“Love my Jeep Cherokee, it handles well and looks great. Many options for customization. I do not like the quality of the back up camera or the front cabin storage space.”
Jeep Cherokee: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Jeep Cherokee is a compact five-seat SUV known for blending everyday comfort and practical space with stronger all-weather and light-trail ability than many road-focused crossovers. After ending in 2023, it returned for 2026 with a standard hybrid system and four-wheel drive.
The Cherokee has long occupied the middle ground between an everyday crossover and a more rugged Jeep. Across its modern generations, it has paired a practical two-row cabin and comfortable road manners with four-wheel-drive systems designed for poor weather and trail use. The 2026 return changes the formula to hybrid power, but keeps the same focus on daily usability and added capability.
Strengths
- Its four-wheel-drive focus gives it more confidence in bad weather and on light trails than a typical road-focused crossover.
- The Cherokee balances its rugged side with the comfortable road ride needed for commuting and family trips.
- The 2026 hybrid is rated at 39 mpg in the city, giving the returned Cherokee a clear efficiency advantage over its older gas-powered versions.
- The redesigned 2026 model provides up to 68.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear area opened up.
- The 2026 Cherokee can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.
- Recent versions offer useful everyday technology, including smartphone integration on 2019-up models and a broad standard driver-assistance suite for 2026.
Who it's for
The Cherokee fits commuters and small families who want an easy-to-live-with compact SUV but regularly face snow, rough roads, or light trails. Older models suit shoppers seeking a wider variety of engines and trims, while the 2026 version is aimed at drivers who want hybrid efficiency without having to plug in.
Jeep Cherokee lineup
Across 2014-2023 models, Latitude commonly served as the practical core of the range, making it the straightforward pick for everyday use. Altitude versions focused on a blacked-out appearance, so they suit shoppers who care more about style than added trail hardware. Overland was the luxury-oriented range-topper, while Trailhawk was the dedicated off-road model and the one to seek for more serious trail use. The Cherokee returned for 2026 with Base, Laredo, Limited, 85th Anniversary Edition, and Overland trims, replacing the older lineup structure.
Jeep Cherokee generations
From 2014 to 2026, the Cherokee spans two generations. The current 6th Generation — KM arrived for 2026, following the 5th Generation — KL (2014–2023).
6th Generation — KM (2026)
The Cherokee returned after a two-model-year absence with a roomier body and a fully redesigned cabin. Every version uses a turbo hybrid powertrain, standard 4x4, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a broad driver-assistance suite.
135 In Stock
2026New generation
All-new Cherokee returns with a turbo hybrid powertrain and standard 4x4. An 85th Anniversary Edition arrived later in the model year.
5th Generation — KL (2014–2023)
This generation brought the Cherokee name back as a compact crossover replacing the Liberty. It launched with four-cylinder and V6 engines, a 9-speed automatic, several 4x4 systems, and an off-road-focused Trailhawk, then received a major styling and technology update for 2019.
563 In Stock
2023Trim changes
The final KL year was reduced to Altitude Lux and Trailhawk. Both had standard 4WD, four-cylinder engines, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation.
2022Trim changes
The X trim joined the lineup, Latitude Lux moved into the main entry role, and the trim range was simplified. An 8.4-inch touchscreen became standard.
2021Trim changes
Latitude Lux, the 80th Anniversary Edition, and the Freedom special edition joined the lineup. More driver-assistance features became standard across the range.
2020Trim changes
A comfort-focused Lux/Latitude Lux model appeared during the year. The core styling, cabin, and engine lineup carried over.
2019Mid-cycle update
A major refresh brought redesigned front and rear styling, standard LED lighting, updated touchscreen technology, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a new turbo engine.
2018Trim changes
Sport and Sport Altitude left the lineup, making Latitude the entry trim. Latitude Plus and Latitude Tech Connect joined the range.
2017Trim changes
The upscale range expanded with Overland, Sport Altitude, High Altitude, and a 75th Anniversary model.
2016Trim changes
Overland arrived midyear as the luxury-focused top trim, and a 75th Anniversary special edition marked Jeep’s anniversary.
2015
V6 models gained fuel-saving stop/start. Some trims received more standard safety and convenience features.
2014New generation
The all-new KL Cherokee replaced the Liberty, bringing four-cylinder and V6 engines, a 9-speed automatic, three 4x4 systems, and the Trailhawk trim.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Jeep Cherokee.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Jeep Cherokee a two-row SUV, and how many people does it seat?
Yes. The Jeep Cherokee is a two-row SUV with seating for five. The newest version has four doors, 38.5 inches of rear legroom, and a cabin designed for everyday commuting and family use.
Does the Jeep Cherokee come as a hybrid?
Yes, but only the newest generation. The Cherokee returned for 2026 with a non-plug-in turbo-hybrid system on every trim. Cherokees from the 2014–2023 KL generation use gasoline engines instead.
Is four-wheel drive standard on the Jeep Cherokee?
It depends on the era. Every Cherokee in the newest generation has standard four-wheel drive and selectable settings for different surfaces. Earlier KL-generation models included both two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions, although four-wheel drive became standard for 2023.
How much can a Jeep Cherokee tow?
The newest Jeep Cherokee can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. Capacity varies on older models because the KL generation used several engines and drivetrain combinations, so the equipment on a specific used Cherokee matters.
Is the Jeep Cherokee a good family SUV?
Yes, for families that need five seats rather than a third row. The Cherokee combines useful rear-seat and cargo room with easy daily driving. The newest generation also adds hybrid efficiency, standard four-wheel drive, and a broad driver-assistance suite.
How much cargo space does the Jeep Cherokee have?
The newest Jeep Cherokee provides 68.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Its two-row layout makes it useful for groceries, luggage, and family gear without moving up to a larger three-row SUV.
Is the Jeep Cherokee actually good off-road?
It depends on the version. The newest Cherokee has standard four-wheel drive and selectable terrain settings for poor weather and light trails. In the older KL generation, TrailHawk models added low-range gearing, a locking rear differential, and off-road suspension for tougher terrain.
How has the Jeep Cherokee changed across generations?
The KL-generation Cherokee arrived for 2014 as the Liberty’s replacement, received a major styling and technology update for 2019, and ended after 2023. An all-new sixth generation returned for 2026 with a roomier body, standard hybrid power, and standard four-wheel drive.
Jeep Cherokee Reviews
What owners are saying about the Jeep Cherokee.
4.1
Jeep Cherokee
(12,893 reviews)
“I love how it handles and the comfort of driving it. It is great on long drives and short and the interior is set up brilliantly.”
“I enjoy driving my Jeep Cherokee...it's comfortable, maneuvers easily, and is pretty good on mileage. Good sound system and climate control, good navigation system. Not a lot of "extras" like back-up camera or CD player, but overall, I'm very happy with it.”
“My Jeep Cherokee is exactly what I wanted. My Cherokee has all the features I wanted and then a whole bunch more. It drives well, has plenty of room and the MPG is awesome.”
“Just really enjoying the way my Jeep handles. Comfortable, reliable, and cost-effective.”
“The Jeep Grand Cherokee is so reliable and smooth. I feel safe in it and we love driving it!”
Sources
- jeep.com — News / 2026 Jeep Cherokee Adventure
- jeep.com — News / Jeep Cherokee Coming Late 2025
- jeep.com — Pdf / Brochure / Jeep Cherokee Reveal Brochure (2019)
- jeep.com — Pdf / Brochure / eBrochure Jeep Cherokee (2018)
- jeep.com — Pdf / eBrochure Jeep Cherokee Catalog (2017)
- jeep.com — Pdf / 2016 Jeep Cherokee eBrochure
- jeep.com — Pdf / eBrochure Jeep Cherokee Overland (2016)
- jeep.com — Pdf / Cherokee 2015