Jeep brought its past and its future to the same show floor at the 2026 New York International Auto Show. The Cherokee is back after a three-year absence, riding on a new platform with a hybrid powertrain that delivers 37 mpg combined and over 500 miles per tank. Next to it sits the Recon, a fully electric Trail Rated SUV making 650 hp and reaching 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, starting at $65,000. Together they represent opposite answers to the same question.
What does a Jeep look like in 2026?
Key Takeaways
- Cherokee returns with a 1.6-liter turbo hybrid making 210 hp and 37 mpg combined, priced $36,995 to $45,995 with destination
- Recon EV launches with 650 hp, 620 lb-ft, dual electric motors, Trail Rated certification, $65,000 MSRP ($66,995 with destination)
- Recon is the first fully electric Trail Rated vehicle with removable doors, rear quarter glass, and swing gate glass
- Cherokee rides on STLA Large platform with 6.5 inches more wheelbase and 30% more cargo than the outgoing model
- Recon weighs 6,111 lbs with a 100-kWh battery and up to 250 miles of range
- Jeep celebrates 85 years with special editions across six models and monthly limited Wrangler releases throughout 2026
Cherokee: 500 Miles Per Tank, Not Per Charge
The last Jeep Cherokee rolled off the line at Belvidere, Illinois on February 28, 2023. The plant went idle. The nameplate with a 50-year history disappeared from showrooms. Now it returns on the STLA Large platform with a fundamentally different powertrain strategy.
The sole engine is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid, the first time this powertrain appears in North America. Two electric motors work through an electronic variable transmission with a planetary gearset. Total output reaches 210 hp and 230 lb-ft. The hybrid battery is 1.03 kWh. This is a conventional hybrid, not a plug-in. There is no electric-only range worth mentioning. The efficiency gains show up at the pump: 39 city, 35 highway, 37 combined mpg. A 13.7-gallon tank yields over 500 miles of range.
The tradeoff is acceleration. The old Cherokee V6 reached 60 mph in roughly 7.5 seconds. The new hybrid four-cylinder takes 8.7 seconds by Jeep’s own measurement. It is slower to 60 than the truck it replaces, but nearly 50 percent more fuel efficient.
Cherokee Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | 1.6L turbo four-cylinder hybrid, 2 electric motors, 1.03 kWh battery |
| Output | 210 hp / 230 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Electronic variable with planetary gearset |
| Drivetrain | Active Drive I 4×4 (standard) with rear-axle disconnect |
| Fuel Economy | 39 city / 35 hwy / 37 combined mpg (est.) |
| Range | 500+ miles per tank |
| Wheelbase | 113.0 inches (+6.5 vs. outgoing) |
| Length | 188.1 inches |
| Cargo (seats up / folded) | 33.6 / 68.1 cu ft (+30% vs. outgoing) |
| Ground Clearance | 8.0 inches |
| Towing | 3,500 lbs |
| 0-60 mph | 8.7 seconds |
Cherokee Pricing
| Trim | Price (incl. $1,995 destination) |
|---|---|
| Cherokee | $36,995 |
| Laredo | $39,995 |
| Limited | $42,495 |
| Overland | $45,995 |
Limited and Overland trims arrived in late 2025. The base Cherokee and Laredo followed in early 2026. Production is currently at Stellantis‘s Toluca Assembly Plant in Mexico, moving to the reopened Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois in 2027 as part of a $600 million Stellantis investment.
Recon EV: Trail Rated, 650 Horsepower, 6,111 Pounds
The Recon is the first fully electric vehicle to earn Jeep’s Trail Rated badge. Dual electric drive modules produce 650 hp and 620 lb-ft of instant torque through standard all-wheel drive. A 100-kWh battery delivers up to 250 miles of range. DC fast charging brings 5-to-80-percent in 28 minutes, or 100 miles in 10 minutes.
It launches as a single Moab trim at $65,000 before destination ($66,995 out the door). Stellantis calls it the only 650-hp SUV under $70,000. Additional trims are planned for future model years.
The off-road geometry reads well but sits below the Wrangler Rubicon. Approach angle is 33.8 degrees, departure 33.1, breakover 23.3. Ground clearance reaches 9.1 inches on 33-inch Nexen all-terrain tires. Water fording depth exceeds 30 inches with sealed drivetrain components. Full steel underbody shields protect the battery pack. The rear axle gets an electronic locking differential in Moab trim. Selec-Terrain offers five modes including Rock, which tailors throttle response for two-pedal driving over uneven terrain.
Recon EV Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Motors | Dual electric drive modules, 250 kW each |
| Output | 650 hp / 620 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 3.6 seconds |
| Battery | 100 kWh, 400V, NMC chemistry |
| Range | Up to 250 miles |
| DC Fast Charge (5-80%) | 28 minutes |
| Charging Port | CCS1 (adapter required for Tesla Superchargers) |
| Curb Weight | 6,111 lbs |
| Cargo (seats up / folded) | 30.3 / 65.9 cu ft |
| Ground Clearance | 9.1 inches |
| Approach / Departure / Breakover | 33.8° / 33.1° / 23.3° |
| Towing | 3,300 lbs (with Trailer Tow Group) |
| Tires | 33-inch Nexen Roadian ATX (265/70R18) |
Open-Air, Heavy Truck
The Recon borrows the Wrangler’s open-air philosophy. Doors remove without tools. Rear quarter glass and swing gate glass are removable. A dual-pane sunroof comes standard, with an optional Sky One-Touch power top. Jeep calls it the only fully electric vehicle designed with removable doors and glass. Alpine speakers are repositioned beneath the seats so audio continues working with doors off. A full-size spare bolted to the rear is rare enough in the EV world that it counts as a talking point.
Inside, a 14.5-inch horizontal touchscreen is the largest singular display in Jeep history, paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Trails Offroad app provides pitch and roll mapping for U.S. and Canadian trails. TomTom’s Dynamic Range Mapping adjusts range estimates based on terrain.
The weight demands attention.
At 6,111 pounds, the Recon is roughly a ton heavier than the previous Cherokee and more than the Wrangler Rubicon by a considerable margin. The 7,000-pound GVWR leaves approximately 889 pounds for passengers and cargo. Four adults with gear will approach that ceiling. The 3,300-pound towing capacity, while adequate for light trailers, reflects the constraints of the battery’s weight on the overall capacity budget. The CCS1 charging port, not the NACS standard most manufacturers have adopted for 2026, means Tesla Supercharger access requires an adapter.
85 Years of Jeep
Both vehicles sit within Jeep’s 85th anniversary celebration, which runs throughout 2026. Special 85th Anniversary editions span six models: Wrangler, Gladiator, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Grand Wagoneer, and Compass. The Twelve 4 Twelve campaign releases a new limited-edition Wrangler every month, starting with the HEMI-powered Moab 392.
The Cherokee and Recon are assembled at the Toluca plant in Mexico. Initial markets are the U.S. and Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2026 Jeep Cherokee a plug-in hybrid?
No. The Cherokee uses a conventional hybrid system with a 1.03-kWh battery. There is no plug and no meaningful electric-only range. The hybrid system improves fuel economy to an estimated 37 mpg combined, delivering over 500 miles per tank from the 13.7-gallon fuel tank.
How much does the 2026 Jeep Cherokee cost?
Four trims range from $36,995 (base Cherokee) to $45,995 (Overland), all including the $1,995 destination charge. All trims come standard with Active Drive I 4×4.
How much horsepower does the Jeep Recon EV have?
The Recon produces 650 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque from dual electric drive modules. It reaches 60 mph in 3.6 seconds. It launches as a single Moab trim at $65,000 MSRP ($66,995 with destination).
Is the Jeep Recon Trail Rated?
Yes. The Recon is the first fully electric vehicle to earn Jeep’s Trail Rated certification. It features 9.1 inches of ground clearance, over 30 inches of water fording depth, full underbody steel shields, an electronic locking rear differential, and five Selec-Terrain modes including Rock.
Does the Jeep Recon replace the Wrangler?
No. Jeep will sell the Recon alongside the Wrangler. The Wrangler continues with gasoline and 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrains. The Recon is a companion vehicle, not a replacement, targeting buyers who want an open-air, Trail Rated SUV in a fully electric package.
How far can the Jeep Recon go on a charge?
Up to 250 miles from the 100-kWh battery. DC fast charging restores 5-to-80-percent in 28 minutes, or 100 miles of range in 10 minutes. Real-world range will decrease on rough terrain due to the vehicle’s 6,111-pound curb weight. The Recon uses a CCS1 charging port, not NACS.
Why was the Jeep Cherokee discontinued?
The previous-generation Cherokee ended production on February 28, 2023 when Stellantis idled the Belvidere, Illinois assembly plant. Declining sales and a shift toward higher-priced models contributed. The nameplate returns after a three-year gap on the STLA Large platform. Production moves back to Belvidere in 2027 following a $600 million plant investment.
How heavy is the Jeep Recon?
The Recon weighs 6,111 pounds, approximately 1,000 pounds more than the outgoing Cherokee and significantly more than the Wrangler Rubicon. The 7,000-pound GVWR leaves roughly 889 pounds for passengers and cargo, which is a constraint for trail loading.
Sources and Additional Reading
- Stellantis Media: 2026 Jeep Recon
- Stellantis Media: 2026 Jeep Cherokee
- Jeep Official Site
Article Last Updated: April 12, 2026.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Michael Kahn is the publisher of The Weekly Driver, serving as writer, photographer, and content creator. With a keen eye for storytelling and a passion for adventure, he specializes in uncovering the stories and experiences of automobile enthusiasts. Michael’s work is inspired by his love for off-the-beaten-path road trips, global exploration, and the pursuit of exceptional culinary experiences, all captured through the lens of a world traveler and automotive enthusiast.