New Jeep Cherokee in the Works, Could Return in 2025

Jeep has been making a lot of headlines these past few days. We’ve learned that a 4xe plug-in hybrid variant of the Gladiator, Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will launch in 2025, witnessed the debut of the all-electric Wagoneer S and been promised that another super-affordable electric SUV is coming in the near future.

But that’s not all: the Cherokee will return soon, CEO Antonio Filosa said during an interview with U.S. magazine Car and Driver. Actually, he talked about a new compact SUV and didn’t mention any name, but added that we can “probably guess what it will be called.”

• Also: Jeep Cherokee is Dead at 49, EV Successor Likely to Follow
• Also: 2023 Jeep Cherokee Returns With Just Two Models, No V6

Cherokee production ended in March 2023 after a non-continuous run of 49 years, leaving a big void in the lineup and hurting Jeep’s sales.

Filosa later specified to other media including The Drive that a few powertrain options are on the table, but no EV variant—at least “not at first.” There will be at least one gasoline engine and a plug-in hybrid unit.

He also hinted that production will start sometime in the second half of 2025, likely meaning for the 2026 model year.

One thing’s for sure: for the next-gen Jeep Cherokee to succeed, it needs to deliver higher build quality and a more refined interior than its predecessor while being extremely careful about pricing. Things got seriously out of hand in the past couple of years, with the 2023 model starting at a whopping $46,995 (MSRP). That’s no way to make a competitive case in the compact SUV segment.

Look for the new Cherokee to once again slot between the entry-level Compass and the midsized  Grand Cherokee. As previously reported, the former will soon introduce a new generation to be built in Brampton, Ontario—a Jeep first. And it will be electrified, as well.