digital instrument cluster, a central touchscreen angled toward the driver, and a row of touch-sensitive climate controls. The cabin also includes a rotary transmission controller and a toggle switch for driving modes. Some interior elements remain disguised, but there is speculation about a possible third screen above the glovebox, similar to the Wagoneer S.
Production is slated to begin this fall for the 2026 model year. Jeep plans to release more details, including a final confirmation of the model’s name, in the months leading up to the launch.
This new Cherokee arrives amid Jeep’s expanding lineup that now includes the Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, all-electric Wagoneer S, and the upcoming electric Recon, positioning the brand strongly for future SUV and EV markets.
