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New Cherokee near - but perhaps not close
Richard Bosselman
June 26, 2025
The return of this famous nameplate is big news, but perhaps only for North America.
WHETHER New Zealand remains a destination for one of Jeep’s most important models, the Cherokee, remains a mystery, but perhaps not for much longer.
America’s most famous off-road brand has even busy readying the replacement for this model, which while historically a strong selling full-size sports utility in the United States has been absent from America for several years and is now on runout here.
Speculation already is that the new generation might be kept purely Stateside; media in Britain recently reported that their understanding it is currently planned as a US-only model. So not even available for international left hand drive. With that in mind, a right hand drive programme seems very unlikely.
Jeep has been making major changes in respect to its model provisions for this part of the world, with announcement in March via Australia that production of the five-seat Grand Cherokee and seven-seat Grand Cherokee L – built in the US – has ended for all right-hand-drive market.
The Cherokee and Grand Cherokee were core models here since the 1990s, though their presence has significantly waned since a boom period when the make was so highly dominant it ran annual Jeep jamborees.
The make having dropped diesel engines was a big issue for local supporters.
The current, fifth-generation 'WL' Grand Cherokee is purely petrol and has attracted minimal buy-in. A handful are thought be left in stock.
With Grand Cherokee leaving the local trail, and Wrangler and Gladiator very much a niche product now, Kiwi Jeep fans can still buy into Avenger and Renegade, but both models are very trail-lite by brand standards.
National distributor Ateco has shared no comment on the situation.
Cherokee in next-gen form would logically become a highly important product if Jeep is to maintain a discernible presence here.
The make’s sneak peek process for the 2026 model that returns the famous nameplate to sale for a sixth generation includes release this week of an image revealing the rear three quarter. It follows two others also published today.
The new model features a reimagined seven-slot grille, sleek front end, and slim LED headlights, all to lend a much-needed modern feel.
Media in North America have been told by Jeep parent Stellantis that what is being called a 2026 model will avail in a traditional two-row seating configuration, but in addition to that will come a three-row L.
Now debate is about the drivetrain selection. The model being built on Stellantis’ STLA Large platform enables it to take more than fully internal combustion powertrains. It is also ready for hybrid, which Jeep brands as 4xe, and even full electric.
There’s debate about whether a completely battery edition of Cherokee is likely, even though Jeep’s first electric SUV, the Wagoneer S, is underpinned by the same platform, which enables a range of around 480 kilometres.
Jeep definitely sees electric as a necessity. Later this year, it will launch the Recon EV, an electric SUV inspired by the Wrangler.
Full details about Cherokee will be out before the end of this year.
