Road Trip Rides: 2026 Jeep Cherokee
Words and photos by Jay Kana | Published July 27th, 2026
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After a two-year absence, the Jeep Cherokee compact crossover returns with changes aplenty.
From a larger physical presence, hybrid only powertrain, more cargo space and advanced technology, this all-new offering in a popular segment aims to attract those who want a sense of adventure and fuel savings.
If you’re looking at a compact crossover for your next road trip, you’re also looking at the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Lexus NX, Mitsubishi Outlander and others.
Key Info
Body type: Compact crossover
Engine: 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid, 210horsepower, 230 lb-ft. torque, E-CVT, all-wheel drive
Fuel economy: 6.3 per 100/km combined
Fuel tank size: 51.9 litres
Total range: 824 km per full tank of 87 octane
Cargo space: 951 litres
Towing capacity: Up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped
With the Cherokee now 4.7-inches longer, rear seat space also increases, providing a noticeably more spacious place for passengers. There’s ample leg, knee and foot space, headspace is respectable and there are two USB-C ports to stay connected. The rear seats slightly recline for enhanced comfort on those long Canadian road trips. Or short ones. Or medium ones.
Cargo space is enough for four carryon pieces of luggage and there’s some hidden storage beneath he cargo floor. The only thing there is a tire fill kit, not a spare tire (boo…) so the benefit is a bonus spot for some smaller stuff and things.
The cargo space more than doubles to 1,934 litres with the rear seats folded, so car camping can certainly be done without feeling cramped.
In motion, the hybrid system in the 2026 Jeep Cherokee drives exceptionally well and is eager to engage hybrid mode. There’s plenty of power for reaching highway speeds promptly and it’s refreshing that Jeep finally has something other than gasoline-only models. Yes, I know the Wrangler had a plug-in hybrid option but it’s been discontinued as of 2025.
If this was a gasoline-only model, sales would surely plummet in today’s modern marketplace.
The E-CVT isn’t as noisy as competitors and if you’re looking for the predictable American soft and supple ride feel, the Cherokee has you covered. Most road imperfections are absorbed, there are good sight lines.
Inside, Jeep goes big on screens with a standard 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and standard 12.3-inch infotainment system.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard and the infotainment screen, using UConnect 5, is highly responsive, although some simple tasks require a couple of touches to reach.
Climate controls are via capacitive touch buttons opposed to traditional hard touch ones and there’s plenty of storage bins.cubbies for your stuff and things.
There’s also wealth of standard safety, including lane departure warning, forward collision assist and blind spot monitioring.
Electronic door handles are a bit of a miss when traditional door handles would’ve done the trick.
The steering wheel is octagon shaped, which is peculiar, and it’s really thick like BMW’s ones.
It’s fine in straight lines but will take a bit of getting used to with turning it. Not bad; just different.
Dimensionally, the 2026 Cherokee is 4.7-inches longer, one-inch wider, two-inches taller and the wheelbase is 6.4-inches longer than before. It looks more like a traditional Jeep now with longer, straighter lines than the previous generation; definitely a good thing for brand recognition and consistency.
3 Perks
Excellent fuel efficiency
Lots of standard technology
Lots of standard safety
3 Irks
No spare tire
Might be a difficult return after a two-year absence
Capacitive touch climate controls
