The Cherokee returned to the Jeep lineup for the 2026 model year after a two-year hiatus, bringing a complete redesign and a hybrid-only powertrain. The Cherokee straddles the compact and midsize SUV segments, with top competitors being the hybrid variants of the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V, the Mazda CX-50, the Subaru Forester, the Hyundai Tucson, and the Kia Sorento. The 2027 Jeep Cherokee has seven trims: Cherokee, Laredo, Laredo Altitude, Limited, Limited Altitude, Trailhawk, and Overland.
2027 Jeep Cherokee Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2027 Jeep Cherokee
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2027 Jeep Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee was all-new for the 2026 model year, but that hasn’t stopped the 2027 model from ushering in some changes. Perhaps the biggest news is the addition of the Trailhawk model. It's a more rugged derivative, with an off-road suspension, improved approach and departure angles, a two-speed power transfer unit, and all-terrain tires. The Cherokee also gets two other new trims—Limited Altitude and Laredo Altitude—and there are new available interior and exterior colors.
Design
The sixth-generation Jeep Cherokee takes more cues from the Grand Cherokee than the previous generation. The squared-off headlights are a nod to the second-generation Cherokee, and the narrow seven-slot grille has a bit of the Grand Wagoneer about it. While there aren’t any appearance packages offered on any trim, the Altitude versions of the Laredo and Limited include gloss-black wheels and black exterior accents. Starting at the Limited Altitude, Cherokee offers a two-tone paint option. Standard wheels are 17 inches, with 18-inch wheels standard on the Laredo. There are 20-inch wheels available for the Limited and they come standard with the Overland. All-season tires are standard on all but the Trailhawk trim, which gets 17-inch wheels and all-terrain tires.
Powertrain
The current Cherokee has a single hybrid-only powertrain. Under the hood is a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors. Combined output is 210 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque and four-wheel drive is standard, as is a continuously variable transmission. The EPA estimates the non-Trailhawk Cherokee models will get 39 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The Trailhawk fuel economy numbers dip slightly to 33 mpg and 29 mpg respectively. The Cherokee Trailhawk has 9 inches of ground clearance and claimed top-of-the-class approach, departure, and breakover angles, as well as the ability to ford up to 24 inches of water. Its maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.
Interior
Even though the base Jeep Cherokee is equipped with cloth seats, it has a number of smart touches, including reverse stitching, metal accents, and some premium-looking materials. Patterned cloth seats in dark and light finishes come with the Laredo trim, and leatherette seats become standard starting at the Limited trim. Though a moonroof isn’t available on the Cherokee or Laredo trims, it is an option on the Limited and Trailhawk trims and standard on the Overland. The Cherokee seats five passengers, but rear legroom is just 38.5 inches, which puts it at the bottom of the pack compared with rivals, and the only competitor with less rear legroom is the Toyota RAV4. The Cherokee also has less cargo space than most of its competitors, with 33.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 68.3 cubic feet with all seats folded flat. The Trailhawk trim has even less cargo space due to the full-size spare tire, coming in at 29.5 cubic feet and 62.2 cubic feet respectively.
Technology
One thing that the 2027 Jeep Cherokee doesn’t skimp on is technology. It comes standard with a 10.25-inch digital driver display, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Other standard tech features include a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot (subscription required), a six-speaker audio system, LED headlights and taillights, rain-sensing wipers, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Available features include remote vehicle start, LED fog lamps, second-row USB chargers, power-adjustable front seats, wireless phone charging, a power liftgate, a dual-pane sunroof, a nine-speaker Alpine premium audio system, navigation, and a surround-view camera system.
