{"id":3783,"date":"2026-01-06T03:59:13","date_gmt":"2026-01-06T11:59:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/max2voyages.com\/?p=3783"},"modified":"2026-01-06T03:59:13","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T11:59:13","slug":"2026-jeep-cherokee-overland-4x4-first-test-back-in-the-game","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/max2voyages.com\/?p=3783","title":{"rendered":"2026 Jeep Cherokee Overland 4×4 First Test: Back in the Game?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Built on the automaker\u2019s new and flexible STLA Large vehicle architecture, the SUV offers all-wheel drive, hybridization, and general ruggedness. Of course, these features are also what the majority of buyers have come to expect from compact SUVs<\/u> and thus are already found in myriad other vehicles in the hotly contested segment. <\/p>\n

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So what does that leave the Cherokee to offer? Standout driving dynamics? Maybe. The fact that it\u2019s a Jeep? That\u2019s more likely. <\/p>\n

Powerful Name, Elegant Interior <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Jeep is arguably the most valuable brand in Stellantis\u2019 North American portfolio. The Jeep name alone, which predates when you think it originated<\/u>, is today nearly eponymous with off-road capability. Steeped in history and heritage, these are clearly the driving forces behind the new Cherokee\u2019s exterior styling. Though it lacks much outright design innovation, it\u2019s still unmistakably a Jeep. <\/p>\n

Even though the preproduction vehicle we tested wasn’t finalized in some respects, inside, there\u2019s a lot to love<\/u>. This Cherokee is bigger than ever, and it seems much of that has been translated into usable interior space. Given how roomy it is now, a couple of us wondered if some buyers might question their need for a Grand Cherokee. And the cabin itself looks very upscale and modern. We like the various textures and shapes, especially the Art Deco perforation patterns cut into the seat leathers. There is plenty of easy-to-reach storage for various loose items, too, which will be handy on the daily commute. The geometric steering wheel feels a bit strange in the hand but will no doubt be something owners will get used to. <\/p>\n

The dual-screen setup is elegantly laid out: low in the driver\u2019s sightline, with the driver\u2019s screen and main infotainment screen distinctly separated from each other. The main digital display is bright, but certain MotorTrend<\/em> editors found the graphic text to be quite small and the picture not very sharp. Furthermore, when we changed views on the screen, the animations responded with a slow frame rate. Hopefully this is sorted by the time these reach customers\u2019 driveways. A few of the car\u2019s climate functions, located on the left side of the screen, were completely blocked from view by the steering wheel, indicating a need for some UX improvements. <\/p>\n

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The rear seat receive mixed reviews. Some editors praised its spaciousness, although a few said it needs more thigh support. (It would be best for potential buyers to see how it fits them.) Either way, rear-seat passengers can take advantage of heated seats, climate vents, USB ports, and a power outlet. The Cherokee\u2019s back doors also open wide, but not quite 90 degrees. <\/p>\n

A generous cargo area can swallow up at least two full-size suitcases with additional room left over. There\u2019s also a giant space under the rear floor for even more storage. <\/p>\n

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The Little Engine That Could(n’t) <\/strong><\/h2>\n

All 2026 Cherokees come standard as hybrids (for now, anyway), so that means a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine working with a permanent-magnet motor to produce a total system output of 210 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy rings in at an EPA-rated 42\/33\/37 mpg city\/highway\/combined, which is quite good for a vehicle of this type. <\/p>\n

Sounds fine, right? But behind the wheel, the Cherokee is a bit of an enigma. <\/p>\n

There\u2019s a turbo and an electric motor, but neither provides the sort of punch you\u2019d expect. The quickest 0\u201360 time we achieved was 9.4 seconds, but after a few other runs, we were clocking times deep in the 10-second range. We assume that\u2019s because the battery was depleted, but there\u2019s no battery level indicator anywhere so we couldn’t confirm our suspicions. Linear power delivery down low around town and in Sport mode make the Cherokee feel quick from a stop. But at higher speeds, plan your passes: The engine fights hard to keep accelerating, and it feels overburdened. By the time you reach 80 mph\u2014roughly the speed the Cherokee is traveling after its long 17.1-second quarter mile\u2014you’re looking forward to dipping back down to more comfortable cruising speeds. <\/p>\n

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Road manners when cruising are pleasant and certainly much better than the last Cherokee\u2019s. In fact, the new Cherokee drives distinctly un-Jeepishly and much more carlike this time around. The suspension is especially comfortable and forgiving over broken pavement, soaking up the impacts with the finesse of a luxury vehicle. To match that vibe, we\u2019d prefer softer seat cushions, though; their firmness makes it feel like you\u2019re sitting on top of the seats rather than in them. <\/p>\n

Whip the new Cherokee around with the traction control off in, say, our figure-eight test, and it becomes clear this is not what it was designed to do. The steering is vague and there\u2019s tons of understeer and nose dive. Even trying to force the Cherokee to oversteer on a rain-soaked skidpad only resulted in more understeer. And after a couple of laps, power was distinctly diminished, probably, again, because of a low high-voltage hybrid battery. <\/p>\n

As for off-roading, Jeeps are supposed to rip in the rough stuff, but the Cherokee Overland’s CVT and all-wheel-drive system aren’t as capable of powering through sand and ruts as well as some other SUVs that don’t wear Jeep badges. In this version’s case, momentum is the greatest tool in its off-pavement arsenal. Of course, this one isn’t Trail Rated, so we’re interested to see how other, more rough and tumble models might fare away from pavement.<\/p>\n

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The Price Story <\/strong><\/h2>\n

As for pricing, the base model starts at $36,995, while the top-tier Overland tested here starts at $45,995. This specific test vehicle came to a total MSRP of $48,085. The Cherokee is the affordable Jeep no longer, and neither is the smaller Compass<\/u>. In return for those Overland dollars, buyers get a Jeep that doesn\u2019t behave all that much like a Jeep, even if it is an overall decent SUV. It has a lovely interior and rides well. It\u2019s also just rather slow and can’t play in the dirt with the same confidence you might expect from something wearing these badges. (After all, overlanding involves long journeys over rough and rugged terrain.) <\/p>\n

Perhaps to a Jeep brand fan, that won’t matter so much. With an upgraded, modern interior, familiar design elements, and the Jeep name emblazoned across its nose and tail, it\u2019s a good option for those who just want a smaller Grand Cherokee. Will that be enough to reverse Jeep’s sales slide? We\u2019ll see how powerful brand loyalty is when it ultimately goes on sale. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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