The 2026 Jeep Cherokee is almost here, and now we know a bit more about it!
When Jeep first teased the next-generation Cherokee’s return back in May, we got some exterior images…and that’s about it. Now, though, the automaker published more information to its retail website, giving us some more details on what we can expect in the coming months. We already knew the Cherokee would have a hybrid powertrain, for example, but the FAQ reveals some more previously unknown details about it.
As it turns out, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee will not use the 2.0-liter Hurricane inline-four as part of its hybrid setup, as I guessed. Instead, it’s actually going to use a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine instead. Essentially, it appears we’re getting a Peugeot-sourced “Prince” engine (which originally came about as a co-developed project between BMW and PSA Group) instead. This would be the same powertrain that’s available overseas in the hybrid Compass model. We still don’t have official power and torque specs, but Jeep does claim a combined rating up of to 38 mpg with this particular unit.
That puts this new Cherokee in the same ballpark as a hybrid Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Ford Escape, and toe-to-toe with the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid. All the while, Jeep still has its 4×4 reputation to protect, so the site also mentions every Cherokee will get the company’s Active Drive I all-wheel drive system across the board. Now, historically Jeep Active Drive I has not included a two-speed transfer case, the neutral mode for flat-towing, or the more advanced Selec-Terrain System that you got with the Active Drive II system.
Jeep does mention a Trailhawk trim, in addition to your typical Laredo, Limited and Overland models. If the Active Drive I system is standard across the board, that means we won’t necessarily see low-range capability or the Active Drive Lock on the Trailhawk that provided the rear e-locker on past 3.2-liter V6 models. That said, the Active Drive I system may come with some improvements for this new-generation model, but I’m curious to see exactly how Jeep plans to bring greater off-road capability to the Trailhawk (or even the Overland) trims against, say, your base Laredo.
Keep in mind, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee is launching exclusively with the hybrid powertrain. There could be a Hurricane-powered gas-only version down the line, but Jeep seems keen to only share information on what will be available later this year for now.
Another spec Jeep published to its official site is towing capacity: Every 2026 Cherokee will be able to tow up to 3,500 pounds, which is 1,000 pounds less than a properly equipped Pentastar V6 KL could manage (or 500 pounds, in the case of the 2.0-liter model).
Finally, Jeep’s FAQ section provided a list of available colors. In addition to the Hydro Blue and ’41 green we’ve already seen, the automaker will offer the new Cherokee in Baltic Gray, Bright White, Diamond Black and Red Hot.
We’ll have more official information to share on the 2026 Jeep Cherokee very soon. It’s an important model for the brand, as it offers a step between the entry-level Compass and the more family-oriented Grand Cherokee. You’ll finally be able to see the new car’s interior, too.
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