New Jeep Cherokee: Bigger, Pricier, and Now a Hybrid

The American icon Jeep Cherokee enters its sixth generation with a bold redesign, a larger footprint, and a hybrid powertrain under the hood. It promises more space, more technology, and more off-road prowess. The real question, however, is whether buyers are ready to embrace its steeper price tag—starting at $36,995—in a market crowded with alternatives.

Dimensionally, the new Cherokee is a significant step up. At 4,778 mm long, 2,123 mm wide, and 1,715 mm tall, it eclipses its predecessor in every direction. The wheelbase stretches to 2,870 mm, a gain of 163 mm, and cargo space has expanded by nearly a third to a generous 952–1,934 liters. Wheel options span from 17 to 20 inches, while Jeep proudly touts best-in-class off-road stats: an approach angle of 19.6 degrees, a departure angle of 29.4, and 203 mm of ground clearance. The forthcoming Trailhawk version will sharpen those numbers even further.

Inside, the Cherokee embraces a modern, tech-driven feel. Drivers are greeted by a 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment screen, a 10.25-inch digital cluster, and a flat-bottom steering wheel that adds a sporty touch. In a nod to sustainability, Jeep has banished leather entirely, instead using recycled materials for headliners, carpets, and select trim. Comfort and convenience features, however, remain firmly in premium territory: heated and ventilated seats, a digital rear-view mirror, panoramic sunroof, and an Alpine sound system all make the cut.

The biggest change lies beneath the hood. Power comes from a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a combined 213 horsepower and 312 Nm of torque. The result is a respectable 0–100 km/h sprint in 8.3 seconds and a claimed fuel consumption of 6.3 L/100 km. All-wheel drive is standard, with a disconnecting rear axle to boost efficiency. Yet with just a 1.08 kWh battery pack, the hybrid system offers no true electric driving capability—an omission that may raise eyebrows in 2025.

Production is slated for Jeep’s Toluca plant in Mexico, with sales beginning in the U.S. at the end of 2025 in Limited and Overland trims. More affordable versions, including the base Cherokee and Laredo, won’t arrive until 2026.

So, what’s the verdict? The Cherokee is now larger, smarter, and more technologically advanced than ever before. But in an era where rivals are offering plug-in hybrids and full EVs with meaningful electric range, Jeep’s decision to stop short of that leap may prove a costly gamble. The next few years will reveal whether Americans are willing to pay nearly $37,000 for a hybrid SUV that still runs almost entirely on gasoline.