# 2026 Jeep Cherokee Overland Tested

> 2026 Jeep Cherokee Overland delivers fuel efficiency but struggles with power and ride quality.
- Title: 2026 Jeep Cherokee Overland Tested · Car and Driver | Shortify
- Summary: 2026 Jeep Cherokee Overland delivers fuel efficiency but struggles with power and ride quality. The 2026 Jeep Cherokee Overland offers strong fuel economy…
- Keywords: jeep, cherokee, hybrid, 2026, overland, fuel economy, powertrain, ride quality, cars, Tested, Car and Driver
- Source: Car and Driver — https://caranddriver.com/reviews/a73999900/2026-jeep-cherokee-overland-test
- Published: 2026-10-12T13:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: jeep, cherokee, hybrid, 2026, overland, fuel economy, powertrain, ride quality, cars
## 2026 Jeep Cherokee Overland Tested
The Cherokee nameplate has been affixed to many different Jeeps, with the XJ generation being the most beloved and longest-lasting model from the mid-1980s to early 2000s.
## Square Design
The 2026 Cherokee features a squared-off styling that provides a serious, substantive look and improves packaging with 34 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.
## Hybrid Powertrain
The Cherokee uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder paired with two electric motors, delivering 210 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque.
## EPA Fuel Economy
EPA estimates of 39 mpg city and 35 highway are competitive with the Honda CR-V Hybrid but lag behind the Toyota RAV4 hybrid’s 46 mpg city and 39 highway.
## Weak Powertrain
The hybrid powertrain groans under acceleration and causes a slight shudder during stop-and-crawl driving, such as on the Garden State Parkway.
## Slow Acceleration
The Cherokee clocks 8.5 seconds to 60 mph and 9.3 seconds from a 5-mph rolling start, lagging behind the Honda CR-V Hybrid’s 7.1 seconds to 60 mph.
## Heavy Weight
The Cherokee weighs 4403 pounds, 466 pounds heavier than the last Forester Hybrid tested and over 500 pounds heavier than the Honda or Toyota hybrids.
## Unsettled Ride
The Cherokee bobs around over lumpy pavement, feeling softly sprung and under-damped, with minimal cabin isolation from bumps.
## Verdict
The Cherokee gives Jeep a foothold in the SUV segment with fuel economy numbers but does not threaten the XJ generation’s place as the GOAT in Cherokee history.
## Key takeaway

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee Overland offers strong fuel economy but has a weak powertrain and unsettled ride, failing to challenge the XJ generation's legacy.