The Jeep Cherokee is dead for now. The brand is developing a successor that could be a significant improvement over the previous model.
Jeep is gearing up to launch a larger, sleeker SUV to take on the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Based on the STLA Large platform and possibly ditching the “Cherokee” name, this all-new model features modern styling, increased size, and flexible powertrain options. While still camouflaged, early renderings hint at a more refined, upscale design that may debut later this year as a 2026 or 2027 model.
Why is the Cherokee important?
You might not think it a big deal for Jeep to do away with one small SUV and focus on larger models, but there’s a serious problem. The model deleted is the Cherokee, which is the compact SUV that bridges the gap between the Compass and Grand Cherokee. Despite larger models bringing in the dough, a compact SUV that competes with the CR-V, RAV4, and Forester is an important part of the Jeep lineup. Thankfully, a new model should arrive in a couple of years to fill this gap and bring the Jeep lineup back to completion.
Will it wear the original name?
Jeep isn’t referring to the new SUV by the name you might expect yet. Instead, it’s being called the “new mainstream Utility Vehicle,” which leaves the door open for the original name to be used or for a new name to be offered. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but the dealer memo that was leaked about the new SUV, called it the New Jeep Cherokee, which suggests the brand might stick with a name that’s worked well and been a huge success for them over the years.
What will it look like?
Jeep seems to be leaning hard into it recent electric SUV styling elements with this new model. Most versions have been seen driving around wearing some heavy camouflage to ensure they don’t get too showy with the styling underneath. Despite the covering, its easy to see some the design elements that come from the electric models, such as the slimmer headlights, narrow seven-slot grille, and bumper intakes.
If these styling elements remind you of the Wagoneer S, don’t be too shocked. Although we don’t expect the new Cherokee to be an electric SUV, it’s easy for Jeep to transfer some of these styling items to the smaller Jeep to give it a similar look.
Shared spaces
The cabin area of this new Jeep Cherokee should have much of the same tech as the Wagoneer S and other new-generation Jeep models. This means you should see a dashboard that’s almost as digitized as what’s found in Tesla vehicles but with multiple screens integrated across the dashboard instead of one large screen in the center.
The new Cherokee should also be much roomier than the previous version. It might even be larger than the Wagoneer S, which could be a bit of a crazy thought, considering where it should fall in the lineup. If it is bigger than the Wagoneer S, it will be much closer to the Grand Cherokee in terms of size and be much larger than the Compass. Size similarities between the Cherokee and Compass were problematic in previous generations of the Cherokee.
The expected Jeep platform
Stellantis is working to get as much mileage as possible out of the STLA Large platform, and the new Cherokee is the latest SUV to be added to the mix using this architecture. Power for the new Jeep SUV should come from a combination of internal combustion and hybrid engines, but an all-electric model has been confirmed and will likely be part of the mix in upcoming model years.
When should it arrive?
The leaked information suggests the new Jeep Cherokee could be in the United States around October of this year, making it a 2026 model-year vehicle. Still, delays have been known to happen, and those could delay the launch of this new Jeep SUV.
Will you drive the new Cherokee?
We don’t know what powertrains will power this larger Cherokee or how well it will perform on the trails. Still, it’s pretty easy to trust Jeep to provide us with a fantastic compact SUV for fun on light to medium trails, especially if the name Jeep Cherokee is used. This name is instantly recognized as a vehicle that’s ready for some fun in the wilderness while also being comfortable on the road.
Are you excited about what this new Jeep SUV could bring to the table?
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