JEEP Cherokee 2026

By Jesse Caron, Automotive Expert

In collaboration with Maxime Dubois, Project Manager, Mobility Advisory Services

2026 Jeep Cherokee at a glance

Who is it for?

• Families looking for more space
• Drivers who want to save on fuel
• Drivers who prefer a smooth ride
• People who want to tow with a hybrid

Avoid it if:

• You want engaging handling
• You want a proven powertrain
• You want the lowest possible monthly payment

What’s new for the 2026 Jeep Cherokee?

• Hybrid powertrain: 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, two electric motors and one battery
• Larger dimensions: Wheelbase extended by 17cm and overall length increased by 12cm
• 30% more cargo space
• Touch screen enlarged from 8.4 to 10.25 inches
• Built in Mexico instead of the United States
• Off-road Trailhawk model confirmed for 2027

How much does the 2026 Jeep Cherokee cost in Quebec?

• Retail price: $42,290 to $62,125
• Includes $2295 freight and PDI plus dealer fees
• As-tested price: $57,975 (Limited, premium paint, Tech Package and sunroof)

The expert’s take

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee has one of the highest price ranges in the compact SUV segment. Most competitors offer at least one trim below $40,000, but the Cherokee does not.

Combined with very high lease and finance rates, this pricing makes the monthly payments uncompetitive. By my calculations, a Cherokee can easily cost $150 more per month than several models with well-established reputations, without adding any significant equipment.

- Jesse Caron, Automotive Expert, CAA-Quebec

Our experts’ verdict

Is the 2026 Jeep Cherokee better than the 2023 model?

Based on our road test, the 2026 redesign is a clear improvement. Its generous interior space is what most distinguishes the new Cherokee from its predecessor and even from most other compact SUVs.

The hybrid powertrain gives up some of the output of the previous 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and 3.2-litre V6 engines in exchange for much lower fuel consumption. Although it is not as efficient as a Toyota RAV4, the Cherokee ranks among the most fuel-efficient compact SUVs.

The stable, comfortable ride quickly makes you forget the previous model’s sometimes harsh rear suspension.

What are the drawbacks of the 2026 Jeep Cherokee?

The Cherokee falls short on handling because its overly light steering provides no road feel. Its soft suspension also struggles to control body motions over road undulations and ruts.

Reliability is another concern, given Stellantis products’ troubling track record. In particular, the Cherokee’s new hybrid powertrain is unproven in North America.

Given that uncertainty, the high retail prices make the Cherokee less competitive against established rivals. Generally uncompetitive lease and finance terms do little to offset this disadvantage.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee is much roomier than before

Exterior dimensions

• 287cm wheelbase (16cm longer than the 2023 model)
• 478cm overall length (13cm longer than the 2023 model)

Cabin access and space

• Very wide door openings
• Generous rear legroom and headroom
• Wide enough for three rear passengers

Cargo space

• Cargo capacity behind the rear seat: 952 litres (222 litres more than the 2023 model)
• Wide, long cargo floor

Long one of the smallest cabins in its class, the Jeep Cherokee’s interior is now among the roomiest in the compact SUV segment. This is largely due to the substantial increase in exterior dimensions, which now approach those of a midsize SUV.

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee can easily accommodate a family of four or even five thanks to its wide rear bench. Occupants also have plenty of room for luggage in the large cargo area, which offers significantly more vertical space than the previous generation.

2026 Jeep Cherokee interior

Dashboard

• 12.3-inch centre touchscreen
• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• Mostly touch-sensitive controls

Jeep integrated the two displays separately into the dashboard rather than placing them side by side in a generic rectangular panel. This layout sets the Cherokee apart from several competitors while keeping information easy to read.

Touch-sensitive controls have replaced physical buttons for the climate system. Although you need to glance away from the road briefly to identify them, they are at least located in a dedicated area below the centre screen. Unfortunately, the steering wheel completely blocks the touch controls for the heated seat and steering wheel.

The button that replaces the conventional interior door handle is particularly frustrating. Poorly positioned, it prevents you from opening and holding the door in one motion. Why replace a simple mechanism with a less effective, more expensive solution?

Seats and interior finish

• Wide, flat front seats with little support
• Restrictive driving position
• Well-coordinated colours
• Some cheap-feeling plastics

The two-tone dashboard, convincing perforated leatherette and soft-touch trim give the cabin an upscale appearance. A closer look, however, reveals several coarse-textured plastics that feel cheap. The numerous gloss-black surfaces are also likely to scratch quickly.

The expert’s take

Like my colleague Maxime, I felt as though I was sitting on top of the 2026 Jeep Cherokee’s seat rather than being comfortably supported by it. The driving position did not win me over, mainly because of the seat height, even at its lowest setting, and the very wide centre console that constantly rubbed against my right knee.

- Jesse Caron, Automotive Expert, CAA-Quebec

How does the 2026 Jeep Cherokee drive?

Engine and transmission

• 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with two electric motors
• 210 horsepower and 230lb-ft of torque
• Electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT)

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee’s hybrid powertrain is quite successful. Transitions between the electric motors and gasoline engine are nearly seamless, and the gas engine remains reasonably quiet under hard acceleration. That is a pleasant surprise, especially since recent Stellantis four-cylinder engines often lack refinement.

However, the electronic continuously variable transmission quickly pushes the engine into the mid and upper rev ranges when accelerating from a stop. It also occasionally produces a mild rubber-band effect that delays passing response.

To smooth out these rough edges, the engineers could take inspiration from Toyota, which has mastered hybrid-system refinement, apart from the still-prominent and coarse engine note.

Fuel economy

• Observed: 7.2L/100km
• Combined city/highway rating (Natural Resources Canada): 6.3L/100km

The expert’s take

The fuel consumption we recorded in the 2026 Jeep Cherokee ranks among the lowest in its class. Only the Toyota RAV4 performed slightly better in similar summer conditions.

Our test routine includes more highway driving than city driving. If you spend more time in urban areas, the vehicle may use even less fuel.

- Jesse Caron, Automotive Expert, CAA-Quebec

Towing capacity

• 1588kg (3500lb)

Ride comfort and handling

• Very smooth ride
• Low overall noise levels
• Stable on the highway
• Slow, artificial steering
• Considerable body roll in corners
• Inconsistent braking response

Thanks to its longer wheelbase and very soft suspension, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee isolates occupants well from impacts on rough roads. The body remains reasonably stable, usually avoiding the side-to-side motions that a series of bumps can cause.

The sound insulation also impressed us, virtually eliminating road noise at cruising speed.

The trade-off for all that comfort is sloppy handling in corners. The body leans heavily, the steering disconnects the driver from the road, and understeer appears early as the front wheels push straight ahead. The brake pedal is also very soft and difficult to modulate at the top of its travel.

The expert’s take

Jeep already has some of the ingredients needed to improve the 2026 Cherokee driving dynamics. It could simply adapt the formula used for the Grand Cherokee, which handles far better despite its larger dimensions.

- Jesse Caron, Automotive Expert, CAA-Quebec

Safety features

• Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and emergency brake assist
• Electronic stability control with traction control
• Hill-start assist
• Front airbags
• Front side-impact airbags
• Side-curtain airbags
• Front seat belts with pretensioners
• Five adjustable head restraints
• Rear-seat reminder
• Rearview camera
• Tire-pressure monitoring system
• Forward collision warning
• Front automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and oncoming-vehicle path detection
• Lane-departure warning with steering assist
• Lane-centering system
• Automatic high-beam headlights
• Blind-spot monitoring with steering assist
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Adaptive cruise control
• Rear parking sensors
• Rear automatic emergency braking
• Front and side parking sensors (standard on Overland; unavailable on other trims)
• Surround-view camera system (optional on Overland; unavailable on other trims)

Crash test results

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Overall score: not tested
Frontal impact: not tested
Side impact: not tested
Rollover resistance: not tested

Insurance Institute For Highway Safety (IIHS)

Moderate overlap frontal impact: not tested
Small overlap frontal impact:
- driver side: not tested
- passenger side: not tested
Side impact: not tested

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the 2026 Jeep Cherokee

1. How much does the 2026 Jeep Cherokee cost in Quebec?

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee has a retail price of $42,290 to $62,125, including freight, PDI, and dealer fees. These prices are higher than those of several competitors. Manufacturer financing is competitive, but leasing is very expensive because of high interest rates.

2. What is the 2026 Jeep Cherokee driving range?

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee has an estimated driving range of 824km on a full tank, based on its 51.9-litre fuel tank and Natural Resources Canada combined city/highway fuel-consumption rating of 6.3L/100km.

3. Can the 2026 Jeep Cherokee drive in electric mode?

Yes, but only for very short distances. Like other non-plug-in hybrids, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee runs on gasoline most of the time. It can operate in electric mode only at low speeds or when the gasoline engine shuts off briefly while cruising at a steady speed.

4. Is the 2026 Jeep Cherokee spacious?

Yes. The 2026 Jeep Cherokee offers plenty of room for a family of four or five. There is also sufficient passenger space for four adults.

5. What is the 2026 Jeep Cherokee towing capacity?

All Cherokee trims can tow up to 1588kg (3500lb), a strong rating for a compact SUV. A factory-installed towing package is optional on Limited, 85th Anniversary and Overland trims for $1495.