2026 Jeep Cherokee Hybrid arrives with 39 mpg and a heavy price

Drivers looking for a fuel-efficient ride might notice the newest option sitting on dealership lots. Stellantis, the massive parent company behind Jeep, just rolled out its first traditional hybrid in the United States with the 2026 Jeep Cherokee Overland. This compact SUV steps directly into the busiest part of the market to battle longtime bestsellers like the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4. Under the hood, a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine pairs with two electric motors to push out 210 horsepower to all four wheels. That setup delivers EPA estimates of 39 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway, making this the most fuel-efficient Jeep ever built. But testers rolling down the Garden State Parkway found the hybrid powertrain feels a bit rough around the edges during stop-and-crawl traffic, showing the typical growing pains of a first-generation system. Weighing in at 4,403 pounds, the Cherokee is more than 500 pounds heavier than its Japanese rivals, which slows its run to 60 mph down to a leisurely 8.5 seconds. Inside the cabin, testers pointed out an odd octagonal steering wheel that is 50 percent fatter than necessary and completely blocks the driver's view of the volume knob and seat heaters. If you want to put one in your driveway, the Overland trim carries a base price of $44,995, with the test model climbing to $46,585 after options. At least you will save trips to the gas station while you figure out how to work the hidden screen buttons.