We had the Cherokee for a full week of our everyday driving, commuting to work, running errands and taking care of all the little trips that make up our busy empty nester schedule. By the time we handed the keys back, we had traveled more than 500 miles and had a pretty good understanding of what this new hybrid Jeep brings to the table.

Perhaps the most impressive number of the week was the one staring back at us from the fuel economy display: 39.7 mpg. Yes, you read that correctly. We averaged better than 39 mpg over our test drive, and the Cherokee also showed a driving range of more than 500 miles on the full tank of fuel it arrived with. Those are numbers that make a pretty convincing argument for the new hybrid powertrain.

We spent some time with the 2026 Cherokee back in June, when the redesigned model first caught our attention. For 2027, Jeep has continued with the new direction for the Cherokee, adding another interesting chapter to the lineup with the return of the Trailhawk. It is a welcome addition for those who want their everyday SUV to have a little more adventure built into its personality.

A familiar name with a fresh look

The Cherokee name has been part of the Jeep family for decades, and the latest generation does a nice job of carrying that heritage forward while looking decidedly more modern.

Courtesy photo

The styling is upright and squared off, giving the Cherokee a more traditional Jeep appearance. The familiar seven-slot grille sits proudly between the modern LED lighting, while the sculpted hood, pronounced wheel openings and strong body lines give it a substantial look without making it feel oversized.

Our Bright White Laredo Altitude was especially attractive. The white paint provided a nice contrast to the darker exterior accents that distinguish the Altitude treatment. The combination gave the Cherokee a slightly sportier appearance than a traditional entry-level SUV.

The overall proportions are well balanced, and the Cherokee looks equally comfortable pulling into the office parking lot or heading out for a weekend drive.

For 2027, the Altitude models bring additional darkened exterior details to the Cherokee family, including gloss-black wheels and black exterior accents. It is a subtle change, but one that gives the vehicle a little more personality.

A hybrid that doesn’t need a plug

The real story of the Cherokee, however, is under the hood.

Craig Conover, Daily Herald

Jeep has paired a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motor assistance to produce a combined 210 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque. Power is delivered through a continuously variable automatic transmission, with Jeep’s Active Drive I four-wheel-drive system providing additional confidence when road conditions change.

This is a conventional self-charging hybrid, meaning there is no need to plug the Cherokee in at home or search for a charging station while traveling. The system manages the gasoline engine and electric assistance automatically, using regenerative braking to help recharge the battery as the vehicle slows.

During our week, the transition between electric assistance and gasoline power was generally seamless. Around town, the system did a nice job of managing power, particularly during slower driving and stop-and-go traffic.

When accelerating onto the freeway or getting up to speed, the gasoline engine joins in to provide the additional power needed. The Cherokee isn’t intended to be a performance SUV, but there is enough power for normal driving, merging and passing.

What really impressed us was how the hybrid system performed over the course of our entire week.

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Jeep advertises up to 39 mpg in city driving, 35 mpg on the highway and 37 mpg combined for the standard Cherokee hybrid models. We weren’t just taking a short drive around the neighborhood to see what the computer would display. We put more than 500 miles on the vehicle, using it for our regular commuting, errands and everyday transportation.

When the week was over, our average was 39.7 mpg.

That is an impressive result, particularly when you consider that we weren’t changing our driving habits to achieve it. We simply drove the Cherokee as we would any other vehicle.

The other number worth mentioning was the estimated range. With the tank full when it arrived, the Cherokee displayed more than 500 miles of available driving range. That is a welcome feature for anyone who spends time traveling.

New adventures for 2027

While the Laredo Altitude was our test vehicle, one of the biggest pieces of news for the 2027 Cherokee lineup is the return of the Trailhawk.

The Trailhawk name has always represented the more adventurous side of Jeep, and its addition gives Cherokee shoppers a much more capable option when the pavement ends.

The new Trailhawk comes equipped with Jeep Active Drive II four-wheel drive, an electronically locking rear axle and a two-speed power transfer unit with low range. It also receives a one-inch suspension lift, bringing ground clearance to nine inches.

Jeep has added steel skid plates to protect important underbody components, including the front axle, wiring and fuel tank, along with protection for the hybrid battery. Red tow hooks, unique front and rear fascia’s, all-terrain tires and Trailhawk-specific styling complete the package.

Those features should make the Trailhawk especially appealing to Utah drivers. We have plenty of opportunities to leave the pavement behind, whether heading toward the mountains, exploring the desert or taking a weekend trip to Southern Utah.

It is worth noting that the Trailhawk trades some efficiency for its added capability, with Jeep estimating 31 mpg combined. That is still respectable for an SUV with this level of off-road equipment.

Comfortable and practical inside

Inside, the Cherokee continues to offer a comfortable and thoughtfully arranged cabin.

The dashboard has a modern appearance, with a 10.25-inch digital instrument display in front of the driver and a large 12.3-inch central touchscreen for entertainment, navigation and vehicle information.

The layout is straightforward, and we appreciated that the important driving information was easy to find without having to spend too much time navigating menus.

The front seating position is comfortable, with a good view of the road ahead. There is plenty of room for the driver and front passenger, and the second row provides useful space for family members or friends.

The Cherokee is a five-passenger SUV, and the rear seating area makes good use of the available space. Whether transporting grandchildren, carrying groceries or simply making the daily commute, it offers the versatility most families expect from this size of vehicle.

Cargo space is another strong point. The rear storage area is useful for shopping bags, luggage and the assorted items that seem to accumulate during a busy week. Folding the rear seats opens up additional room for larger items.

Our final thoughts

The 2026 Cherokee made a good first impression when we drove it earlier this year, and the 2027 model continues to build on that foundation.

The addition of the Trailhawk gives the lineup a more adventurous option, while the Altitude treatment adds a little extra style for those who prefer a more urban appearance.

But the highlight of our week was undoubtedly the hybrid powertrain. More than 500 miles of everyday driving, an average of 39.7 mpg and a displayed range of more than 500 miles on a tank of fuel are impressive accomplishments.

Jeep has managed to give the Cherokee the traditional SUV personality buyers expect from the brand while adding the efficiency that today’s drivers are looking for.

Base price: $38,625

Destination charge: $1,995

Price as driven: $40,520