This SUV Is One of Auburn Hills’ Greatest and Most Anticipated Comebacks

After a short hiatus, one of Jeep’s most iconic models returns to make big impressions.

Silver car rear with illuminated red taillight and "LIMITED" badge on the trunk.

Add Gear Patrol as a Preferred Source on Google

Published January 2, 2026

·

If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

It’s been a couple of years since Jeep gave us one of its most iconic and elemental models: the compact Cherokee. After discontinuing the previous fifth-generation model following a long and dated nine-year production run, fans were ready for another.

GP100: Gear Patrol’s annual roundup of the most important releases collects key watches, cars, outdoor gear and more. Browse the full list or catch up on last year’s winners.

At first, uncertainty loomed over the Cherokee’s future following several significant management changes with Jeep’s parent company. Additionally, as the previous model was from 2014, fans were left underwhelmed and ready for a new one.

Silver Jeep Cherokee SUV parked on a sandy area near a small body of water, with greenery and rocky terrain in the background. The vehicle has black trim around the wheel arches and lower body, modern alloy wheels, and a distinctive front grille. The reflection of the SUV is visible in the water. — The sixth-gen Cherokee returns to its original form with a boxier, more rugged exterior design.

Especially since the curvy and rounded exterior design of the fifth-gen model didn’t quite align with the visual ethos and rugged appearance of its predecessors. After a rocky road, the Auburn Hills-based purveyor of patriotic four-wheelers unveiled its all-new sixth-gen Cherokee.

Revealed in New York City in August, the Cherokee arrived to eager fans and appreciators. It continues a legacy that helped define Jeep’s reputation for nearly the past half-century.

Although the new sixth-gen “KM” Cherokee continues to make use of a car-based unibody chassis, it gets a completely new one.

Blue Jeep SUV parked on a sandy, rocky terrain with a natural backdrop of dirt hills and greenery, viewed from the rear. The vehicle has tinted rear windows, black lower bumper trim, and modern taillights. The license plate reads "DCH 758. — The 2026 Cherokee is the first of the breed to get gas-electric hybrid power.

Specifically, it utilizes Stellantis’ latest STLA Large platform. It is the same one underpinning the new Wagoneer S and Recon EVs. But because of its complete overhaul, it benefits from all the improvements that come from a total redesign.

The new Cherokee also boasts a major first. It’s the first of the breed to get a gas-electric hybrid powertrain.

Interior of a Jeep vehicle featuring a black leather-wrapped steering wheel with control buttons, a digital instrument cluster, and a large touchscreen infotainment system displaying a navigation map. The cabin has light gray perforated leather seats, a center console with a rotary gear selector, cup holders, and climate control buttons below the screen. The dashboard and door panels combine light gray and black materials with contrast stitching. — An all-new and more upscale interior design complements the new exterior.

Its new design represents a return to form, with a boxier and more rugged appeal. Its exterior features paint a preview of what we can potentially expect to see with future Jeep models.

But most of all, we haven’t even gotten around to seeing what other variants Jeep may have up its sleeve. How about a Trail-Rated all-terrain variant?

All things considered, the new Cherokee’s chapter is only just getting started.

Blue Jeep SUV with a bike and kayak mounted on the roof at sunset on rocky terrain.

GP100 Winner

2026 Jeep Cherokee

Specs

Engine	1.6-liter gas-electric turbo-four hybrid/2.0-liter gas turbo-four ('27MY)
Transmission	eCVT/8-speed automatic (2.0L)
Output	210 hp & 230 lb-ft (total, 1.6L hybrid)/TBD (2.0L)