2026 Jeep Cherokee Revealed in First Teaser – Will Feature a New Hybrid Powertrain

Abu Dhabi : Jeep is promising the price of the upcoming Cherokee to be in the affordable range.

• The teaser reveals subtle design changes, including slimmer LED headlamps, a restyled grille, and a refreshed front bumper.
• Interiors will be cleaner with a large infotainment screen and controls for climate.
• The automaker will ditch the old 3.6-liter and 5.7-liter engines in place of a new hybrid engine.

Jeep has shared the first images of its new SUV before the full reveal later this year. The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been redesigned with careful updates that enhance its appearance, tech features, and engines. This new Cherokee is going head-to-head in a very popular vehicle class, battling against well-known models like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Equinox, and Hyundai Tucson.

Cosmetic Changes

The 2026 Grand Cherokee gets a subtle update, mainly at the front. Under new features setup, it has narrower LED headlights and a redesigned seven-slot grille. The new grille is outlined with a thick, notched trim, giving it a more modern look. The bumper at front now gets a refreshed look with a central intake and additional air vents. 

Interior Improvements

The Grand Cherokee interiors are expected to be cleaner and more organised. As per the spy shots revealed by the sources earlier, the central console is smaller against the outgoing Cherokee model. This gives the cabin a less cluttered look. 

A larger infotainment screen, perhaps the latest version of U-connect, will be there, with controls for climate and other settings. 

Physical knobs are still included for key functions, providing a good mix of modern touch screens and traditional buttons. Higher trims add luxury touches like woodgrain accents and ambient lighting. Overall, the inside feels more upscale and refined due to these improvements.

Powertrain – Ditching old horses

There is not much revealed by the brand regarding the powertrain, but it is surely replacing its older engines, the 3.6-liter V6 and 5.7-liter HEMI V8. The 2026 model is expected to feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine in the Compass. This engine should produce around 300 hp. These changes are part of efforts to make the vehicles more fuel-efficient and meet stricter emissions rules.

The popular 4xe plug-in hybrid model will return, offering a cleaner option without losing power. Jeep’s move toward electric vehicles is driven by the trend in the industry and customers wanting cars that are kinder to the environment.

Dimensions and Off-Road Capability 

The upcoming Cherokee is likely to be built on Stellantis’ new STLA Large platform. This platform can support petrol engines, hybrids, and fully electric powertrains. A similar version of the STLA platform is used in the Jeep Wagoneer S electric vehicle. 

The new platform should make the Cherokee longer than the previous model. This will provide more space inside and push the wheels closer to the corners for better stability.

The 2026 Grand Cherokee will come in both two-row and three-row versions. The three-row model is known as the Grand Cherokee L. These choices will meet different needs for families and towing. Information about the Trailhawk trim will come later. It will return and keep its reputation for off-road ability, which is a key part of its look and function.

Price and Launch Date 

The new version of the Grand Cherokee will still be built at Jeep’s Detroit Assembly Complex. The vehicle will be available at dealerships by the end of this year. The price for the 2025 model starts at $36,495. The 2026 model is expected to cost more than this starting figure. The exact price for the new model has not been announced yet.