The New Jeep Cherokee Stole This Feature From The XJ

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee is anything but retro.

The all-new crossover SUV is the first hybrid Cherokee and features a fresh style that puts a lot of visual distance between it and the last generation, which went out of production in 2023.

It has a boxier shape to optimize interior space and a lower window line to make the cabin airier for an “atrium effect,” according to Stellantis chief design officer, Ralph Gilles.

The Jeep brand’s seven-slot grille is included, of course, but it’s on a blunter front end. The only other throwback feature is at the back of the vehicle.

The Cherokee has a wraparound tailgate design that creates a very distinctive shut line along the side of the vehicle that is similar to the one found on the 1984-2001 Cherokee XJ, which is the nameplate’s most iconic generation.

It was very much designed that way with purpose. “100% intentional,” Gilles told American Cars And Racing.

“That [the XJ] had a captive tailgate that went all the way around and it does eliminate one of the split lines from the rear view, so it makes it a lot cleaner, allows us to make the backlight wider, makes the vehicle look a little more ‘stanceful,’ let’s say, and it gives a beautiful cut-off edge, we can play with that for the aerodynamics of the vehicle.”

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Along with the nod to the past, the improved aerodynamics help the 210 hp all-wheel-drive vehicle achieve an estimated 37 mpg combined fuel economy rating, which is the best of any U.S. market Jeep ever. That includes the plug-in hybrids when they are not operating in all-electric mode.