Next Jeep Cherokee to offer choice of petrol or electric power
Words NZ Autocar | Images Autocar UK
Jeep’s next Cherokee medium SUV will utilise the Stellantis’s STLA Large platform, and will offer both petrol and electric power. While retaining its traditional Jeep grille, it slots in below Wagoneer S and above the Compass, a new version of which disrobed recently.
Jeep is now out testing the next-generation Cherokee which is due to go on sale in 2026. The new-look SUV follows the now familiar Stellantis tradition of offering both petrol and electric power.
The next-gen Cherokee shares some design cues with the Wagoneer S. There’s the sloping roofline, squared-off haunches, rear doors set into the wheel arches and door handles recessed into the body.
But the Cherokee will retain its prominent seven-slot grille, mirroring that on the new Compass. The rear is also Compass like, though without the light bar.
In the image below is an exhaust pipe, indicating a petrol engine. Cherokee is likely to utilise the 3.0-litre ‘Hurricane’ straight six with twin turbos. It is borrowed from the Wagoneer line-up, offering at least 313kW of power.
It will likely be followed by a dual-motor electric version packing around 450kW if the Wagoneer S is anything to go by.
Powering the motors is a 118kWh NMC battery pack, for a range of around 500km.
The cabin also resembles that of the Wagoneer S, with rotary control and a big central IFT screen.
HVAC functionality is controlled by a touchbar recessed into the dashboard below the main screen.
Meantime, Jeep’s Grand Cherokee makes way for the Wagoneer S. Next year, Wrangler may be succeeded by the Recon EV.
