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Jeep Unveils 2026 Cherokee SUV with New Hybrid Options
DETROIT — Jeep unveiled details and images of its upcoming 2026 Cherokee SUV on Thursday, signaling a significant step for the brand as it aims to boost sales. The new midsize SUV is designed to be released in late 2025.
According to Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf, the Cherokee will offer a hybrid powertrain option, though the company has not clarified whether it will be a traditional hybrid or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Broderdorf stated in a press release, “The all-new Jeep Cherokee headlines our efforts to deliver more product, innovation, choice and standard content to customers than ever before.”
The starting price for the Cherokee’s entry-level model is projected to be competitive, around $30,000. This positioning is crucial for Jeep as it faces declining sales, having reported a 10% decrease in sales through the first quarter of this year.
The production location for the Cherokee remains undisclosed, but sources indicate it may be manufactured in Mexico. This decision was made prior to President Biden’s election and the discussions around imported vehicle tariffs.
The last generation of the Cherokee was produced in Illinois before operations were halted amid cost-cutting measures, which also included discontinuing the smaller Renegade model.
Jeep has experienced a challenging sales environment, with six consecutive years of annual sales declines in the U.S. The brand, which is recognized in the automotive industry, is now seeking to revitalize its lineup with this new model.
As for the vehicle’s features, the Cherokee is expected to include modern designs and several powertrain choices, including the potential introduction of electrified options. The new silhouette adopts a boxier aesthetic, featuring the classic seven-slot grille and LED headlights.
Newer models of Jeep, like the Wagoneer S, indicate a shift in design that the Cherokee is expected to follow. Analysts anticipate that additional details regarding the Cherokee’s features will be forthcoming, possibly making a debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show this year.
