Is the 2026 Jeep Cherokee a Good SUV? 6 Pros, 2 Cons

With the launch of the redesigned 2026 Cherokee, Jeep has reentered the hotly contested compact SUV market with a modern and capable contender.

Related: The 2026 Jeep Cherokee Is Full of Surprises: Review

The redesigned Cherokee has grown since the last one was discontinued for 2024, bringing interior volume more in line with category sales leaders like the Honda CR-V, Nissan Rogue and Toyota RAV4. The Jeep also gets a new standard hybrid powertrain with all-wheel drive. It all adds up to a compact SUV that is surprisingly capable, comfortable and fuel-efficient — and ready to go head-to-head with the best in the category.

Cars.com Detroit Bureau Chief Aaron Bragman attended a California launch event for the 2026 Jeep Cherokee and came away mostly impressed, with only a couple of concerns. (Per Cars.com’s ethics policy, we pay for our own travel and lodging when attending such manufacturer-sponsored events.) Tap the link above to read Bragman’s expert review, or for a quicker rundown, keep reading for six things we like about the 2026 Jeep Cherokee and two things we don’t.

What Do We Like About the 2026 Jeep Cherokee?

1. Simplified Selection

To simplify ordering and lower production costs, Jeep has reduced the Cherokee lineup to just four trim levels and offers just one powertrain and few stand-alone options. Base trims carry a higher starting price than some competitors but include standard features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen, AWD and active-safety features that aren’t always found with entry-level models from other manufacturers.

2. Lots More Room

A bigger platform makes the new Cherokee considerably larger than the last one, which translates into more interior room for passengers and cargo. A 6.4-inch increase in wheelbase combined with an additional 10.4 inches in width and a 1.3-inch gain in height result in a roomier feel all around, particularly in the rear seat. Cargo room is up by as much as 30%, according to Jeep, aided by the Cherokee’s boxy shape and a squared-off rear hatch that makes it easier to accommodate bulky items.

3. Interior Quality

The cabin is not just more spacious, it’s a nicer place to be, with a more premium look and feel than is often found in a mainstream SUV. Everything looks and feels good to the touch, and the low, horizontal dash design is both stylish and functional. The standard 12.3-inch touchscreen is integrated into the design rather than looking like a tacked-on afterthought, and its large size makes it easier to use on the fly.

4. Happy Hybrid

The Cherokee gets the first true hybrid system ever used in a Jeep, and it is an impressive one, combining smooth power delivery and impressive fuel economy. Consisting of a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery, the powertrain is good for 210 horsepower and 230 pounds-feet of torque. Driving all four wheels through a refined continuously variable automatic transmission, the Cherokee feels surprisingly eager and responsive, with seamless power delivery and instant low-end response.

5. Fuel Economy

With an EPA-estimated 39/35/37 mpg city/highway/combined, the 2026 Cherokee returns fuel economy that puts it about mid-pack in the category. The Cherokee beats the Hyundai Tucson’s 36/37/36 mpg and the Subaru Forester Hybrid’s 35/34/35 mpg, but it trails AWD versions of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, which get 45/38/42 mpg and 40/34/37 mpg, respectively. With its 13.7-gallon fuel tank, the Cherokee is good for 500 miles of cruising, according to the brand.

6. Ride and Handling

Ride quality is a strong suit, even with our top-trim Overland trim test vehicle and its 20-inch wheels and tires. The suspension soaks up bumps and road irregularities with ease, delivering a commendably smooth ride even if body motions can be a bit floaty and the steering lacks much feel. Dropping into Sport mode results in added steering effort and feel, along with tightened-up responses from the hybrid powertrain.

More on the Jeep Cherokee From Cars.com:

• 2026 Jeep Cherokee Up Close: Boxier Should Be Better
• How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2020 Jeep Cherokee?
• What’s the Best Compact SUV for 2025?
• Which Hybrid Vehicles Have All-Wheel Drive?
• Research the Jeep Cherokee
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What Do We Dislike About the 2026 Jeep Cherokee?

1. Destination Charge

Destination charges have been on the rise lately as manufacturers seek creative ways to minimize sticker shock in the face of increasing tariffs and other costs. But the eye-watering $1,995 destination charge that is mandatory with every Cherokee reaches new heights and is notably higher than competitors. Make sure you factor those costs into any new-car purchase.

2. Numb Steering, Chunky Wheel

Like most of the vehicles built off of Jeep parent Stellantis’ STLA Large platform, steering feel and handling aren’t really the Cherokee’s strongest qualities. The massively thick squircle-shaped wheel is also a bit too chunky for anyone with smaller hands to get a good grip on.

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