4 Ways the New 2026 Jeep Cherokee is Better Than the Old One
As you know, things aren’t going so well for Jeep right now, like most of Stellantis’ other divisions. Higher-than-average prices and fuel consumption are just two of many reasons.
Will the return of the Cherokee for 2026 be a game-changer, or even a lifeline for the brand? One thing’s for sure: expectations are high for this reinterpretation of the compact SUV that Jeep discontinued in March 2023.
“We took the time to step back and analyze the North American midsize SUV market to understand one thing: what do customers want from a next-generation Jeep Cherokee? The answer is a great-looking SUV with incredible range, more standard technology, safety equipment, capability to match their lifestyles, driven by a powerful and efficient powertrain,” Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf said.
The 2026 Cherokee will arrive at Canadian dealerships in late 2025, beginning with the more upscale Limited and Overland models. More affordable options will follow in early 2026 (no Trailhawk model has been announced yet, mind you). In the meantime, here are four ways the new Cherokee is better than the old one:
1. More Space
Jeep is calling it a midsize SUV, not a compact one. In reality, the Cherokee will still be positioned below the Grand Cherokee. This next generation is longer, taller and wider than its predecessor.
Among other things, cargo capacity has been increased by 30 percent (approximately 2,000 litres overall), which is equivalent to fitting an additional large dog crate in the rear with the seatbacks folded down. Up front, the centre console offers more storage space thanks to a new rotary gear selector.
2. More Savings at the Pump
Forget the Cherokees that used to burn 10 L/100 km (or more) on average. For 2026, a new hybrid propulsion system with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine achieves an estimated 6.4 L/100 km, enough to travel up to 800 kilometers on a single tank of gas.
It’s the first non-PHEV hybrid system for Jeep and a Stellantis-first in North America. By the way, power and torque are rated at 210 hp and 230 lb-ft, respectively, which is decent in itself but not impressive compared to the competition.
3. More Refinement
One of the main complaints about the Cherokee was its lack of refinement given the price. Jeep designers have addressed this by incorporating higher-quality materials and eco-friendly options like animal-free leather and recycled materials.
The interior environment is decidedly more modern and more sophisticated overall. All 2026 Cherokees feature a 10.25-inch colour digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Additionally, an Arctic theme adds a luxurious feel to the Laredo, Limited and Overland models
4. More Technology
This was inevitable, but let’s point it out anyway. The new Cherokee is packed with technology and is light years ahead of the old one: Uconnect 5 infotainment, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, AppMarket in-screen hub for apps such as Geocaching, The Dyrt and for games like Sudoku, Stellantis’ new Connect ONE connected services package (including 10 years of service for over-the-air updates) and more.
Advancements have been made in the safety department, too. Consider automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist identification, intersection collision assist, drowsy driver detection and rear automatic emergency braking, just to name a few standard features.
Watch out: the 2026 Jeep Cherokee starts at $42,390 ($39,995 MSRP plus additional fees) and goes all the way up to $56,390 ($53,995 MSRP plus additional fees). Will Canadian customers find enough value in those prices to make the new Cherokee a more successful product than in the past and help improve the Jeep brand’s bottom line? Only time will tell.
