First impressions are great, but nothing beats getting to know a person, place or vehicle better. That’s why I share my experience with vehicles after driving them for a week or so as a make or model evolves.
Car of the week: I am looking again at the 2026 Jeep Cherokee SUV, which I first drove in February 2026. I recently spent a week with a 2026 Cherokee Overland 4x4, the top current trim level.
Why do I want it? Looks great, terrific fuel economy, appealing features, competitive price.
What is it? Five-passenger hybrid midsize SUV.
How much? Cherokee prices start at $3,500. The Cherokee Overland starts at $43,000. My well-equipped test vehicle cost $43,595. Its only option was $500 Silver paint. All prices exclude $1,995 destination charge.
How’s
it selling? The 2026 Cherokee went on sale in the first quarter. Jeeps’ sold 10,570 in the first half of the year.
What I thought the first time I drove the 2026 Cherokee
The 2026 Jeep Cherokee compact SUV appears to be everything owners will want, and everything the brand needs it to be.
The 2026 Cherokee is bigger, much better equipped, more comfortable and far more fuel-efficient than the vehicle it replaces.
The ’26 consciously recalls the boxy, squared-off styling that defined the Cherokee for decades.
A Trailhawk off-road model is coming, but Jeep won’t say when.
Things I love about the Cherokee
Its squared-off styling manages to be both contemporary and consistent with the 1984 model that established the Cherokee as one of Jeep’s signature vehicles.
The hybrid drivetrain, which Stellantis developed in Auburn Hills, delivers good power and fuel economy.
I love its EPA fuel economy: 39 mpg city/35 highway/37 combined with regular gasoline.
Plus it's has a comfortable, roomy interior.
I want to know more about this vehicle
The Cherokee’s first planned off-road drive was cancelled due to torrential rain – in January. A make-up date is long overdue. We shouldn’t have to wait till Jeep gets around to adding a Trailhawk model for the new Cherokee show its Jeep credentials.
What does the 2026 Jeep Cherokee compete with?
Ford Bronco Sport, GMC Terrain, Honda Passport, Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Outback, Mazda CX-5, Toyota 4Runner, VW Tiguan.
2026 Jeep Cherokee Overland key figures and features
- Seats five
- Hybrid power
- 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electric motor
- Output: 210 horsepower, 230 pound-feet of torque
- Mechanical full-time all-wheel drive
- Alpine 9-speaker audio
- Heated front seats and steering wheel
- Eight-way power adjustable front seats
- 20-inch wheels
- LED headlights, fog lights and taillights
- 12.3-inch touch screen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless charging
- Assembled in Toluca, Mexico
Contact Mark Phelan: 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 2026 Jeep Cherokee hybrid gets better the longer I drive it
