After a two-year absence, the Jeep Cherokee is finally back in the lineup. Its return fills a gap in Jeep’s SUV family, which had left too much overlap between the compact Compass and the more upscale Grand Cherokee. Now, the mid-size Cherokee reclaims its place with a strong identity of its own—modern, rugged, and hybrid-powered.
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A Bold Redesign
The latest Cherokee represents one of the most significant transformations in the model’s long history. Gone is the awkward, wedge-shaped styling of the past generation. In its place is a muscular, angular profile that leans heavily into Jeep tradition. A tall vertical grille, oversized headlights, and signature rectangular taillights help give the SUV a purposeful stance.
The Cherokee has grown in size as well. Overall length is up by 4.7 inches, while the wheelbase stretches an extra 6.4 inches. Height increases by 2 inches, and width grows by about 1 inch. Thanks to a generous 8 inches of ground clearance, even the base Cherokee now rivals the previous Trailhawk in off-road readiness.
Improved geometry also helps: approach and departure angles measure 19.6 and 29.4 degrees, respectively, although the longer wheelbase reduces the breakover angle slightly to 18.8 degrees.
More Room Inside
As noted by Indianapolis car dealers Indy Auto Man, the added dimensions directly benefit the interior. Behind the second row, cargo capacity jumps from 27.5 cubic feet to 33.5 cubic feet. Fold the seats flat, and you get a cavernous 68.3 cubic feet—up from just under 55 cubic feet in the previous model.
Inside, the Cherokee borrows cues from Jeep’s premium models. A wide dashboard with a layered “shelf” design gives the cabin a clean, modern presence. Digital tech is front and center: a 10.25-inch instrument cluster complements a large 12.3-inch center touchscreen. The color palette is restrained and purposeful—black across all trims, with white reserved for top-end versions.
Hybrid Powertrain
At the core of the new Cherokee is Jeep’s commitment to electrification. Built on Stellantis’ STLA Large modular platform—the same architecture used for the upcoming Wagoneer S and Dodge Charger—the Cherokee launches exclusively with a gasoline-electric hybrid.
Under the hood is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors via a continuously variable transmission. Combined output is 210 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, outpacing the old 2.4-liter four-cylinder that managed only 180 horsepower and 170 lb-ft. Standard all-wheel drive distributes up to 50 percent of available torque to the rear axle via a conventional clutch system.
Fuel economy is expected to be one of the Cherokee’s major strengths. Manufacturer preliminary estimates peg it at 43–45 mpg on the highway and 31–33 mpg in city driving. That squares nicely against rivals like the Honda CR-V Hybrid, which delivers around 38–40 mpg combined, and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, which averages 40–41 mpg. For an SUV with genuine off-road credentials, those numbers will stand out.
What’s Next
The new Cherokee hit U.S. dealerships in the fall of 2025. At launch, only the hybrid variant is offered, but Stellantis has confirmed that the platform is flexible enough to accommodate additional powertrains in the future. Buyers will also see the return of more capable trims, including a Trailhawk package engineered with Jeep’s signature off-road upgrades.
While entry-level versions will cater more to everyday driving than rock crawling, Jeep enthusiasts looking for ruggedness won’t be left out for long.
With its renewed styling, larger proportions, and efficient hybrid engine, the 2025 Jeep Cherokee steps back into the midsize SUV market with serious intent. Positioned smartly between the Compass and Grand Cherokee, it promises the mix of urban practicality and trail-ready confidence that Jeep buyers expect. Patience will be rewarded for those awaiting the Trailhawk, but even in its base hybrid form, the new Cherokee proves that Jeep hasn’t forgotten how to build an SUV that can do more than just sit pretty at the curb.