The Jeep Cherokee is a mid-size SUV from Stellantis Group's Jeep brand and stands as an iconic nameplate in the development history of SUVs. First introduced in 1974, its second-generation XJ model (1984–2001) pioneered the monocoque body structure, laying down the blueprint for modern urban SUVs. In March 2023, the fifth-generation Cherokee (KL) was axed due to sluggish market performance. In August 2025, Jeep unveiled the all-new sixth-generation Cherokee (2026 model year) built on the STLA Large platform, marking its official comeback after a hiatus of nearly three years. In the Chinese market, the Cherokee was previously locally assembled and retailed by GAC FCA under the "Ziyouguang" moniker. As of June 2026, the all-new sixth-generation Cherokee has not yet been officially introduced to the Chinese mainland market.
Positioned as a mid-size SUV, the all-new sixth-generation Cherokee slots between the Compass and the Grand Cherokee. Its headline selling points include an all-new 1.6T petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, significantly enlarged dimensions, and a return to the classic boxy, rugged design language. The cabin adopts a five-seater layout, with all-wheel drive standard across the entire range. In the US market, prices start from USD 36,995 (including destination charge), with the Limited and Overland variants tagged from USD 41,995 and USD 44,995 respectively. Customer deliveries in overseas markets are slated to commence in late 2025.
The exterior styling of the sixth-generation Cherokee sheds the controversial curvaceous lines of its predecessor in favour of an upright, boxy, and rugged silhouette. Up front, it retains Jeep's signature seven-slot grille, flanked by squarish LED headlamps featuring three-tier semi-circular LED daytime running lights (DRLs), while circular fog lamp clusters are embedded on both sides of the front bumper. The side profile creates a broad, muscular stance via black wheel arch cladding. At the rear, it sports rectangular LED tail lights matched with a subtle roof spoiler and an integrated high-mounted stop lamp. Dimensions have grown all around, measuring 4,778 mm in length, 2,123 mm in width, and 1,715 mm in height, with a 2,870 mm wheelbase—representing an increase of 119 mm in length, 25 mm in width, 50 mm in height, and a 163 mm longer wheelbase compared to the fifth-generation model.
Inside, the cabin adopts a wide, horizontal dashboard architecture. The centre console is anchored by an integrated 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen infotainment display and a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster. Most cabin surfaces are trimmed in eco-friendly Capri vinyl, with the Overland variant gaining distinctive perforated detailing. Gear selection is operated via a sleek rotary electronic dial.
Under the bonnet, the sixth-generation Cherokee debuts Stellantis Group's new 1.6-litre turbocharged inline-four petrol-electric hybrid system (self-charging hybrid) on a production vehicle. The setup pairs a 1.6T four-cylinder engine with dual electric motors integrated into the gearbox and a 1.03 kWh battery pack. The hybrid system delivers a combined output of 210 hp and a peak torque of 230 lb-ft (approx. 312 Nm), mated to an electronic continuously variable transmission (eCVT) . US EPA testing data indicates fuel economy figures of 39 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 37 mpg combined (approx. 6.0/6.7/6.4 L/100 km), marking a 50% efficiency improvement over the previous generation. Total cruising range exceeds 500 miles (approx. 800 km) on a full tank . The vehicle's kerb weight is rated at around 1,948 kg.
The sixth-generation Cherokee is built on Stellantis Group's transverse-engine STLA Large platform. While specific suspension specifications have yet to be disclosed, official notes highlight a firmer chassis tune for improved cornering composure. In terms of drivetrain, the entire lineup comes standard with the Active Drive I intelligent AWD system featuring a rear-axle disconnect function—physically decoupling the prop shaft in Auto mode to optimise fuel efficiency. The system offers four drive modes: Auto, Sport, Snow, and Sand/Mud. It features an approach angle of 19.6 degrees and a departure angle of 29.4 degrees. Maximum towing capacity reaches 3,500 lbs (approx. 1,588 kg) , leading the hybrid SUV class. Jeep has yet to confirm whether the model retains its Trail Rated badge.
The cabin is fitted with a 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 central touchscreen and a 10.25-inch full digital driver's display. The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring. Capacitive shortcut buttons and essential physical switches are arranged below the main screen. Air-conditioning controls are integrated into a touch-sensitive panel below the display. Standard equipment includes passive keyless entry, push-button start, rain-sensing wipers, and a 6-speaker audio system. Boot capacity stands at 952 litres in standard configuration, expandable up to 1,934 litres with the rear seats folded down—delivering 30% more cargo volume than its predecessor. Optional kit includes a 360-degree surround-view monitor, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, front wheel blind-spot cameras, a dual-pane sunroof, and a hands-free powered tailgate.
In terms of safety equipment, the sixth-generation Cherokee meets mainstream segment benchmarks, offering 140 standard and available safety and security features. Active safety comes well-sorted with standard Adaptive Cruise Control (with Stop & Go) and Active Driving Assist (incorporating active lane management, pedestrian alert, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection). It is further complemented by autonomous emergency braking, intersection collision assist, and driver drowsiness detection. For driving assistance, it delivers Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capability.
The Cherokee remains one of the most influential nameplates in the history of the Jeep brand. At its peak prior to discontinuation, the model's annual sales in the US market once crossed the 200,000-unit mark. Its phase-out in early 2023 left a noticeable void in Jeep's product catalogue. The return of the sixth-generation model is regarded as a pivotal move for Jeep to reclaim market share in North America's core SUV segment. Motoring media have noted that the return to a boxy, rugged design "will resonate far better with Jeep enthusiasts than the previous iteration", with hybrid powertrain efficiency and generous interior packaging highlighted as chief strengths. Meanwhile, initial test-drive feedback noted room for improvement in front-seat contouring and support, alongside a slightly steep learning curve for the Uconnect 5 interface logic. With its retro-inspired styling, efficient hybrid powertrain, and substantially upgraded cabin dimensions, the all-new sixth-generation Cherokee reasserts its strong product footing in the mid-size SUV arena.
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