The Jeep Cherokee Returns With a Completely New Look | Carscoops

      The 2026 Cherokee from Jeep shares its STLA Large architecture with the Wagoneer S and the Recon EV, and production is set to begin later this year with a hybrid option available.

      The front design features elements inspired by the upcoming electric Recon 4xe. Spy photos of the interior reveal a large digital instrument cluster and touch-sensitive controls.

      Update: Jeep has unveiled a glimpse of the next-generation Cherokee SUV just before its confirmed release later this year. If you were hoping for a name change, you can let go of that thought. Despite rumors about possibly renaming it to show respect to the Cherokee Nation, the brand will retain the name "Cherokee." This discussion appears to have been resolved.

      Additionally: A forgotten Jeep has been reimagined for 2027, and we find ourselves wanting it back.

      While the camouflaged prototypes offered some insight, the official images showcase that the new Cherokee adopts a more classic Jeep design, diverging from the sleeker look of its 2023 predecessor. It features a boxier appearance with a front that incorporates design elements from the upcoming electric Recon 4xe, all while aligning with Jeep enthusiasts' expectations.

      Bob Broderdorf, CEO of Jeep, stated, “The all-new Jeep Cherokee signifies our commitment to delivering more products, innovation, choice, and standard features for our customers than ever before. The Jeep Cherokee will be competitively priced, fitting perfectly between the Jeep Compass and Jeep Grand Cherokee to enhance our successful mainstream lineup.”

      Alongside the confirmation of its name, Jeep disclosed that the mid-size SUV will launch with a “new, efficient, and powerful hybrid propulsion option.” It is anticipated that traditional internal combustion engines, as well as a fully electric version, may eventually be available, given the STLA-Large platform's compatibility with various powertrains.

      For further details about the new Cherokee, refer to our original article below, which also features exclusive interior images. John Halas contributed to this report.

      Over the past few years, Jeep's lineup has expanded with the addition of the luxury Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, along with the all-electric Wagoneer S, which will soon be accompanied by the electric Recon. However, the 2026 Cherokee may be the most significant of all, as new spy images reveal its front and interior for the first time.

      Compared to earlier prototypes, this one has shed much of its front-end camouflage, revealing a grille resembling a combination of various Jeep grilles. The five visible vertical grille sections are larger than those on the Grand Cherokee and seem to protrude more from the body, though they lack the trim piece that displays the model name like the Wagoneers do.

      Related: Here’s What We Know About Jeep’s 2026 Cherokee

      Even if the SUV had a trim piece bearing its name, what would it indicate? We refer to it as the Cherokee since it effectively replaces the model that was discontinued in 2023 and will fit below the Grand Cherokee in Jeep's lineup. Nevertheless, some reports suggest Jeep might abandon the name used for decades to show respect to the Cherokee Nation.

      Regardless of its name, the dashboard design of this new Cherokee shares more similarities with the Wagoneer S EV than the current Grand Cherokee. These first interior images of the rival to the Ford Bronco Sport showcase a large digital instrument cluster and a centrally mounted touchscreen at an angle, positioned just above a series of touch-sensitive buttons for climate control.

      It’s encouraging to see that drivers won’t have to navigate the infotainment system to adjust the temperature; the switches look appealing, although physical push-buttons would be preferable. Beneath the console, there seems to be a rotary controller for the transmission and a toggle switch for the driver modes. The passenger side of this prototype is obscured with fabric, but Jeep might offer a third screen above the glovebox, as seen in the Wagoneer S.

      The Cherokee’s first-ever hybrid powertrain options will be found within the shock towers of Stellantis' STLA Large platform, with the prospect of an all-electric version to follow. Leaked documents indicate that production is slated to commence this fall for the 2026 model year, and further information—including the name—will likely emerge in the months leading up to its release.

      Images: Baldauf