Autopia: Jeep brings the Cherokee back as a hybrid

Jeep has revived the Cherokee for its sixth generation as a hybrid, following a 2023 discontinuation due to poor sales. The 2026 model features a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with two electric motors, achieving 210 horsepower and up to 39 mpg city, but faces stiff competition from the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

Getting your Trinity Audio //trinityaudio.ai player ready... By James Raia After years of drastically plummeting sales, the Jeep Cherokee was discontinued in 2023 following a half-century run. It returned for its sixth generation this year as a hybrid. It’s a first for the two-row sport utility vehicle. Available in four trims, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee 4×4 is offered with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with 177 horsepower combined with two electric motors for a total of 210 horsepower. It’s propelled by a continuously variable automatic transmission CVT and comes standard all-wheel drive. Acceleration from 0 to 60 miles per hour takes 9.4 seconds. While the Jeep legacy dates to primarily to off-road military use, the hybrid model is oriented toward on-road escapades. The rear axle is driven via a mechanical connection, which can be disconnected to improve fuel efficiency. Likewise, there’s no low-range gearing or locking differentials. As a debuting model of the enduring icon, the Jeep retains some of its legacy, but much is new. The hybrid engine vaults the SUV’s appeal in a crowded segment. Competition includes the top-selling Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5. The EPA mileage estimates are 39 miles per gallon in city driving, 35 mpg on the highway. The range is an impressive 507 miles. One downside: the hybrid Cherokee has a 3,500-pound maximum towing capacity. The fifth-generation gas model was rated with a 4,500-pound towing capacity. With SUVs increasingly more luxury-oriented and viewed less as cargo haulers, usable carrying and storage characteristics are sometimes afterthoughts. The new Cherokee is five inches longer than previous models. As such, interior dimensions have also improved. Cargo space behind the second row is 31 cubic feet, a 30 percent improvement. With the second row of seats flat, the area expands to 68 cubic feet. All 2026 Jeep Cherokees feature a 12.3-inch infotainment screen running Uconnect5 software. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is Bluetooth connectivity. Standard also the new Stellantis Connect One. It’s a package that includes ten years of service for over-the-air updates, a Jeep brand smartphone app for vehicle functions and automatic SOS calls. A functional, unspectacular interior design is offered in basic black. Arctic White is available on the Laredo and Overland and trims. The white interior and faux leather are also available in Overland and reviewed Limited trims. Seating features include ventilated front and heated rear seats on some trims. A six-speaker stereo system is standard, with a 10-speaker premium setup optional in the Limited trim and standard in the Overland trim. A full complement of standard safety and driver aids is standard: adaptive cruise control, automated braking with pedestrian and cyclist recognition and blind spot monitoring with rear path detection. Two features are problematic. The door releases are small, nearly hidden push buttons. They’re particularly awkward considering the heavy doors. The start-stop button is also oddly positioned and has a flimsy touch functionality. From a base price of $38,000, extras hurt the Jeep’s appeal. The limited power package adds $2,000. A tech package costs $995, the panoramic roof is $1,595, the destination $1,995. The total price: $44,585. The new Jeep Cherokee isn’t a bad choice. Its overall ride is smooth and the driving experience is quiet for the segment. Still, competitors offer a better experience, better warranties and better resale values. They’re segment leaders for reasons. For Jeep fanciers, there’s one enduring characteristic: the seven-slot front grille remains. James Raia is a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento. He also contributes business, lifestyle, sports and travel articles to several print and online publications. Email: james@jamesraia.com.