You WON'T BELIEVE the FUEL ECONOMY - 2026 Jeep Cherokee Review

TL;DR

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee hybrid achieves under 6L/100km real-world fuel economy, beating its 6.4L rated combined figure, but is hampered by a terrible steering wheel and high trim pricing.

Key Points

• 1.The 2026 Cherokee's fuel economy genuinely surprises. Real-world consumption came in around 5.5L/100km, beating the official 6.4L/100km combined rating — a major selling point given current gas prices.
• 2.Every trim gets a standard hybrid AWD powertrain. The 1.6L turbo four-cylinder hybrid produces 210hp and 230 lb-ft of torque with an eCVT, starting at $39,995 CAD — undercutting rivals like the RAV4 and CRV that charge extra for hybrid or AWD.
• 3.The steering wheel is a deal-breaker for both reviewers. Described as thick, octagonal ('squircle'), and uncomfortable at normal hand positions, it's bad enough that one reviewer said they'd refuse to buy the car solely because of it.
• 4.Interior quality and features disappoint for the price. The tested Limited trim costs $57,975 CAD yet lacks a 360 camera, folding mirrors, up/down lumbar adjustment, and has a laggy gauge cluster, hidden volume knob, and capacitive climate controls instead of hard buttons.
• 5.The drivetrain feels more refined than expected for a CVT hybrid. Brake pedal feel is natural, start-stop is unobtrusive, and city driving is smooth — reviewers praised it as better-tuned than the Grand Cherokee's four-cylinder.
• 6.Quirky design details add frustration throughout. Electronic hidden door handles are slow to respond, the interior release requires an awkward wrist motion, the rear seat panel is missing a pre-tensioner cover, and the emergency hybrid cut wire is buried in the trunk.