The New 2026 Jeep Cherokee

Stellantis engineers have cooked up something special for this model year. The Cherokee debuts a new 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid system that changes the game for midsize SUVs. We're talking about a driving range that exceeds 500 miles on a single tank. Fuel economy sits at an estimated 37 mpg combined.

Under the hood, you'll find an internal-combustion engine working alongside dual electric motors and a battery pack. The result is 210 horsepower paired with 230 lb-ft of torque. Power delivery feels smooth and responsive every time. And of course, Jeep's renowned four-wheel-drive capability remains at the heart of this SUV.

Towing power leads the conversation here. The 2026 Cherokee pulls up to 3,500 lbs, which tops everything else in its segment. Trail enthusiasts will appreciate what Jeep has done with the four-wheel-drive system. The Active Drive I setup comes standard and includes a rear-axle disconnect feature.

Four distinct driving modes through the Selec-Terrain system let you dial in the perfect settings. Choose between Auto, Sport, Snow, and Sand/Mud. You can attack steep inclines at 19.6 degrees and descend at 29.4 degrees without scraping anything important. The Cherokee clears obstacles with an 18.8-degree breakover angle.

Up to 8 inches of ground clearance keeps you above the rough stuff, and you can power through water crossings up to 20 inches deep.

Jeep designers went back to the drawing board and emerged with a cabin that feels more spacious and thoughtfully arranged. The new rotary-style gear selector sits lower in the console, opening up room for your phone, wallet, and daily essentials. Cargo capacity jumped up compared to the outgoing model for a 30% improvement. With the rear seats folded flat, you're looking at 68.3 cubic feet of storage space.

Every Cherokee comes equipped with keyless entry and automatic windshield wipers that respond to rain. Move up through the trim levels, and you can add a panoramic glass roof that spans both rows. Cold-weather features include heated rear seating and a de-icing system for the windshield wipers. Hot Kansas summers call for ventilated front seats that keep you cool during your commute.

Jeep continues pushing toward sustainable materials throughout the interior. You'll find alternatives to traditional leather, like Capri leatherette and Soul Cloth upholstery. Even the floor carpeting incorporates recycled content.

Fifty years of Cherokee heritage inspired this striking new design. The styling team embraced bold, angular shapes that recall classic Cherokee models. All while pushing the look firmly into the modern era. This SUV grew in every dimension compared to its predecessor. It's longer, taller, and wider with crisp body lines that demand attention.

The front end makes a strong first impression. Squared-off LED headlights flank the grille with integrated daytime running lights that form a U-shape. The overall silhouette stands upright and confident with clean surfaces and muscular proportions that scream 'Jeep.'

Your color palette includes seven options: Bright White, Red Hot, Hydro Blue, Diamond Black, Silver Zynith, '41 Green, and Sting-Gray. So you're not stuck with a black Jeep Cherokee unless that's your preference. Loading groceries or luggage gets easier with the available hands-free liftgate. You can even adjust the maximum height.

The 2026 Cherokee offers 140 different safety and security technologies between standard and optional equipment. The Active Driving Assist system is included on every model, so you won't need to spend extra for the essentials. The Cherokee watches out for pedestrians and cyclists with its automatic braking system. It also monitors cross-traffic at intersections.

Blind spots get covered by sensors that also watch for vehicles approaching from the rear when you're backing up. Feeling drowsy? The Cherokee notices and alerts you. Highway driving gets easier with the Level 2 driver assistance system. Adaptive cruise maintains your speed and distance from traffic ahead.

Parking becomes less stressful with rear sensors and automatic braking that prevent backing into obstacles.

Digital screens dominate the dashboard in the best way possible. A 10.25-inch instrument display sits directly ahead of the driver, while a 12.3-inch touchscreen handles infotainment duties from the center stack. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect wirelessly, and Amazon's Alexa voice assistant is built right in.

The Uconnect 5 platform runs the show here. Jeep's interface has won awards for good reason—it's intuitive and responsive. The integrated AppMarket opens up access to useful apps like Geocaching and The Dyrt, plus games like Sudoku for passengers. Stellantis bundles its Connect One package with every Cherokee, which means a full decade of software updates delivered over the air.

Additional tech highlights include a surround-view camera system, wireless device charging, and a digital mirror that displays a camera feed instead of a traditional reflection.

The entry point, aptly called Cherokee, delivers outstanding value. You get the same powerful engine riding on beautiful 18-inch wheels. Inside, you'll find cloth seating with a 60-40 split-folding rear bench and a leatherette-wrapped steering wheel. Six speakers handle your music while dual-zone climate control lets driver and passenger choose their own temperatures.

This is where things start getting interesting. LED fog lights replace the standard bulbs up front, and your seats upgrade to premium cloth with heating for both front occupants. Gone is the manual seat adjustment. Now you get 8-way power adjustability with 2-way lumbar support.

Remote start through your key fob rounds out the package, so your Cherokee can be warming up before you step outside.

The Limited takes everything great about the Laredo and adds a few goodies. For instance, instead of cloth, you now get leatherette seats throughout the cabin. It gives you an upscale look and feel at a reasonable price point.

This is the complete Cherokee experience. The Overland rolls on larger 20-inch machined-aluminum wheels with integrated puddle lights. The power liftgate and dual-pane sunroof with one-touch operation come standard here.

Inside, you get memory settings for the front seats, a household-style power outlet, an integrated garage door opener, and an auto-dimming mirror.

Audio jumps from six speakers to ten, and voice-activated navigation joins the party. Parking sensors now cover all four corners instead of just the rear.

The 2026 Cherokee represents a bold new chapter for this iconic nameplate. Efficiency, capability, technology, and style come together in a package that makes sense for Kansas drivers. Our team at Valor Auto Group is ready to help you find the perfect 2026 Cherokee for sale and get you behind the wheel.

Stop by our Junction City showroom and see what all the excitement is about. To learn more about the Cherokee, visit our Cherokee Research Hub . For a broader look at our CDJR lineup, explore our CDJR Research Hub .

Is the 2026 Cherokee a hybrid vehicle?

Yes, and here's the best part: You never have to plug it in. The system recharges itself through regenerative braking and the gasoline engine. Fill up the 13.7-gallon tank, and you can travel over 500 miles before your next stop. Combined fuel economy lands around 37 mpg.

What is the 2026 Jeep Cherokee towing capacity?

The 2026 Cherokee pulls up to 3,500 lbs, which beats everything else in its class. That's plenty of muscle for boats, small campers, and utility trailers.

What exterior colors are available for the 2026 Cherokee?

Seven colors made the lineup this year: Bright White, Red Hot, Hydro Blue, Diamond Black, Silver Zynith, '41 Green, and Sting-Gray.

What other makes can I find at Valor Auto Group?

We're a full Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram dealer. Looking for truck capability? Ram has you covered. Need family hauling? Check out Chrysler . Want performance? Dodge delivers thrills. Every brand brings something different to the table.

Can I get vehicle maintenance near Clay Center, KS?

Yes, you can. Our Jeep service center near Manhattan serves the entire region, including Clay Center. Factory-trained technicians handle everything from oil changes to major repairs.

Where can I find financing for a new 2026 Cherokee?

Our finance department works with multiple lenders to secure competitive rates for all credit situations. We also have Jeep lease offers near Fort Riley if you prefer lower payments and the flexibility to upgrade every few years.