We have the first photos of the new 2026 Jeep Cherokee, and while I’m in a heated debate with my colleagues about how XJ-ish or not-XJ-ish it looks, what probably matters more to consumers is pricing and the powertrain. The latter will not be a 4.0-liter inline-six, and — I can’t believe I’m going to say this — that’s actually a good thing.
Please forgive any typos going forward, as I’m still shaking off being struck by a lightning bolt thrown by the Jeep gods. You see, in the Jeep world, one doesn’t disparage the Jeep 4.0 straight six, one may only say the following about the hallowed AMC motor: “It’s bulletproof.”
But times have changed since that engine’s 1987 debut, and the world is clamoring for affordable hybrids (2024 Is The Year of the Hybrid). So I’m pleased to say the 2026 Jeep Cherokee is, per Jeep’s press release, offering exactly that. Here’s what the brand has to say about its new machine:
Reimagined from the ground up, the next-generation Jeep Cherokee will redefine North America’s most popular vehicle segment, bringing midsize SUV customers a new, efficient and powerful hybrid propulsion option from Jeep.
“The all-new Jeep Cherokee headlines our efforts to deliver more product, innovation, choice and standard content to customers than ever before,” said Bob Broderdorf, Jeep CEO. “Jeep Cherokee will boast competitive pricing that strikes at the core of the largest vehicle segment and sits perfectly between Jeep Compass and Jeep Grand Cherokee to bolster our winning mainstream lineup.”
That’s the important part of the press release, but in classic Autopian fashion, we managed to get caught up on the part that really doesn’t matter. This bit:
The new Jeep Cherokee respectfully honors its rich history with an innovative eye toward the future as the Jeep brand continues to meet the needs of every driver and every journey. The all-new Jeep Cherokee hybrid joins the brand’s mission to empower customers with freedom to adventure their way, as Jeep offers an entire lineup of vehicles that span industry-leading ICE propulsion systems, plug-in, hybrid and all-electric offerings, all with unmatched Jeep capability and innovation.
And then there was this picture:
Really, it was all the photos and my colleague Matt that got us off track. Matt was originally planning to write the article you’re now reading, but with the following headline options:
- The New Jeep Cherokee Finally Looks Like The Cherokee We All Miss
- The XJ Reborn?
Naturally, I stepped in.
There is no chance that on my (our) website we’re going to write that this looks like the beloved XJ, and we’re for sure not going to call it the “XJ reborn”! This reminds me of that BS Jalopnik article from 2013 when the Jeep Cherokee KL debuted. The article was titled “Six Ways The 2014 Jeep Cherokee Is Better Than The XJ“; I remember thinking that article was bunk, and I’m pretty sure I wrote a really long comment disproving its thesis, though that comment may now be gone?
That article was written by [checks link]… Matt Hardigree! What the heck!?
Anyway, Matt’s pattern of XJ-disrespect ends now. The 2026 Jeep Cherokee doesn’t really look like an XJ. It looks good! But it’s not a “reborn XJ,” and you know what? That’s a good thing.
First, I’ll note that you cannot be a “reborn XJ” without the following:
- A boxy profile. This is, more than anything, what defined the XJ.
- Square headlights
- Solid axles. Cheap lift-ability and articulation/durability is what built the XJ’s reputation among off-roaders.
- A light curb weight
- Small dimensions
- A torquey, simple motor
- Extreme reliability
- Horrible fuel economy
I can’t say anything about the new Cherokee’s reliability, and we don’t know its dimensions/weight yet but I can tell you they will almost certainly be larger than the XJ’s. What’s most important, and the main reason I have “Maybe That’s A Good Thing” on the end of my headline is that last point. The Jeep Cherokee XJ got terrible fuel economy. And I know, XJ diehards like myself will sometimes say things like “My five-speed got 21 MPG on the highway once!”
But let’s be honest — that’s pathetic.
This new Jeep Cherokee looks far too sleek and aerodynamic to really feel like a true XJ “reborn,” but that’s good, and with a hybrid powertrain, I am certain it will wipe the floor with the XJ’s fuel efficiency. And I bet there will be some decent off-road capability to go along with it!
That’s the thing about the rather hideous outgoing Jeep Cherokee KL: No, it didn’t have the Jeep XJ’s looks or its geometry or its solid axles, but it had a great traction control system that made the XJ’s open differential look downright pathetic in certain situations.
An experienced off-roader can oftentimes get by with momentum, but for the layperson, in many situations, the KL — and probably this new Cherokee — will see more capable simply because it can put power to the ground.
I’m hoping the new vehicle gets a locker like the outgoing Cherokee, and I’m looking forward to taking it off-road and not having to empty my bank account to do so.
It won’t be the old XJ, but that’s a good thing. Trying to chase something as legendary as the old XJ isn’t the move in 2025. Hybrid is the move.
Plus, Jeep already makes the old XJ: It’s called the Jeep Wrangler four-door.
[Ed note: I dunno, looks like an XJ to me. Upright grille, forward-angled d-pillar, long hood. – MH]
I’m with Matt… this could be The Bishop’s rendition of an updated XJ. So… close enough for me.
Well first let’s remember a block of cement is bulletproof. And if you need a bulletproof block of cement it is a excellent choice. It is also a horrible choice for a table. Wow it is an excellent adjective it doesn’t consider the actual performance objectives of a motor.
“Jeep Cherokee will boast competitive pricing that strikes at the core of the largest vehicle segment”
Gross. You are reviving an icon and your opening statement is “we made something to fit a market segment and its going to be cheap.” Super gross.
You know they’re currently asking like $38k USD for the current, completely awful one right?
C’mon Tracy, you’re married with a family now. Isn’t time you stopped pining for your old X’s?
Are you kidding? Now is the time to escalate the pining for X’s.
At least he’s not pining for the Fords.
If Stellantis can get their reliability up, this will be a hit. Unfortunately that’s been their kryptonite for at least a decade now
SIX decades really! I mean sure they have a few decently reliable things here n there but overall… yeesh
Frankly except for Asian manufacturers, and even Toyota recalled almost hal a million no manufacturers are building reliable cars nowadays.
My XJ was my favorite vehicle that I’ve ever owned and it may be good that it was stolen from me because I would have never been able to let it go on my own. It was comfy, capable, and reliable(ish). The A/C still worked. I daily drove it when the weather sucked (and sometimes when the weather was great) which was kind of a dumb and inefficient idea. It averaged 13 MPG. It was small compared to most modern trucks and SUVs and if I was crashed into by one of those it may have been a bad outcome for me. It generally ran well, but it was 25 years old and inevitably had 25 year old car problems. It was starting to rust. It was time to move on, and I’ve come to accept it. Same thing applies with the new versions of cars I love (looking at you 3 Series). I don’t always love the changes, but they will change no matter what. Look forward to seeing this new Jeep in person.
When will Stilantis rise above “Ambitious but Rubbish”?
It’s a shame really. If they even had Ford levels of reliability, I think they’d be pretty successful
The bar is low lol
When will Nissan rise again to “Ambitious but Adequate”?
They need to have a go at the “ambitious” part first.
Heirs to the AMC legacy.
Edit: Um… apparently these Cherokees might have Stellantis’s eDCT as the hybrid powertrain. I hope it works… but DCTs have not been:
a) Reliable
b) Good for off road vehicles.
I like the design overall. And I completely agree with the assessment in this article.
It doesn’t need to be a reborn XJ, it just needs to be better than the KL. The biggest improvement needs to be on reliability. I was briefly considering a KL cherokee, but read enough about PTU’s blowing up, electrical issues, some engine issues, etc.. and said nah.
When the Trailhawk KL’s work, they do seem to have impressive capabilities offroad.
In terms of looks, this new Cherokee looks vastly better to me. Hopefully they offer in some reasonably priced not-overloaded-with-shit trim levels.
I legit thought this would be about how it’s time to move on from the name. Call it the Scrambler, call it the Liberty, heck, even call it the Renegade, just call it something other than Cherokee.
Jeep Intermediate-Sized Crossover Utility Vehicle could work
JISCUV would be far from the worst name in the Stellantis stable
How about Apache? 🙂
How about Lakota?
How about something that isn’t a native american name.
They would, but then they can’t say “most awarded SUV in history” or whatever
Presenting the new Jeep Football Team!
If they’d gone for a more flowing, carlike design then they could revive Eagle.
What about the GP by Jeep?
Did the same David Tracy who received death threats for disparaging the AMC V8 just throw shade at the Jeep 4.0?
No. It’s a fantastic engine, but it guzzles.
It’s the last sentence that really gets to the point,
[Note to DT: Didn’t they do away with the “unlimited” name 3 years ago?]
To me, it’s the front and rear solid axels and the straight-6 that makes an XJ and XJ. But the 4-door Wrangler has, 4 doors (duh), solid axels, a great differential setup, a decent engine and the requisite “Jeep” boxy shape. They’re never going to replicate the XJ Cherokee because they already did!
Good point on the Unlimited name.
We knew what you meant.
All Jeeps should have solid front and rear axles, that ain’t no Jeep.
This kind of thinking is part of the reason why jeep is circling the toilet while hyundai/Kia is printing money selling tellurides and Toyota selling RAV4s.
Jeep needs a solid CUV that gets good gas mileage and is reasonably affordable.
The wrangler isn’t going anywhere – folks that want an offroader will always be able to buy a wrangler.
The wrangler was once the entry priced jeep and if you had the money you bought a cherokee or even more money a grand cherokee. Jeep need something like a wrangler but cheaper. If I wanted to replace my 12 year old JKU with a new one optioned the same it would be 42% more money and have smaller tires and taller gears.
I agree but I do think it probably needs to be more adventure car truckish. Smaller and cheaper – think modern Geo Tracker or Suzuki Samurai with a small electric or hybrid and a top or t-top/targa top that comes off.
Slap a jeep badge in the new Jimny. Give it the hybrid powertrain even. Wish Toyota /Mitsu would do that I’d be all over it, call it the Pajero.
I don’t disagree that Wrangler pricing is a bit crazy now, but the old Wranglers were only entry priced because they started as about as bare bones of a vehicle as you could get for the time. The most basic entry level YJ didn’t even come with a backseat or A/C. Jeep did offer a pretty basic (for 2024) entry level JL and JT, with manual locks/windows, but I don’t think it sold much, to the point that for 2025 everything is power windows/locks now.
What equivalent JLU has smaller tires than what your JKU came with though? My JKUR is coming up on 10 years old, and I’ll probably end up keeping it forever at this point. Or at least as long as I can keep the 3.6L alive.
I looked at the sport S my 2012 sport S came with 255/75/17 and 3.73 (I still have the window sticker) the new sport s comes with 245/75/17 and 3.45 gears. I still have the optional life time bumper to bumper warranty so I will keep mine for as long as I can. (rust will kill it eventually)
I’m all for old school mechanics if it has old school pricing. Why the Wrangler costs that much and still has atrocious reliability is mind boggling.
nobody wants death wobbles trying to get their starbucks. this isn’t it.
I mean you’re not wrong that 95% of people in 4 door wranglers should just buy a CUV. If your not offroad 5+ times a year minimum and your not towing theres no reason an AWD CUV can’t handle the occasionally gravel backroad or snowstorm.
Can it be flat-towed though?
Probably – most Jeep models, at least the 4x4s – there are 2WD trims – have a way to put the transfer case into neutral.
“It’s a rather expensive lesson” to learn
Crazy that people buy houses and cars and don’t read any kind of manuals for them.
Your house came with a manual?? they weren’t big on that when my place in Maine was built 200 years ago. 🙂 Or my place in FL 40 years ago, evidently.
But I do keep and read the manuals for all of my appliances, and typically have read the owner’s manual cover-to-cover before taking delivery of a car. They are all online these days, and have been right back to my ’02 Golf TDI.
I mean, the house itself will talk to you. Basically says: “There be dragons here. Everything since 1890 has been half-assed.”
BUT – you have to read up on home maintenance and repair, anyway.
You got that right. There are MANY horrors hidden in my house in Maine. But it’s lasted nearly 250 years all-together, so how bad can it be? Don’t answer that…
My house here in Florida is interesting though. It was built by the developer of my neighborhood for himself in 1985. He lived in it during the build out, then sold it. It’s tiny, only about half the size of any of the other houses, at 770sq/ft. It has ALL the extra reinforcing things that weren’t required by code for hurricanes until much, much later. And it’s absolutely dead level, plumb and true. When the BIG ONE rolled over this area in 2004, it was the only house in the neighborhood that the roof stayed on.
Funny how the boss’s house got built to a FAR higher standard than the rest of them.
I actually just got the permits for my new house next door today after a 9mo struggle with the county (and some marginally competent engineers). 1400sq/ft with a 1000sq/ft garage. Steel SIPs construction. Going to be an expensive adventure – but I did get to tour a couple of the builder’s otehr projects and was impressed. Hoping to keep the current one as a rental. Also hoping Trump doesn’t completely screw me. Sigh.
Not surprising at all. The developer knew it costs very little during construction to make a much better product. On the other hand most homebuyers don’t care about anything behind the drywall and don’t want to pay for better construction. They love the stone countertops put don’t care that the house is anchored to the foundation with the minimum number of fasteners allowed by law. (I was amazed how many new homes were still doing the bare minimum on anchors 2 years after and tornado ravaged my city. Doing it right would add a couple hundred bucks)
When we had our first house built I got so tired of the contractor talking about code. I finally said “do you know code is simple the minimum allowed by law? I want better than the bare minimum”. We ended up adding about 5% to the cost doing it better. We also got none of that extra back when we sold it because buyers don’t care.
People complain about many things in Florida, but our building codes and inspections are pretty legit (at least in my county) – TODAY. Back in the 80s, not-so-much… No cardboard construction here – of course, my new house here is going to cost AT LEAST 30% more than an equivalent house in Maine, despite not needing a basement or real heating system. And it would be even more if I was doing the more usual concrete block construction.
But I agree, people have the wrong priorities. My builder was amazed that I had NO interest in shiny countertops (IKEA laminate for the win) but wanted to spend a small fortune extra on mechanical/electrical stuff (and a 1000sq/ft garage on a 1400sq/ft house). $12K+ for ugly, cold rock on the counters baffles me, but I have no SWMBO needing to impress her girlfriends.
I would just like something that’s not balloon framed with proper insulation and HVAC.
Very much over old houses in a similar way that (certain) new cars deliver a much better, more joyful experience than most of the old stuff.
I’m with David here, Matt. This thing looks like an XJ the same way RoboCop looked like Alex Murphy: Murphy’s mostly dead face stretched awkwardly over a high-tech skull on a totally different, more technologically advanced body.
Yeah, RoboCop could do more than Alex Murphy could (except that Alex could sit in a Ford Taurus with his pants on and RoboCop could not, but that’s another story), but, alas, much of Alex’s soul was gone and his memories darn near erased.
Enthusiasts always get hung up on what a car means to them in the current day, usually years after a car leaves production. Pretty much all an OEM cares about when they design a car is the first owner. And those people weren’t cruising NAXJA to ask which lunchbox locker is best.
When the XJ debuted, it was basically the first crossover – a (relatively, for the time, and compared to the SJ Cherokee) fuel efficient, comfortable, all weather and all terrain traction lifted wagon. The reason no new crossover will measure up to the off road chops of the XJ is that times have changed and the best, cheapest way to get all road traction is no longer borrowing the drivetrain of a Wrangler.
Every Jeep Cherokee since the XJ has always been about targeting that suburban owner that wants an all weather, all road crossover. The XJ Cherokee, KJ Liberty/Cherokee, KL Cherokee, and now this new one. They just follow the best recipe of the day to get there.
…I agree to a point. They are also captive to whatever’s in the parts bin of the OEM at the time.
It just needs to land around 30k and get 35ish+ MPG highway. If they can hit those numbers they can eat some marketshare IMO.
I think Stellantis needs to extend their warranties, again (like what happened with FCA). 50k will get people in the door.
They have two options IMO – extend the warranty or discount the price vs competitors.
In this economy I think if you want to juice the sales an upfront discount of say 5-7k under a RAV4 or CRV is what will move volume.
I doubt it’ll hit either of your numbers.
I agree, I assume most of the same leaders short of Tavares are in the same seats. Heck even Ford took a surefire winner in the Maverick and raised the price out of the winners circle. It’s just what MBAs do.
Watching Stellantis launch another model is like watching a .010 hitter step to the plate. Any hope comes from rock-bottom expectations.
I honestly can’t believe they’re still sticking with the Cherokee name after they’ve been repeatedly told to stop, could see running out the existing generation and making the change with the new model as a reasonable compromise
Seriously. Even “Liberty” would be an improvement and still fit the “‘Murica, fuck yeah” motif of the brand in general.
Yeah, indigenous peoples names for cars makes me think of my parents and the 70s/80s. It needs to go. I considered this when I bought my 4Runner.
From Jeep’s legacy names, it could have also been called: Honcho, Commando, Renegade, Laredo, any form of initials…
Hell, pick a mountain or Western town: Alma, Cascade, Junction, Bridger, BigSky, Moab, Marble, Mesa, Carbon/Carbondale, Montrose, Ridg/Ridgway, Pagosa, Granby, Ouray, Nucla, Yampa, DelNorte, Vernal, Teton…
Western terms/Horse names? Rustler, Gypsy, Konik, Brumby, Sage…
Brand. Equity.
It’s problematic, but I think they’re probably making the calculation that the best name is the one you’ve already got.
Case in point: the permanence of “Dodge Ram”
I love that you think calling this after indigenous people is not cool but calling it Gypsy would be totally fine. At least Cherokee is just a tribe name, whereas Gypsy is considered a slur by many of the Roma people.
Ooof. that is my bad. I thought of the horse.
Gypsy should be out.
Jeeps should be bird names. Like the freedom of flying, no terrain is too much for a bird or a Jeep.
Compass-> Hawk
Cherokee-> Eagle
Grand Cherokee -> Grand Eagle or Osprey
Wagoneer-> Albatross
Wrangler-> Wrangler
With the AMC legacy, they already have some of these model names under their IP control. Not a bad idea to dust those off and get them back out there.
Wonder who owns the Hawk name in the auto realm these days – that was a Studebaker model.
If Liberty can make a return, how about Commander?
I’m surprised Moab, Mesa, Montrose, Teton, Rustler, and Vernal aren’t being used already, expect somebody’s got a trademark on most of them somewhere
Moab is/was a trim package on the Wrangler.
I vote we go all in on supernatural names. The Sasquatch, Yeti, Wendigo, Jackalope, Skin Walker. There’s even a Cherokee mythical creature called the Wampus Cat apparently. The new Jeep Wampus Cat! Sounds awesome.
Honcho was used on trucks so it wouldn’t be fitting here. Commando was basically a Jeep car. Which I guess might be fitting for this new vehicle… Renegade is already in use on a different Jeep model. Laredo is a trim line on the Grand Cherokee.
Eagle, top trim is called Golden Eagle. Boom, done.
Base model is the Bald Eagle.
High performance model is the Screaming Eagle?
Harpy Eagle!
Honestly, this is brilliant
They can change the model name to “Eagle,” but, knowing Stellantis’s track record, it still won’t be up to par. How about “Bogey” instead, with the current Wagoneer renamed “Double Bogey?”
Came her to say the same thing. So many better options out there that don’t offend large groups.
maybe we can pick a group to offend that really deserves it, instead.
the Jeep Opressor with the Inquisition trim.
It would surprise everyone. Because NO ONE EXPECTS THE SPANISH INQUISITION!!!
Solid COTD contender
They could name it the ‘Skin Head’… that sounds like a group we can target for some oppression!
I prefer the Jeep Fat Belgian Bastard.
I agree. I was camping with my friend this weekend and my JKU and his XJ were next to each other and I thought something similar. People wanted 4 doors they bought an XJ. I also remember that in the 1990s there was almost nothing aftermarket for the XJ. People did not appreciate the off road capabilities until they were discontinued.
I have hopes for this new Cherokee.
It does not have a steeply sloped back. It may have useful storage for stuff or tall dogs vs most new crossovers.
I hope it has at least a rear locker and real tow hooks and skids.
I want it to be bigger inside and cheaper than most other crossovers.
I also want it to not get more expensive than a cheaper wrangler unlimited.
Here’s some blasphemy for you, the 4.0L in my 96 XJ used to be one of my favorite things about it, but now is probably my least favorite thing, just based on the exhaust fumes and NVH. It still does quite a good job moving the thing around considering it’s almost 30 years old, but we always dread a tail wind when offroad, when we cannot outrun the fumes (it never failed an emission test, but the standards in the 90’s were pretty marginal).
I’m not fully convinced a “reborn XJ” needs things such as the solid axles and full offroad capability, as the high amount of utility packaged into a small, relatively light vehicle, and the simplicity and ability to take abuse are just as key of features.
As far as efficiency, when it was stock, I averaged 22-23 mpg, about the same as the Subarus I commonly carpooled with in college, and maxed out at ~27 mpg on trips to Tuolumne, not great, but not too bad. Spending a lot of time lugging in 5th gear at 1200-1500 RPM certainly helped, but probably also has something to do with the exhaust now vibrating itself into oblivion.
Replace the cat. Seriously, even a cheap one from Amazon, along with replacing your (probably shot) O2 sensors will fix your exhaust smell.
I’d be interested to see if they’ll do a trailhawk again
It looks like a Grand Wagoneer got together with a Grand Cherokee and gave birth to baby Cherokee.
I like how it looks, the chin is a bit low for my taste, but the lower grill looks like it took a page out of the 5th gen 4Runner.
I would love to see the inline 6 hurricane in it, it probably won’t and will come with the 2.0 turbo with a plug-in hybrid option.
If it has buttons in the cockpit and an optional folding 3rd row with 6k in towing. I could see one in my driveway.
This is a front wheel drive/transverse engine platform. The Hurricane is set up for longitudinal/rear wheel drive platforms. It’s also fucking massive, the displacement is deceiving.
odd, I’ve heard that this cherokee is based on the STLA Large platform, which means that this should have the Hurricane.
I just checked, and that does seem to be the rumor…although I’m not sure if anything official has been said about the platform yet.
I briefly looked and didn’t see any platform information, either. I was thinking hurricane for nostalgia reasons. I think it is less than 2% likely it appears in this vehicle.
I still could use 6k in towing and a folding 3rd row, which limits me to the Grand Cherokee, 4Runner, Telluride, Pathfinder, or something else I’m not aware of. Personally, I lean Toyota/Jeep/Subaru.
Can’t really make out dash to axle in the pics, the blue front 3/4 looks kinda fwd, but the backlit greyish looks longitudinal-ish. I would have assumed transverse, but a longitudinal platform is a bit more interesting.
Large is a multi-use chassis, for both transverse FWD and longitudinal RWD.
Considering the Wagoneer S has the same chassis code as the new Cherokee (KM), and how you can’t practically fit the I6 in that, it’s going to be a transverse engined car. If we’re lucky, it’ll come with the Hurricane4 (the same engine as the Hornet), but it’s going to debut a PSA 1.6T hooked up to a hybrid driveline.
Somewhere, I believe, it’s stated the next minivan is going on STLA Large. And that’ll 100% be a transverse layout.
Hoo-boy, I don’t know if I’m just getting old or if the market is really heating up, but the small crossover/SUV segment is looking pretty nice right now. I’m not sure this will be priced well enough to get me away from looking at Honda and Toyota, but very possibly…especially if the price is right. All else equal, I’d say $3k less than the Japanese marques would be sufficient to help me overcome any reliability concerns. Edit: I’m kind of tired of the “long hood on a transverse four” look. I’m sure there’s some aero and passenger crash concerns, but I’d take a shorter and more sloped hood for visibility if possible. I hope it’s not just aesthetic.
Haven’t the Chrysler hybrids been been really unreliable so far? I wouldn’t put too much faith in these being different until there is a decent track record on them, even with a decent cash savings.
Based on the recent pricing of their products there won’t be a substantial discount vs the Japanese makes.
The longitudinal 4xe system has so far been a nightmare for a lot of people. Even when working well, I find it rough and unrefined. I don’t think the four-pot has a hybrid application yet. The Pacifica PHEV is a mixed bag from what I understand.
I guess my willingness to take a risk on it is whether it’s an everyday family car (where downtime is life-altering and expensive) or a second/third car where repairs are just an annoyance. Unfortunately I’ll probably have to make a decision before there’s enough real-world evidence, which means if I’m gambling, I’m gambling on Toyonda.
We have a 4xe Wrangler. It has been a bit of a mixed bag. When it is working normally and I can plug it in I average about 30 mpg of gas. With my 40-50 mile commute plus other commitments. The only issue I have had is the charging system errors out occasionally if the charger is not plugged in perfectly, and then is locked out until you get it reset. The first two times I took it to the dealer, which is a pain, but then I spent the money on JScan and the security bypass cable to reset myself. While it isn’t really an issue anymore because it takes a few moments to reset, I should not have to do that.
As far as it being rough and unrefined, that is hard to quantify in a Wrangler. What feels unrefined in a Grand Cherokee or Pacifica doesn’t stand out as much in a solid axle Jeep.
At the end of the day, I would buy another one, but I also don’t have many choices in the category of five passenger vehicles that the top comes off, and I prefer Wranglers over Broncos.
Brother I’m right there with you. I’m gonna need more space with my next car and a compact crossover fits the bill. Literally a few months ago I would’ve told you I’d never consider such a soulless vehicle…but now?
The GR Sport RAV4 is enticing, this is enticing, it’s a bit bigger but the Passport is enticing, etc. As cool as it would be to get a BOF truck like a 4Runner or Bronco almost none of us NEED them. A crossover with an imagination is going to meet most peoples’ needs.
Add a hybrid powertrain and it’s even better. Speaking of which, Honda better finish up that large hybrid system they’re working on before I’m shopping. I’m absolutely not going to live with the 18/23 gas mileage the Passport Trailsport but if they can get it into the high 20s/low 30s I’m back in.
A few weeks ago I was running errands, and as I was walking back to my car, a guy got out of a new Passport Trailsport in the neighboring spot. He looked friendly, so I commented on it, and he ended up giving me a quick tour of the vehicle. I was impressed. I like the exterior look, and the interior was very spacious. The cargo area is basically a box, with decent room under the floor, and he told me the rear seats fold flat. Looks like a great place to car camp, if you’re into that. I also really liked the passenger compartment design, the dash is clean and it appeared to have great rear legroom.
We’ve chatted about 4Runners before, but honestly, unless you’re planning on doing some serious offroading, the Passport looks like it’s superior to the 4Runner in every way.
Someone in my neighborhood just got one and it’s a very striking car in person. The proportions are just right, it’s right-sized, the little design details are cool but not overwrought, and I actually think the orange trim pieces on the Trailsport look just right…and like you said, the interior space is just massive. It’s basically a Pilot without the third row.
But WOOF…that fuel economy. If you live in the country or far out burbs I’m sure it’s fine, but I live in DC and am lucky to hit EPA city estimates. 18 city is a non-starter. There’s a hybrid for their large cars on the way though, and hopefully the Passport gets it.
Yeah, the owner mentioned fuel economy as being the only downside. Honestly, I wonder if sticking with the V6 was the smart move here. I don’t care much either way on the Honda V6, AFAIK it’s a timing belt motor which is actually a turnoff for me, but I get that there are people that appreciate the simplicity of a N/A V6.
I’m the opposite of you, I don’t really care about city MPG that much, I drive mostly highway. I know people who only drive a few K miles a year because they mainly just drive around town. If that was my use, I’d be driving an old big block Suburban happily getting single digit MPG.
OTOH, with me driving 350-400 miles a week, being able to get at least 20mpg is important to me. I can get that with my 4Runner and get 400miles per tank of fuel.
The Passport doesn’t do much for me, I guess it’s the fact that it’s just a Pilot with less stuff, for more money. On a superficial level, I don’t love that business approach. And the Pilot Trailsport is very capable and more useful, as well.
I guess you could argue the offroad side of the things — better angles? But that’s no different than Wrangler vs Gladiator, for example.
The fuel economy on the Trailsport tires is definitely not great. For comparison, our last-gen Odyssey gets about 17-18mpg in mixed driving. Honda’s highway mileage is notoriously overstated, too, thanks to cylinder deactivation. I always believed the “offroad trims” of everyday cars like that should come with an extra set of wheels and tires, personally. I don’t see why I’d should be stuck driving around on A/T rubber when we all know I’m spending 95%+ of my time on paved roads 🙂
That’s a good point. I was looking at the Honda site earlier today and noticed that. I was a bit surprised, I was thinking the Passport would come in a bit cheaper.
With that knowledge, I might lean towards the Pilot for the extra room. I don’t think capability is reduced much, neither of these are true off-roaders but should both be capable of at least tackling “green” rated trails.
1). Great looking car with traditional SUV/Jeep styling cues
2). Hybrid
*Chris Jericho voice*
YOU JUST MADE THE LIST!
Out of everything that can be referenced on this site, that Jericho line was not what I would expect.
I love this site sometimes!