2026 Jeep Cherokee Promises Commanding Presence and Hybrid Efficiency

After a brief hiatus from the automotive scene, Jeep’s iconic Cherokee is making a triumphant return with a complete transformation that promises to redefine the brand’s mid-size SUV offering. The fifth-generation Cherokee, codenamed KL, may have been relegated to “the great junkyard in the sky” in February 2023, but its successor is poised to make a spectacular entrance later this year with revolutionary changes in design, size, and powertrain options.

A Bold New Direction for a Familiar Name

The upcoming Cherokee, internally designated as the KM, represents a significant departure from its predecessor. First previewed by Stellantis during a 2021 investor presentation, the new model adopts a more muscular stance with a boxier, more upright design that distinguishes it from its premium-oriented sibling, the Wagoneer S. While sharing some visual DNA with the Wagoneer S, the KM Cherokee makes its own statement with beefier D-pillars and a more vertical rear end.

Perhaps the most dramatic change is the vehicle’s overall size. The 2026 Cherokee is making a strategic shift from the C to the D segment, effectively growing out of its former compact classification. This calculated move addresses the previous generation’s awkward positioning, where the similarly-sized but less expensive Compass encroached on Cherokee territory.

According to industry sources, the new Cherokee will gain approximately 6.5 inches (16.5 millimeters) in wheelbase and an impressive 11 inches (28.0 millimeters) in length. This expansion positions it perfectly between the all-new Compass (which is also being redesigned for 2026 on the STLA Medium platform) and the regular-wheelbase Grand Cherokee.

Advanced Architecture and Impressive Specifications

The KM Cherokee adopts Stellantis’ cutting-edge STLA Large platform, the same architecture underpinning the Wagoneer S and the reimagined Dodge Charger. This platform upgrade not only enables the vehicle’s larger dimensions but also opens the door to enhanced performance capabilities and advanced technology integration.

Recent prototype sightings have revealed several key details about the vehicle’s specifications. The test mule was equipped with 20-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli ELECT Scorpion MS rubber – a standard-size choice shared with the Wagoneer S, which comes with 20×8.5-inch wheels and 235/50R20 tires. While heavily camouflaged, the prototype displays a squarer front end that might result in a different aerodynamic profile compared to the all-electric Wagoneer S’s impressive 0.294 drag coefficient.

Hybrid Innovation and Powertrain Possibilities

Former Jeep boss Antonio Filosa has confirmed that the KM Cherokee will feature “hybrid muscle,” though the exact configuration remains unspecified. Given Jeep’s market positioning strategies, a traditional hybrid system seems likely for the base model to maintain competitive pricing, with plug-in hybrid options potentially available for higher trim levels.

The STLA Large platform’s versatility also supports fully electric configurations, suggesting an all-electric variant could join the lineup in the future. However, the prototype recently spotted features a visible muffler and exhaust outlet, confirming that internal combustion will play a role in at least some versions of the new Cherokee.

Powertrain speculation centers around several possibilities. Unverified reports suggest a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a three-speed hybrid transmission could be the primary candidate. Meanwhile, Stellantis’ Hurricane engine family – including the 2.0-liter four-cylinder and the 3.0-liter inline-six used in the 2025 Dodge Charger – could also feature in the lineup. The latter produces 420 horsepower in standard form and 550 horsepower in high-output configuration, though the Cherokee is unlikely to receive the most powerful variants.

Technology at the Forefront

The 2026 Cherokee is expected to showcase Stellantis’ latest technology offerings, potentially including the recently announced STLA AutoDrive system. Detailed in February 2025, this advanced driver assistance platform promises Level 3 autonomous capability at speeds up to 95 kilometers per hour (59 miles per hour).

Inside, the Cherokee will likely feature a digital-heavy cockpit similar to that of the Wagoneer S, with multiple integrated screens across the dashboard and center console. The expanded dimensions should translate to significantly more interior space than any previous Cherokee generation, addressing a common criticism of earlier models.

Market Positioning and Timeline

The new Cherokee will fill a crucial gap in Jeep’s lineup, reclaiming the middle ground between the compact Compass and the premium Grand Cherokee. According to leaked dealer memos, the vehicle is scheduled for an official reveal on October 1st of this year, with production beginning in the United States around October 2025.

While Jeep has referred to the model somewhat vaguely as a “new mainstream Utility Vehicle” in some communications, the internal memo still uses the “New Cherokee” designation, suggesting the iconic nameplate may continue despite ongoing discussions with the Cherokee Nation regarding the use of the name.

As the automotive industry continues its rapid evolution toward electrification, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee represents a strategic move by Stellantis to modernize one of its most recognized nameplates while maintaining the rugged capability and distinctive design that have defined the brand for generations.