2026 Jeep Cherokee: What We Know About the Upcoming SUV | Carscoops

      Jeep is in the process of creating a successor to the discontinued Cherokee SUV, which is anticipated to offer considerable enhancements over the previous model.

      Recent prototype sightings suggest design resemblances with the Wagoneer S.

      The new Jeep will be larger, providing more interior space and an improved digital cockpit.

      This compact SUV will utilize the STLA Large platform shared with the Wagoneer S and the Recon.

      Jeep’s lineup has been lacking a recognizable model recently, particularly one that has played a significant role in shaping the brand’s modern SUV image. The Cherokee quietly exited the market in 2023, creating a noticeable gap between the smaller Compass and the larger Grand Cherokee. Stellantis appears ready to address this void with a new model designed to occupy the middle segment that Jeep has been missing.

      There has been ongoing discussion about a new mid-size Jeep SUV for some time, but the development has progressed beyond mere speculation. Camouflaged prototypes have begun making appearances on public roads, and a leaked memo from Stellantis dealerships indicates that a formal unveiling is scheduled for October 1st of this year.

      What Will It Be Called?

      The major question surrounding Jeep’s forthcoming model is not only its appearance but also its name. Ongoing negotiations between Jeep and the Cherokee Nation regarding the use of the name have led the company to refer to the SUV somewhat ambiguously as a “new mainstream Utility Vehicle.”

      This leaves open the possibility of a name change, although no official confirmation has been made. The leaked dealership memo refers to it as the “New Cherokee,” suggesting that the original name might still be considered.

      New Styling Direction

      Recent spy images of the new SUV indicate that Jeep is drawing stylistic cues from its latest electric models, particularly the Wagoneer S. Despite the heavy camouflage, the overall shape has been discernible enough for digital artist Nikita Chuyko to produce a set of renderings for Kolesa.

      At the front, the SUV is likely to feature slimmer headlights alongside a narrower version of Jeep’s iconic seven-slot grille. The design of the bumper intakes borrows elements from the Wagoneer S and also from the Cherokee teaser that Jeep released in 2021.

      The profile of the Cherokee successor closely resembles that of the Wagoneer S, retaining similar wheel arches and door handles. However, both the spy images and teaser pictures reveal a thicker, body-colored D-pillar, resulting in a more upright rear. This modification is expected to lead to a larger cargo area, an essential factor for buyers in this category.

      High-Tech Cabin, More Space

      Inside, the Cherokee successor is anticipated to encompass much of the technology found in the Wagoneer S and other new-generation Jeep models. This likely includes a tech-centric dashboard featuring multiple screens integrated across the cockpit and center console.

      Additionally, it will not merely be a tech enhancement; due to its larger footprint, the interior should be noticeably more spacious than any prior Cherokee. Some reports suggest it could even exceed the Wagoneer S’s length of 192.4 inches (4,887 mm) while retaining the same wheelbase of 113 inches (2,870 mm).

      This would bring it much closer to the Grand Cherokee in size while ensuring it remains distinct from the new generation of the Compass, whose North American launch has been postponed, even as its introduction in Europe progresses this spring.

      Underpinnings and Powertrains

      Jeep has confirmed that the new SUV will be built on Stellantis’ STLA Large architecture, the same platform that supports both the Wagoneer S and the forthcoming Recon. Regarding the powertrains, it is expected to offer traditional internal combustion engines alongside hybrid options at launch, with an all-electric variant likely to follow later. This electric version would round out Jeep’s increasingly electrified lineup.

      Leaked documents suggest that production is set to commence in the United States around October 2025. This timeline indicates a possible reveal in the upcoming months, likely before production ramps up.