Thanks to Doug Smith Auto in Spanish Fork, we had the chance to use the Cherokee in exactly the way most owners will — commuting to work, running errands, driving around town and seeing how it fit into our life around Utah Valley. Those everyday drives often tell us more about a vehicle than any specially planned route ever could.

One thing that stood out immediately was how much emphasis Jeep appears to have placed on efficiency without giving up the utility and confidence people expect from the brand.

Finished in Bright White, our Cherokee looked crisp and modern while still carrying familiar Jeep styling cues. The upright front end, bold grille design and squared proportions gave it a confident appearance without trying too hard to stand out.

The Cherokee seemed to be the perfect size for today’s market. Large enough to comfortably carry passengers and cargo, yet compact enough to easily maneuver through parking lots and city streets, it found a nice balance throughout our time with it.

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The biggest story with the 2026 Cherokee however, is under the hood.

Jeep has introduced a new hybrid system that brings remarkable fuel economy to the lineup, with an estimated 37 miles per gallon combined. That number immediately caught our attention because efficiency and Jeep have not traditionally been words that go together.

After spending time behind the wheel, it became clear that the hybrid system is not there simply to boost fuel economy — it changes the entire personality of the Cherokee. Around town the vehicle felt smooth and responsive. Acceleration from stoplights came easily, and the power delivery remained predictable and refined during daily driving.

Whether heading to work, making stops around town or picking up supplies, the Cherokee always felt comfortable and easy to drive.

One of Craig’s errands during our time with the Jeep included a drive over to Springville to check out the new McWayne Amphitheater. That route included neighborhood streets, busier roads and enough changes in elevation to get a feel for how the Cherokee behaved in different situations.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

The hybrid system never felt like it was working hard. Instead, everything seemed seamless. The Cherokee moved quietly through traffic and remained composed whether accelerating onto a busier road or cruising through town.

The cabin also deserves attention. Inside, Jeep has modernized the Cherokee while keeping controls straightforward and user-friendly. The dashboard layout was clean and uncluttered, allowing everything to feel accessible without requiring drivers to hunt through endless menus.

The infotainment screen was easy to navigate and paired quickly with smartphones, making it simple to jump between navigation, music and calls during the day.

Front seats offered good support, especially during repeated short trips where comfort becomes noticeable over time. Rear seat space felt generous enough for adults, and the cargo area handled everything we asked of it over our couple of days with the vehicle.

Groceries, work items and a few unexpected errands all fit comfortably without requiring any creative loading. Ride quality also impressed us.

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Utah roads can quickly expose a suspension that is either too firm or too soft, but the Cherokee struck a comfortable middle ground. It absorbed rough pavement well and stayed composed over uneven surfaces. The standard four-wheel-drive system adds confidence as well.

While our time with the Cherokee did not include mountain trails or challenging weather, knowing the capability is available gives the vehicle broader appeal for Utah drivers.

Steering remained light enough for parking lots and neighborhoods but still felt controlled at higher speeds. During our drives, visibility out of the vehicle was excellent, something that continues to matter more than many drivers realize until they spend time in a vehicle that gets it wrong.

Fuel economy remained the most surprising part of the experience. While our review period was shorter than our usual full-week tests, it was easy to appreciate how little attention we paid to the fuel gauge. The Cherokee simply went about its business efficiently, and did show a 37.5 miles per gallon number.

That may ultimately be one of its greatest strengths.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

Unlike some vehicles that require changing habits or learning new systems, the Cherokee felt approachable immediately. There was no adjustment period–just get in and drive. That simplicity may end up being exactly what buyers appreciate most.

For years Jeep has focused on capability and adventure, and those qualities remain part of the Cherokee’s personality. What feels new is the added attention to everyday comfort and efficiency.

After a couple of days with the 2026 Jeep Cherokee Laredo 4×4, we came away impressed by how balanced the experience felt. It delivered the confidence expected from a Jeep while introducing fuel economy numbers that make daily driving easier on the wallet.

For commuters, families and anyone looking for utility without sacrificing efficiency, the return of the Cherokee appears to be a welcome addition to the Jeep lineup.

Base price: $38,000

Destination charge: $1,995

Price as driven: $39,995