The Jeep Cherokee is making a comeback—and it’s not just another SUV returning to the market. It’s a symbol of resilience, reinvention, and timeless American engineering. After being discontinued in 2023, the Cherokee is set to reemerge, refined and ready to reassert its position in the ever-competitive SUV segment. With its legacy rooted deep in off-road capability and rugged style, the return of the Jeep Cherokee brings both nostalgia and innovation to the road.
A Quick Look Back
The Jeep Cherokee has always stood out among midsize SUVs. First introduced in 1974, the Cherokee helped define the sport utility vehicle market before SUVs became mainstream. Its rugged frame, go-anywhere attitude, and unmistakable styling made it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.
The 1984 XJ model is perhaps the most iconic, establishing the Cherokee as a legend. It featured a unibody construction—rare for the time—which helped it offer car-like comfort while maintaining off-road prowess. Over the years, the Cherokee evolved, with changes in design, size, and performance, culminating in its most recent run from 2014 to 2023.
However, as the auto industry shifted towards electrification, stricter emissions regulations, and a growing demand for more efficient models, Jeep made the decision to temporarily retire the Cherokee. But now, it’s back—and with a new vision for a new era.
What to Expect from the New Jeep Cherokee
Though Jeep has remained tight-lipped about the full details of the upcoming Cherokee, several things are clear. The new Cherokee will align with Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 strategy, focusing on electrification, sustainability, and innovation. That means we can expect hybrid and potentially all-electric variants, making the new Cherokee as forward-looking as it is rugged.
Design-wise, the new Cherokee is likely to strike a balance between its classic identity and modern aesthetics. Expect a more aerodynamic profile, LED lighting, updated grille design, and a high-tech, refined interior. Think less “boxy utilitarian” and more “sleek yet capable.”
Performance, of course, will remain at the heart of the Cherokee. Jeep is unlikely to compromise on off-road credentials, so 4×4 systems, terrain management modes, and trail-rated trims should remain part of the lineup. However, these features may now come alongside turbocharged or hybridized engines offering both power and efficiency.
Inside the Cabin: A Tech Upgrade
If there’s one area where the Cherokee had room to grow in recent years, it was the interior tech experience. The 2025 or 2026 Cherokee (depending on the release date) is expected to receive a significant upgrade in this department.
The Uconnect 5 system—a staple in newer Stellantis vehicles—will almost certainly make an appearance, offering larger touchscreen displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates, and a more intuitive user interface. A digital instrument cluster, premium materials, and expanded safety features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and 360-degree cameras will likely be standard or available.
Competing in a Crowded Market
The Cherokee re-enters a fiercely competitive market. Rivals like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Subaru Forester, and Hyundai Tucson have raised the bar in terms of features, efficiency, and pricing. To succeed, the Cherokee must not only appeal to Jeep loyalists but also to new buyers who want a mix of practicality, tech, and eco-conscious design.
What Jeep has in its favor is its brand equity. The Jeep name still carries significant weight, especially with those who value authentic off-road capabilities and a sense of adventure. If the new Cherokee can deliver on its promises, it could carve out a unique niche in the crossover and midsize SUV segment.
Sustainability Meets Adventure
Perhaps the most exciting part of the Cherokee’s return is its place in Jeep’s electrification roadmap. Jeep has already made significant strides with the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe, both of which have been successful in proving that off-road vehicles can still be eco-friendly. The new Cherokee is expected to follow suit, likely offering plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and eventually all-electric options.
This move positions Jeep to meet the expectations of a younger, more climate-conscious generation of drivers without abandoning the rugged, go-anywhere DNA that has defined the brand for decades.
Final Thoughts
The return of the Jeep Cherokee isn’t just a comeback—it’s a transformation. It’s about honoring a rich legacy while embracing the future. Jeep has an opportunity to reintroduce the Cherokee as a leader in the next generation of SUVs: efficient, connected, and still unmistakably capable.