2026 Jeep Cherokee Trim Updates: What’s New?

The Cherokee has returned after a three-year hiatus, pleasing fans of this legendary midsize SUV. The 2026 Jeep Cherokee reenters the spotlight as a fully hybridized model with significant updates across all trim levels. This marks a substantial leap forward, offering better fuel efficiency, more cargo space, and enhanced capabilities to better compete with today’s formidable SUV rivals.

2026 Cherokee: Base Model Gets Major Upgrades

The base Cherokee trim starts at $35,000, making it a solid option in today’s crowded SUV market. For under $40K, you get features that would’ve cost extra just a few years back, providing excellent value for money.

Tech features are at the forefront: a standard 10.25-inch digital cluster display and a 12.3-inch touch screen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come equipped in all models. Every Cherokee comes with four-wheel drive built in, sending power through a continuously variable transmission that enhances both performance and fuel savings. The interior cabin has been improved, too, with back-row passengers getting an extra inch of legroom, making those drives around Hudson Valley much more comfortable.

The expanded cargo area might be the biggest win of all. You now get 33 cubic feet behind the back seats, which is 30% more than before. Drop those seats flat, and you’ll have 68 cubic feet for weekend trips to the Catskills or hauling home improvement supplies. The hybrid setup gives great fuel economy while providing the traction that Carmel drivers count on when snow falls.

Laredo: Midlevel Trim Value Proposition

The next trim level up is the Laredo, which is priced at $38,595. That’s quite a bit more than the base version, but the extra features make it worth considering if you want more daily comforts.

For the extra outlay, you get fog lights for those misty Hudson Valley mornings and an eight-way power driver’s seat for optimal comfort. The upgraded cloth seats feel more premium but still withstand daily use. These practical touches make a difference whether you’re battling traffic to NYC or winding through the back roads of Putnam County.

Limited: Luxury Features and Premium Materials

The Limited elevates the Cherokee with luxury touches usually found in pricier SUVs. Starting at $40,595, this version focuses on the features that make driving feel special. The leatherette seats look upscale but clean up easily after spills or muddy paws, and you also get heated driver and front-passenger seats, which are perfect for our unpredictable New England weather. The available dual-pane panoramic sunroof opens the cabin to blue skies and fresh air.

Music lovers will enjoy the optional nine-speaker sound system that fills the car with rich sound, whether you’re cranking up tunes or catching up on podcasts. Plus, you’ll find daily driving easier, thanks to the available GPS navigation system, which provides audible turn-by-turn directions that come in handy on your journeys around Carmel. If you want luxury without jumping to the top-tier Overland model, the Limited strikes the perfect balance.

Overland: Top-Tier Capability Redefined

The top-tier trim is the Overland, starting at $43,000. Many of the luxury features available on the Limited, such as the sunroof, upgraded sound system, and GPS navigation, come standard with this premium trim. You also get a 360-degree camera and digital mirror that help with maneuvering in tight spots. For local drivers who enjoy weekend escapes to the mountains or just want maximum comfort when driving around Carmel, the Overland’s features go far beyond what typical SUVs offer.

Powertrain Options Across All Trim Levels

Every 2026 Cherokee features the same hybrid setup: a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder gas engine producing 177 horsepower paired with two electric motors. Together, they pump out 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque, giving you smooth acceleration and confident passing power. The system is powered by a high-voltage, liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery, which helps deliver impressive efficiency numbers.

Fuel economy is where this model shines. Jeep estimates the 2026 Cherokee will return 42 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 37 mpg combined. That’s a significant improvement over the old model and translates to real cash savings at the pump. You can expect to travel over 500 miles on a single tank; that’s enough to reach Boston or Philly without stopping for gas.

Don’t think this focus on fuel efficiency means the Cherokee can’t pull its weight. It has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, so it can pull small trailers, boats, or camping gear without a problem. Whether you’re towing a jet ski to Lake Carmel or hauling camping stuff to the Adirondacks, you can do so while still maintaining excellent fuel efficiency.

Safety Features by Trim

Every new 2026 Cherokee trim comes with an impressive suite of safety technologies that give you peace of mind during everyday drives. Over 140 standard and available safety features include Active Driving Assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, Intersection Collision Assist, and Drowsy Driver Detection.

Experience the 2026 Cherokee Lineup at Meadowland of Carmel

The 2026 Cherokee lineup includes something for everyone. Come visit Meadowland of Carmel to check out the trims for yourself. We can walk you through all the options and help you find the right setup for your lifestyle and budget. Book a test-drive today and see why we’re so excited about the Cherokee’s comeback. The right Cherokee can make your daily drives better while giving you the power and efficiency that today’s families need.

Tags: 2026 Jeep, Jeep Cherokee
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