2026 Jeep Cherokee Replacement Spotted Featuring Wagoneer S Design and Gas-powered Engines | Carscoops

      The new SUV might not carry the Cherokee name and will initially be offered with internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid variants.

      Jeep's forthcoming SUV is set to position itself between the Compass and the Grand Cherokee, addressing a significant gap in their lineup.

      This SUV seems to have some shared elements with the Wagoneer S, yet it boasts a more vertical rear design.

      The model is projected to make its debut for the 2026 model year, starting off with ICE and hybrid options.

      Jeep is preparing to launch a "new mainstream UV [Utility Vehicle]" to take the place of the discontinued Cherokee in its North American offerings. While the company has not disclosed the name, our sources have spotted camouflaged prototypes that seem to incorporate various design features from the fully electric Jeep Wagoneer S.

      Stellantis has recently suggested that the Cherokee name will not be revived for this new vehicle, which is anticipated to fit between the Compass and Grand Cherokee. The initial spy images align with an official teaser released in 2021, hinting that this could be the long-awaited successor to the Cherokee.

      At first glance, the prototype seems to adopt several aesthetic elements from the Wagoneer S, such as the wheel arches, door handles, mirrors, and much of the window structure. However, notable distinctions are evident, including a redesigned rear side window, a modified D-pillar, and a more upright rear that adheres to a classic SUV shape. While the front end is heavily disguised, the iconic seven-slot grille and headlight layout remain somewhat visible.

      Overall, this model appears significantly larger than the current KL Cherokee, likely approaching the dimensions of the Grand Cherokee. Based on the spy images, it may utilize the Wagoneer S’s 113-inch (2,870 mm) wheelbase and could even exceed its overall length of 192.4 inches (4,887 mm).

      Hybrid and gasoline-powered versions will come first.

      It's known that this new SUV will be built on Stellantis’ STLA Large platform, which also supports the Wagoneer S and the Recon. In contrast to those models, however, the successor to the Cherokee is expected to launch with hybrid and ICE options initially, with a fully electric variant potentially following later. The visible tailpipe on these prototypes confirms the existence of a gas engine.

      Jeep has not yet set an official launch date, but reports suggest that the new SUV is likely to debut in late 2025, coinciding with the 2026 model year.

      More Jeeps are on the horizon.

      In addition to the Cherokee replacement, Jeep has an active development schedule ahead. The forthcoming Recon will be available in both EV and ICE formats, while 2027 will introduce the next-generation Compass and Renegade, alongside refreshed versions of the Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, and Grand Wagoneer.