The latest teaser suggests that the new Jeep Cherokee appears significantly larger than the cherished XJ model.

      Jeep, edited by the author

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      We’ve explored almost every aspect of the next-generation Jeep Cherokee at this point, but we are still lacking definitive statistics or specifications. It has already been established that this model will return later this year as a hybrid, and based on the limited photos Jeep has shared, it appears quite boxy. This design clearly harks back to earlier days when the XJ Cherokee changed the SUV landscape—and I’m not overstating this. However, the most recent teaser for the new model indicates that it will be considerably larger.

      The brief, 36-second advertisement showcases the Cherokee's evolution from one generation to the next. Although the model hasn’t resembled the original two-door SJ for some time, the upcoming version truly stands apart. It takes inspiration from the rounded features of the latest Cherokee, which was phased out in 2023, yet it is clear in the transformation that the new Cherokee is both taller and longer than its predecessor.

      I consulted the external dimensions of the XJ for comparison and discovered it was 167.5 inches long from bumper to bumper, with a height of 64 inches. The previous-generation KL Cherokee was larger overall, measuring 182.9 inches in length and 67.8 inches in height in its Trailhawk variant. Additionally, the KL's wheelbase of 107.1 inches is about six inches longer than the XJ's, which stood at 101.4 inches. For clarity, all the XJ specifications mentioned pertain to the four-door model, which is the most relevant comparison.

      The forthcoming Cherokee appears to be larger in nearly every aspect. While it’s hard to determine from the video whether the wheelbase extends significantly beyond that of the KL, the overall length is undeniably greater. The roof is also noticeably taller. I won’t speculate on the exact dimensions of the new model, but I suspect that when the precise figures are unveiled later this year, the size difference compared to the Grand Cherokee will be much smaller.

      It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the new Cherokee is larger than its predecessor; the trend of increasing car sizes has been prevalent for years. However, if it expands as much as it appears, it could diminish some of the Cherokee's appeal as a compact four-wheeler. I believe this will not pose a problem for the majority of customers, especially in America, where larger often translates to better.

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