The Jeep Cherokee, a nameplate synonymous with rugged capability and off-road heritage, is making a triumphant return for the 2026 model year after a brief hiatus. Recently spied near Detroit, the sixth-generation Cherokee showcases a bold, boxy design, a hybrid powertrain, and a modern interior, positioning it as a strong contender in the competitive mid-size SUV market. However, for Australian buyers, this exciting revival comes with a catch: Jeep Australia has confirmed the Cherokee will not be available in local showrooms, leaving fans of the brand disappointed. This article dives into the details of the 2026 Jeep Cherokee, exploring its design, technology, performance, and the reasons behind its absence from the Australian market.
A Storied Legacy Reimagined
Introduced in 1974 as a two-door version of the Wagoneer, the Jeep Cherokee has evolved from a full-size SUV to one of the first compact SUVs, cementing its place in automotive history. The fifth-generation (KL) Cherokee, sold globally from 2014 to 2023, was a popular choice in Australia with its four- and six-cylinder petrol engines. However, production ceased in February 2023, leaving a gap in Jeep’s lineup between the subcompact Compass and the larger Grand Cherokee. The 2026 Cherokee, codenamed KM, aims to fill this void with a fresh design and electrified powertrain options, but Australian buyers will miss out due to strategic market decisions by Stellantis, Jeep’s parent company.
The decision to exclude the Cherokee from Australia is particularly striking given the country’s love for mid-size SUVs. Models like the Toyota RAV4 dominate the segment, and the Cherokee’s rugged styling and hybrid technology could have been a strong competitor. Jeep Australia’s choice to focus on the new-generation Compass, Recon, and Wagoneer S electric vehicles instead reflects a shift toward electrification and a restructured lineup tailored to local preferences.
Spy Shots Reveal a Bold New Design
Recent spy photos, captured just outside Detroit, provide the clearest look yet at the 2026 Jeep Cherokee, stripped of heavy camouflage. The SUV embraces a boxier, more rugged aesthetic, moving away from the swoopier lines of its predecessor. The front end draws inspiration from the upcoming electric Recon 4xe, featuring Jeep’s iconic seven-slot grille, rectangular headlights, and a prominent bumper design. The profile mirrors elements of the luxury-focused Wagoneer S, with squared wheel arches, flush door handles, and a gently tapering roofline that balances sportiness with practicality.
The rear design introduces a less angular tailgate and windscreen compared to the KL Cherokee, with taillights reminiscent of modern Hyundai SUVs. The split-style tailgate and utilitarian bumper enhance functionality, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. These design cues align the Cherokee with Jeep’s broader lineup, including the recently revealed Compass, while maintaining a distinct identity. The SUV’s upright rear end and thicker D-pillar differentiate it from the Wagoneer S, ensuring it retains the Cherokee’s off-road-ready character.
Built on the STLA Large Platform
The 2026 Cherokee is built on Stellantis’ STLA Large platform, a versatile architecture shared with the eighth-generation Dodge Charger and the Wagoneer S. This platform supports a range of powertrains, including internal combustion engines (ICE), hybrids, and full-electric variants, making it a future-proof foundation for Jeep’s ambitions. The Cherokee’s adoption of this platform promises a longer wheelbase and increased interior space compared to the previous generation, while maintaining a compact SUV footprint suitable for urban and off-road environments.
Jeep has confirmed the Cherokee will debut with a hybrid powertrain, likely featuring a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with electrification for improved efficiency and performance. While specific details about the hybrid system—whether traditional or plug-in (PHEV)—remain undisclosed, the setup is expected to deliver competitive power and fuel economy. An all-electric variant is also planned for later, potentially using the 600bhp dual-motor setup and 118kWh battery from the Wagoneer S, offering a range of approximately 303 miles (EPA). Conventional petrol engines, possibly including the Hurricane 3.0-liter inline-six twin-turbo, will also be available for buyers seeking traditional power.
A Modern Interior with Premium Tech
Spy shots of the Cherokee’s interior reveal a significant leap forward in design and technology, drawing heavily from the Wagoneer S EV’s cabin. A large digital instrument cluster dominates the dashboard, complemented by a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with rotary control dials for intuitive operation. Touch-sensitive controls and a clean, minimalist layout enhance the premium feel, positioning the Cherokee as a modern family SUV. Some reports speculate the inclusion of a third screen above the glovebox, similar to the Wagoneer S, though this remains unconfirmed.
The interior layout prioritizes practicality, with ample space for passengers and cargo, thanks to the STLA Large platform’s extended wheelbase. The Cherokee’s cabin blends Jeep’s rugged heritage with contemporary refinement, offering a balance of durability and comfort. While some interior elements in prototypes were disguised, the overall design suggests a competitive offering in the mid-size SUV segment, rivaling models like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.
Why Australia Misses Out
Despite its appeal, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee will not be sold in Australia, a decision that has sparked disappointment among local fans. Jeep Australia has cited market dynamics and customer preferences as key factors, opting instead to introduce the new-generation Compass, Recon, and Wagoneer S EVs in 2026. The Compass, which has grown in size, will effectively replace both the old Compass and the Cherokee in Australia, offering electric power alongside traditional engines. The Recon and Wagoneer S, both electric, will cater to the premium and off-road segments, respectively.
The Cherokee’s absence is particularly surprising given Australia’s strong demand for mid-size SUVs. The previous KL Cherokee was sold in Australia from 2014 to 2022, but its discontinuation in 2023 and the subsequent axing of the Grand Cherokee in right-hand drive markets signal a strategic pivot. Stellantis Australia’s decision to halt right-hand drive production of the Grand Cherokee, once the nation’s top-selling large SUV, reflects challenges in maintaining competitive pricing amid rising production costs and a 96% sales decline over the past decade. The Cherokee’s exclusion likely stems from similar cost and market considerations, with Jeep prioritizing electrified models to align with global trends.
Performance and Off-Road Capability
The 2026 Cherokee is poised to uphold Jeep’s reputation for off-road prowess. While the spied prototype featured Pirelli Scorpion tires, which are road-biased, Jeep is expected to offer more aggressive tire options for off-road enthusiasts. The STLA Large platform’s flexibility ensures the Cherokee maintains its compact footprint while delivering enhanced ground clearance and four-wheel-drive capability. The hybrid powertrain promises efficiency without sacrificing performance, making it suitable for both city driving and rugged adventures.
Speculation suggests the hybrid system could deliver outputs comparable to Jeep’s 4xe plug-in hybrid models, such as the Wrangler 4xe, which combines a 2.0-liter turbo engine with electric motors for 280kW and 637Nm. While the Cherokee’s hybrid is likely to be less powerful, it will prioritize fuel economy and low-end torque for off-road scenarios. The potential inclusion of the Hurricane inline-six in higher trims hints at a performance-oriented variant for buyers seeking more power.
Pricing and Market Positioning
Jeep has emphasized competitive pricing for the 2026 Cherokee, targeting the heart of the mid-size SUV market. The entry-level 2022 Cherokee started at around $30,000, close to the current Jeep Compass at $27,000, while the 2025 Grand Cherokee begins at $36,500. The 2026 Cherokee is expected to start just above $30,000, with premium trims reaching the mid-$40,000 range. However, rising production costs due to tariffs on imported parts could push prices higher, a challenge Jeep must navigate to remain competitive.
Positioned between the Compass and Grand Cherokee, the Cherokee aims to appeal to buyers seeking a blend of rugged capability, modern technology, and hybrid efficiency. Its design and features make it a direct rival to the Toyota RAV4, Ford Bronco Sport, and Hyundai Tucson, but its absence from Australia limits its global impact.
The Road Ahead
The 2026 Jeep Cherokee is set to debut later in 2025, with production beginning in October and sales expected in 2026. While the SUV promises to redefine the mid-size segment with its hybrid powertrain, bold styling, and advanced tech, Australian buyers will have to look to the Compass, Recon, and Wagoneer S for their Jeep fix. The Cherokee’s return is a testament to Jeep’s commitment to innovation and heritage, but its exclusion from Australia highlights the complexities of global market strategies.
For Jeep enthusiasts worldwide, the 2026 Cherokee represents a exciting new chapter, blending the brand’s legendary off-road capability with modern efficiency. While Australian fans may feel left out, the Cherokee’s global launch will undoubtedly make waves in the SUV market, proving that Jeep’s iconic nameplate is far from forgotten.