New Jeep Cherokee Struggles Off-Road, Lacks Jeep DNA

New Jeep Cherokee Falls Short of Off-Road Expectations

The all-new 2026 Jeep Cherokee has arrived, aiming to live up to its legendary name. However, our tests reveal that this new model struggles to deliver the off-road prowess expected from a Jeep, especially when compared to its peers. While it offers a comfortable interior and impressive fuel economy, its performance in challenging conditions raises serious questions about its capability.

Cherokee’s All-Wheel Drive System Tested

We put the 2026 Jeep Cherokee through our demanding TFL Slip Test, designed to see how its all-wheel-drive system handles challenging situations. The test involves intentionally getting wheels stuck on rollers to measure how the vehicle uses its power to get unstuck. We started with the front-wheel slip test, where the Cherokee initially used its hybrid system before the gas engine kicked in to help it move. This was a decent start, showing some capability.

Diagonal Slip Test Woes

The diagonal slip test, where one front and one rear wheel are stuck, proved more difficult. In the standard ‘auto’ mode, the Cherokee’s wheels spun excessively, and the engine revved incredibly high without moving the vehicle. Even switching to ‘snow’ mode didn’t help. It wasn’t until we engaged the ‘sand and mud’ mode that the Cherokee finally got unstuck, but it required significant effort and high RPMs, which is unusual for this type of test. The ECVT transmission seemed to struggle, delivering power in an unpredictable way.

Three-Wheel and Extreme Tests

The three-wheel slip test, where three wheels are stuck, presented another challenge. In ‘auto’ mode, the Cherokee’s engine screamed, but it didn’t move. Engaging the ‘low gear’ button, which doesn’t offer a traditional low range like older Jeeps, also failed to help. However, the ‘sand and mud’ mode eventually got the Cherokee moving by sending significant torque to the front wheel on the ground. The most extreme test, with only one wheel on the ground, also saw the Cherokee struggle in ‘auto’ mode. It only managed to get through when placed in ‘sand and mud’ mode, requiring a lot of wheel spin and momentum. This performance was surprisingly worse than some competitors not designed for off-roading.

Under the Hood and Underneath

The 2026 Cherokee features a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an ECVT, producing a combined system output of 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. Unlike traditional Jeeps, it uses a transverse-mounted engine and has a mechanical connection to the rear axle via a drive shaft. Underneath, the vehicle has a multi-link rear suspension, which is good, but it lacks protective skid plates, even under the engine and radiator. These felt materials are unlikely to survive off-road use. It also has a small 1-kilowatt-hour battery for its hybrid system, but no plug-in capability. The exposed fuel tank is also a concern for off-road durability.

Interior Comfort Meets Quirks

Inside, the Limited trim, priced around $44,000, offers comfortable leather seats and nice bronze stitching accents. Most touchpoints feel soft and of good quality. However, the steering wheel is massive and has flat edges, which might not appeal to everyone. The dashboard material looks good, but some lower sections appear cheap. A notable flaw is a visible gap between the dashboard and windshield, revealing foam, which looks unfinished. The panoramic sunroof is a plus, offering a large opening. The 12.3-inch touchscreen uses the Uconnect 5 system, which is responsive. However, some touch-sensitive climate controls are finicky, though thankfully, physical buttons for lane keep assist, traction control, and parking sensors are present. The drive mode selector is intuitive, and there’s a rough road cruise control feature to test.

Cabin Space and Visibility

The interior feels a bit like a cave, with a high beltline and small windows that reduce outward visibility. The hood also seems quite high, obstructing the view forward. Despite this, rear-seat legroom and headroom are excellent, making it a comfortable place for passengers. Cargo space is generous, and the rear seats fold flat for added utility. However, there is no spare tire, only an inflation kit, which is a significant omission for a Jeep.

Fuel Economy Shines

On the positive side, the Cherokee boasts impressive fuel economy, rated at 37 MPG combined, 39 MPG city, and 35 MPG highway. This is thanks to its all-season tires, which are geared more towards efficiency than off-road grip.

Off-Road Performance: A Major Disappointment

When taken off-road, the Cherokee’s limitations become clear. With only 8 inches of ground clearance, it struggled on a log course, scraping the front end. While it managed to get through, it wasn’t without issue. The trenches course proved to be a major hurdle. In ‘auto’ mode, the Cherokee got stuck, with the engine revving high but delivering little usable power. Even in ‘sand and mud’ mode, it required significant momentum and effort to get through, lurching and struggling. The ‘low gear’ button and ‘rough road cruise control’ also failed to provide the necessary low-speed torque. Astonishingly, a Volkswagen Taos managed the same course with less difficulty. A direct comparison with a Lexus NX 350H, a vehicle not designed for off-roading, showed the NX performing better on the same course, highlighting the Cherokee’s significant shortcomings.

Verdict: Lacks Jeep DNA

The 2026 Jeep Cherokee offers a comfortable and spacious interior, excellent fuel economy, and modern technology. However, its off-road performance is a major letdown, failing to live up to the Jeep brand’s adventurous reputation. The ECVT transmission’s behavior in low-speed, high-torque situations is particularly concerning. While a potential Trailhawk model with a low range and rear locker could redeem the nameplate, this standard Cherokee falls short. For buyers seeking true adventure capability, other options in this highly competitive segment, or even other models from Jeep’s own lineup, might be a better choice. This Cherokee seems more suited for comfortable daily driving than conquering trails.

Source: Is the 2026 Jeep Cherokee Worthy of the Legendary Name? | TFL Slip Test and Off-Road (YouTube)