Not long after axeing the last generation Jeep Cherokee was axed due to slow sales, Jeep has now confirmed that the model will come back next year but it will pitch its pure ICE roots and will instead make an appearance as a hybrid as the brand and Stellantis as a whole rush to bring more hybrid models to the lineup amid delays for its EV lineup and a growing exodus of customers fleeing high prices and finding value in some of Jeep’s most heated rivals.
Little is known about Cherokee Hybrid but it would be an important sales boost to the brand
The confirmation came from Jeep CEO Antonio Filosa who revealed the Cherokee would indeed be coming back next year with hybrid power but failed to disclose any further details about what we could expect from the SUV. However, a separate report from Automotive News appears to indicate that it will appear as a mild-hybrid model which strongly suggests it will go in a distinctly different direction from the 4Xe family which is plug-in hybrid only. This could help the Cherokee hybrid be less expensive and increase the amount of customers that it can bring into showrooms versus the 4Xe family which has always been dogged by its high price tag.
The mild-hybrid would also allow Stellantis to make a tangible effort at cutting the cost of entry for its models since the Cherokee would help give green-focused shoppers a new entry-level model to explore Jeep’s hybrid technologies. This would also allow the 4Xe models to benefit as well if some of these Cherokee buyers are ready for something bigger and are willing to turn to one of those models to suit there needs.
New mild hybrid could help breathe new life into Belvidere
The new model could also help breathe new life into the shuttered Belvidere assembly plant in Illinois which was closed by Stellantis back in 2023 due to falling sales for the outgoing Cherokee. The closure has since been a source of constant friction between the company and the UAW with the union wanting the plant reopened as part of a 2023 labor agreement with the company saying it would be fully retooled by 2027. Stellantis however, recently confirmed several delays to this effort which has angered the union so much that it’s threatening to strike for breach of contract.
Putting the new Cherokee hybrid back at this plant would not only help remove a contentious flashpoint in future labor talks, but also help the plant become a vital cog in the company’s quest for electrification with the Jeep brand already committed to producing several EV models including the Wagoneer S and the smaller Jeep Recon. Both of these models are facing delays as the firm attempts to make sure they are ready to go for customers, but the appearance of the Cherokee hybrid would help buy some time and also help Jeep bring in much needed sales until the EVs are fully ready to roll out into showrooms.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.