Discontinued in 2023, the Jeep Cherokee SUV is making a comeback for 2026. But beyond its redesigned styling, it also features a revised powertrain. Naturally, it remains an all-wheel-drive vehicle, in keeping with Jeep tradition. This time, however, it's powered by a small 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine combined with two electric motors. Yes, the new Cherokee is exclusively a hybrid vehicle. It therefore offers a potential driving range of nearly 800 km.

Underneath this attractive new design, certainly more elegant than that of the previous generation, is a turbocharged 1.6-litre hybrid engine manufactured by Stellantis at the former FCA engine plant in Dundee, Michigan. It traces its roots to the Prince engine family, originally developed through a joint venture between PSA Peugeot Citroën and BMW. The hybrid system produces a combined 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission available is an electronic variable transmission (EVT). As you may have guessed, the new Cherokee is based on the STLA Large platform, although a future generation could adopt the new STLA One architecture within the next few years.

The new Cherokee may look bigger... and it is! The 2026 model is 1.3 inches taller, 1.5 inches wider and five inches longer than its predecessor. Its wheelbase has also grown by 6.4 inches. This translates into a roomier interior, with Jeep claiming that the approximately 34 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row represents a 30% increase over the previous Cherokee.

But will the new Cherokee succeed in reclaiming its place in the market? Stellantis Canada provided us with a Limited version for testing and, frankly, despite its relatively low-key arrival, the vehicle proved more comfortable and, above all, more "civilized" than its predecessor. Although its styling continues to reflect Jeep's identity, particularly through its signature grille, it now blends in more naturally with today's automotive landscape. In fact, it could almost be mistaken for a Grand Cherokee or even a Grand Wagoneer.

Our first encounter with the new Cherokee surprised us with its reassuring road manners and, especially, its improved comfort. Despite retaining its own personality, it manages to fit into today's automotive trends in a segment where it should prove highly competitive. However, its powertrain delivers relatively modest performance, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h taking approximately eight seconds. But so what? What Jeep enthusiasts will be looking for above all is the Cherokee's ability to handle snowy or icy roads (with appropriate tires), and even tackle more demanding off-road trails, especially now that the Trailhawk variant has been officially announced.

As for pricing, the Cherokee Limited 4x4 provided for our test costs approximately $57,975, although this is a very well-equipped version. The base Cherokee starts at around $45,000.

(Photo Éric Descarries)