Cherokee’s Comeback

The Comeback

So, after a decade of cruising American roads, Jeep decided to call it quits on the fifth-generation Cherokee in 2023. If it feels like a bit of an abrupt farewell, don’t worry. The Cherokee’s taking just a quick pit stop before rolling into its next adventure with an all-new model slated for 2026.

Jeep’s parent company, Stellantis, gave us just a tiny taste with a couple of photos and a teaser video. They’re keeping the juicy details for a big reveal around late 2025. Still, from what’s been released, the new model seems to embrace a sleek yet unmistakably Jeep style.

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The 2026 Cherokee is a nod to the classic Jeep look, steering clear of the last version’s Fiat influence. That polarizing rounded front is out, replaced by a bold high hood line and flat front end. It’s got a family resemblance with the Compass, the electric Wagoneer S, and the Grand Cherokee. It steps back into the boxy, robust presence that’s a little more traditional than some of its sleek, crossover competitors like the CR-V, RAV4, and Forester.

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The back end of the 2026 Cherokee remains a mystery for now. However, it seems like a hybrid powertrain is in the cards, joining an array of options from plug-ins to fully electric systems—saving its place in today’s increasingly eco-conscious market.

A Classic Resurrected

The Cherokee is like the Swiss Army knife of SUVs, blending both heritage and versatility. It started its journey in 1974, catering to those in need of a smaller alternative to the luxury-inclined Wagoneer. Over time, its unibody construction—introduced with the beloved XJ generation in 1984—revolutionized the SUV market by delivering a car-like driving feel in a segment filled with rugged, heavy machines.

This new Cherokee, while nodding to the XJ with phrases like “Classic for a Reason,” is set to step boldly into the future, blending historical reverence with modern innovations. Although Stellantis hasn’t clearly pointed to the XJ as an inspiration, they’re certainly playing up its heritage while aiming for a new crowd.

The Road Ahead

Looking to the future, with new leadership onboard at Stellantis, there are hopes for an accelerated rollout. There’s a race to remain competitive among compact crossovers dominated by big names like the CR-V and RAV4. Through all this, Jeep needs to find its unique edge or ‘X-factor.’ Just like Volkswagen is giving its Tiguan a luxury spin, the Cherokee might need to do more than rely on its off-road prowess and storied past to capture hearts again. It’s going to be fascinating to watch how this plays out in late 2025.