New Jeep Cherokee brings boxy style and hybrid power
Words: Andrew Sluys
Jeep has detailed the 2026 Cherokee SUV, which has gone on sale in the United States with hybrid power.
Aside from the new boxy aesthetic, the big news surrounds its powertrain, which pairs a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a pair of electric motors.
Sending power to the wheels through a continuously variable transmission, the total outputs for this system sit at 154kW and 312Nm of torque.
With a 1.08kWh battery, fuel consumption is rated at 6.4L/100km, and it should be able to cover more than 800km of a full tank.
Keeping with Jeep’s off-road mantra, the Cherokee comes with a 4×4 system as standard, with a single-speed transfer case and rear axle disconnect.
There are also a series of drive modes, including; Auto, Snow, Sport, and Sand/Mud.
As a RAV4 rival, the Cherokee is aimed at the soft-roading market, but Jeep claims its approach, departure, and breakover angles are all best-in-class.
This new Cherokee is also taller and wider than the last KL-generation model that was discontinued in 2023.
On the inside it gets a 10.25-inch digital cluster, which is flanked by a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto.
Despite retaining the larger Grand Cherokee in its line-up it doesn’t look like Jeep New Zealand will be offering the new Cherokee.
This follows in the footsteps of Jeep Australia, which also is not taking the new Cherokee.
