Customers are looking forward to seeing a more affordable midsize Jeep on dealer lots in the future. The popular brand has seen sales decline in recent years. Outgoing CEO Carlos Tavares was criticized for forcing the Stellantis brands to raise their prices too high in the search for greater profits during COVID. After dropping the Jeep Cherokee two years ago, it is bringing the SUV back with a new shape, new powertrain and Jeep’s legendary capability. The next generation Jeep Cherokee should arrive in late 2025. In its announcement, Jeep did not say if it will debut as a 2025 or 2026 model.
“The all-new Jeep Cherokee headlines our efforts to deliver more product, innovation, choice and standard content to customers than ever before,” said Bob Broderdorf, Jeep CEO. “Jeep Cherokee will boast competitive pricing that strikes at the core of the largest vehicle segment and sits perfectly between Jeep Compass and Jeep Grand Cherokee to bolster our winning mainstream lineup.”
All-New Jeep Cherokee Adds New Powertrain
The new Jeep Cherokee has been redesigned from the ground up. Jeep says the new Cherokee will feature “a new, efficient and powerful hybrid propulsion option from Jeep.” Jeep is known for championing the 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain, but it sounds like this is a new option.
“The new Jeep Cherokee respectfully honors its rich history with an innovative eye toward the future as the Jeep brand continues to meet the needs of every driver and every journey. The all-new Jeep Cherokee hybrid joins the brand's mission to empower customers with freedom to adventure their way, as Jeep offers an entire lineup of vehicles that span industry-leading ICE propulsion systems, plug-in, hybrid and all-electric offerings, all with unmatched Jeep capability and innovation.”
Jeep Cherokee Fills an Important Hole in the Jeep Lineup
The midsize SUV segment is a popular one and Jeep has suffered for not actively pursuing it over the last two years. The midsize is often perceived as a gateway for customers to grow into a brand. Previously, Jeep Cherokee owners would eventually need a larger vehicle and opt for a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Similarly, Jeep Grand Cherokee owners may graduate into needing a Grand Wagoneer.
Jeep isn’t saying where the all-new Jeep Cherokee will be built. It was previously produced at a plant in Belvidere, Illinois. That plant is currently being retooled for a midsize Ram truck. There is talk that it may be built in Mexico, despite the tariff uncertainties.
Once Controversial Name
I reported in 2021 that a leader of the Cherokee nation was complaining about the use of the Cherokee name for a vehicle. It appeared to be a negotiating stance. Jeep went on to debut the Jeep Grand Cherokee and is now re-issuing the Cherokee SUV so it appears that Jeep was able to reach an agreement with the Cherokee nation.
Jeep is not yet releasing any pricing or fuel efficiency numbers for the next generation of Jeep Cherokee. Those details are expected closer to the vehicle launch. Pricing may definitely be affected by the existence of tariffs, unless they are removed by the time the vehicle is available.
Jeep Photo
Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.
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