2026 Jeep® Cherokee near Greenville, SC

The 2026 Jeep® Cherokee introduces a refined design structure and powertrain system that defines technical balance and efficiency. Built on the STLA-Large unibody platform, it combines hybrid power, advanced traction control, and optimized aerodynamics to achieve consistent performance across a wide range of driving environments. Every specification in this model demonstrates engineering focus, from its turbocharged hybrid engine to its electronically controlled drive systems.

Engine and Hybrid Powertrain Specifications

The 2026 Jeep® Cherokee features a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine with an electronically variable transmission, integrated into a hybrid electric vehicle system. Constructed with an aluminum block and aluminum cylinder heads, the engine is engineered for strength and weight reduction. The dual overhead camshaft layout and chain-driven system include variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust, ensuring controlled airflow and combustion precision.

The engine displacement measures 1.6 liters with a bore and stroke of 77 by 85.8 millimeters. Compression ratio stands at 11.3:1, and central direct injection supports precise fuel metering for efficiency. It delivers a maximum power output of 177 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 221 pound-feet of torque between 2,000 and 3,500 rpm. The maximum engine speed is electronically limited to 6,500 rpm. The engine is designed for regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum 87-octane rating. It meets SULEV 30 emissions standards and includes a closed-coupled catalytic converter and engine start-stop technology.

When combined with the electric motor system, total powertrain output reaches 210 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. Fuel efficiency is projected at 42.2 miles per gallon in city driving, 33.2 on the highway, and 36.7 combined, pending official EPA certification.

Battery Design and Energy Management

The hybrid system integrates a 400-volt, 1.08-kilowatt-hour battery pack with 4.1 amp-hour capacity, utilizing a nickel-cobalt-manganese and graphite composition. This compact battery is engineered for thermal stability and optimized energy density. The battery supports regenerative braking, which converts kinetic energy from deceleration into stored electrical energy. This process assists in maintaining consistent power flow to the propulsion system while improving overall energy efficiency.

Transmission Function and Power Distribution

Every 2026 Jeep® Cherokee features an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. The ECVT system uses a power-split hybrid design with a transverse layout that directs power efficiently between the gasoline engine and electric drive unit. The system's final drive ratio is 4.518, contributing to balanced torque transfer and acceleration response.

Gear transitions occur electronically without conventional shift points, allowing uninterrupted torque delivery. The combined hybrid transmission design reduces mechanical losses and maintains stability during gear ratio adjustments. The absence of abrupt shifting enhances traction under acceleration and improves driveline smoothness in varying terrain conditions.

Jeep® Active Drive I 4x4 System

All trim levels of the 2026 Jeep® Cherokee include the Jeep® Active Drive I 4x4 system. This drivetrain features a fully disconnecting front axle to reduce drag and increase efficiency during light-load driving. When traction demand increases, the system automatically engages four-wheel drive. Torque distribution operates with a 50 to 50 front-to-rear split under standard conditions, but it can automatically redirect up to 100 percent of available torque to the front wheels as required.

The Selec-Terrain® traction management system provides driver control modes labeled Auto, Sport, Snow, and Sand/Mud. Each setting calibrates throttle sensitivity, transmission mapping, and traction response to optimize vehicle performance on diverse surfaces. This system does not use a center differential and operates through a single-speed transfer case with automatic engagement.

Suspension and Steering Systems

The 2026 Jeep® Cherokee's front suspension uses a McPherson strut configuration that enhances lateral stiffness while isolating road vibrations. The rear suspension employs an integral link design that improves ride stability during load changes and cornering. 

Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering is standard, providing an overall ratio of 15.15:1. Steering response is calibrated for accuracy at both low and highway speeds. The turning diameter measures 40.3 feet curb to curb, and total steering rotation is 2.57 turns from lock to lock..

Braking and Stability Components

The 2026 Jeep® Cherokee is equipped with a four-wheel hydraulic disc braking system supported by anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, and all-speed traction control. The front braking system consists of 13-inch by 1.1-inch vented rotors with dual-piston floating calipers. The swept area equals 158.8 square inches. The rear setup includes 12.6-inch by 0.47-inch solid rotors with single-piston floating calipers and an electronic parking brake. The rear swept area measures 127.8 square inches.

Electronic stability control monitors yaw rate and wheel slip to correct understeer or oversteer automatically. The integrated traction control system adjusts brake pressure and throttle application to maintain stability on low-traction surfaces. The electric park brake is applied via motorized calipers that maintain steady holding force without hydraulic pressure.

Body Dimensions and Aerodynamics

The 2026 Jeep® Cherokee measures 188.1 inches in length and 74.7 inches in width. Overall height at the roof rails is 67.5 inches. The wheelbase measures 113.0 inches, with track widths of 64.2 inches in the front and 64.3 inches in the rear. Ground clearance is rated at 8.0 inches, providing balanced clearance for both urban and off-pavement travel.

Approach, breakover, and departure angles measure 19.6, 18.8, and 29.4 degrees respectively. The frontal area is 29.1 square feet with a drag coefficient of 0.335, producing an aerodynamic CdA of 9.7 square feet. The vehicle's total curb weight is 4,295 pounds and its gross vehicle weight rating is 5,350 pounds. Payload capacity is listed at 850 pounds, and weight distribution is 58.6 percent front to 41.4 percent rear. The 2026 Jeep® Cherokee's fuel tank capacity is 13.7 gallons, and towing capability is rated at 3,500 pounds.

Cabin Dimensions and Cargo Volume

Passenger volume in the 2026 Jeep® Cherokee totals 107.36 cubic feet. The front row provides 41.3 inches of legroom, 57.7 inches of shoulder room, and 55.4 inches of hip room. Headroom without a panoramic sunroof measures 40.3 inches and 38.0 inches with the dual-pane option. The rear row offers 38.5 inches of legroom, 57.6 inches of shoulder room, and 55.1 inches of hip room. Headroom in the second row measures 40.2 inches without the sunroof and 38.1 inches with it.

Cargo capacity measures 33.6 cubic feet behind the second row and expands to 68.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The maximum cargo width at the liftgate opening is 45.2 inches, while interior trim spacing between wheelhouses is 43.4 inches. The maximum cargo height at the liftgate is 28.1 inches, and liftover height is 31.2 inches. Combined passenger and cargo volume equals 140.98 cubic feet.

Structural Weight and Load Capacity

Curb weight for the 2026 Jeep® Cherokee is listed as 4,295 pounds, including standard fluids and equipment. The structure supports a total gross vehicle weight of 5,350 pounds. Payload capacity reaches 850 pounds, allowing for the combined weight of passengers and cargo. The chassis design provides strength while maintaining low vibration through its unibody layout.

The weight distribution of 58.6 percent at the front and 41.4 percent at the rear ensures consistent balance under acceleration and braking. 

Wheel and Tire Combinations

Three wheel configurations are available across trim levels. The 2026 Jeep® Cherokee 4x4 includes 17-inch Satin Carbon cast aluminum wheels fitted with 225/65R17 Nexen Roadian GTX all-season tires. The Limited 4x4 features 18-inch painted diamond-cut aluminum wheels paired with 225/60R18 Nexen Roadian GTX tires. The Overland 4x4 offers 20-inch painted diamond-cut aluminum wheels with 235/50R20XL Pirelli Scorpion MS all-season tires.

Each configuration maintains balanced traction, consistent road contact, and controlled rolling resistance. Tire revolutions per mile range from 707 for the 17-inch setup to 692 for the 20-inch configuration. 

Electrical System and Components

The 2026 Jeep® Cherokee's electrical system includes a 550-amp AGM H5 battery that supports accessory functions and hybrid management components. This design provides stable current output for critical systems including traction control, steering assist, and electronic braking. The alternator is not listed due to hybrid integration, where power generation is shared between the combustion engine and regenerative systems.

Electrical design supports consistent energy supply and voltage stability across various operational modes. System architecture prioritizes efficiency, limiting energy loss during hybrid transitions or idle stop phases.

Schedule a Test Ride Today

The 2026 Jeep® Cherokee combines precise hybrid engineering, advanced 4x4 control, and refined chassis construction within a single vehicle platform. Its 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid powertrain produces 210 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque through a seamless electronically variable transmission. Stability control, electric power steering, and a fully integrated brake system support controlled performance and safety across all conditions. Drivers can experience the 2026 Jeep® Cherokee's balanced handling, hybrid efficiency, and traction precision firsthand by scheduling a test drive. McKinney Chrysler Dodge Jeep® & Ram near Greenville, SC invites you to explore the technical capability and hybrid design that define this new generation of 2026 Jeep® Cherokee performance.