The compact SUV segment just got a massive shake-up. After three years on the sidelines, Jeep is back with a completely redesigned Cherokee that trades old-school engines for a high-tech, hybrid-only lineup.
While Subaru is still trying to find its way out of the woods with the Forester, the all-new Cherokee is here to prove that you don't have to sacrifice modern performance for standard capability. Let's take a look, so you can see how the Cherokee and Forester differ in real-world use.
Key Takeaways:
- Jeep returns to the market with a more modern, fully redesigned Cherokee.
- Every 2026 Cherokee includes standard AWD.
- The Forester Wilderness finally gets a styling refresh and a suspension hike to over 9 inches of ground clearance.
2026 Cherokee vs. Forester: Changes and Pricing
The 2026 Cherokee is a ground-up reinvention and offers an exclusively hybrid lineup. You can find the new Cherokee in four distinct trim levels:
- Cherokee (Base): $37,590
- Laredo: $40,590
- Limited: $42,590
- Overland: $45,590
The Subaru Forester spent 2025 finding its footing, and for 2026, the all-terrain Wilderness trim finally catches up with the styling updates the rest of the family received last year. This freshened Wilderness isn't just about looks; it features a revised suspension with nine inches of ground clearance, a shorter final drive ratio, selectable Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud settings, an uprated transmission cooler to handle the heat, and larger Yokohama Geolander tires. All trims get a revised center console design.
Subaru's 2026 pricing spans a wide range:
- Base: $31,445
- Premium: $33,445
- Sport: $36,245
- Limited: $37,445
- Onyx Edition: $37,945
- Wilderness: $38,445
- Touring: $41,445
Inside the 2026 Cherokee, you'll find a sophisticated horizontal dash accented with slender chrome vents and a standard 10.3-inch digital instrument display. The real conversation starter, however, is the new octagonal steering wheel, which makes the Cherokee feel like specialized machinery rather than just another family hauler.
The Forester's redesigned center console features a smartphone slot ahead of larger front cupholders, along with a bigger center armrest and storage box. The rear cupholders are now large enough to accommodate a 32-ounce bottle. Tech-wise, most Foresters get an 11.6-inch vertical screen, while the base model makes do with a dual 7.0-inch setup.
Interiors and Tech
| 2026 Jeep Cherokee |
2026 Subaru Forester |
| Horizontal dash with chrome accents |
Redesigned center console with more storage |
| Unique octagonal steering wheel design |
Larger rear cupholders |
| 10.3-inch digital cluster |
11.6-inch vertical screen or dual 7.0-inch displays |
What Engines Are Found in the 2026 Jeep Cherokee?
For the first time in its history, the Cherokee is strictly a hybrid. It combines a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to deliver 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque through a CVT. With standard AWD, the Cherokee provides a confident drive right off the line.
The Forester relies on its 2.5-liter flat-four engine, which sends a relatively meek 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque through its own CVT. The Forester's current output might leave you wanting more, forcing you to wait for a future hybrid model that hasn't arrived yet.
Should I Buy the 2026 Jeep Cherokee or the 2026 Subaru Forester?
The Subaru Forester is a fine choice if you need a specific spot for your water bottle, but the 2026 Jeep Cherokee is the superior machine for those who want a modern, powerful, and truly capable SUV. With its hybrid efficiency and sophisticated interior, the Cherokee hasn't just returned--it's reclaimed the lead. If you want to find the perfect 2026 Jeep Cherokee for yourself, be sure to come to Coleman Motors today!