The compact SUV market gets a serious jolt this year with the return of the Jeep Cherokee (now a hybrid) after a three-year break. While the Subaru Forester continues to find its footing, this all-new Cherokee shows you can get modern performance without losing everyday capability. We've got all the details below--it's the Alan Jay Way!
Key Takeaways
- After three years, the Cherokee returns as fully modernized and reimagined.
- You now get hybrid power and AWD across the Cherokee lineup.
- Subaru gives the Forester Wilderness a long-awaited visual update for '26.
Updates and Cost of the Cherokee and Forester
Jeep rebuilt the 2026 Cherokee from scratch, making the bold move to sell it strictly as a hybrid (we'll get into that a little later). You can grab the new model in one of five trim levels as of July 2026:
- Base: $36,995
- Laredo: $39,995
- Limited: $41,995
- 85th Anniversary: $42,900
- Overland: $44,995
Over at Subaru, the trail-ready Wilderness finally gets the same sleek body design the rest of the Forester line received in '25. Its changes go beyond a new face, though; it brings a modified suspension with nine inches of clearance, a shorter final drive ratio, dedicated drive modes for deep snow and mud, an upgraded transmission cooler, and beefier Yokohama Geolander tires. Every version of the Forester also gets a tweaked center console layout. Subaru keeps a wide spread of prices for its lineup:
- Base: $31,445
- Premium: $33,445
- Sport: $36,245
- Limited: $37,445
- Onyx Edition: $37,945
- Wilderness: $38,445
- Touring: $41,445
Screen Space and Comfort of the Cherokee vs. Forester
Jeep expanded the Cherokee's dimensions to fix its cramped cargo and rear seating issues, yielding an extra inch of back-seat legroom and up to 68 cubic feet of total storage space. Up front, you get a larger cockpit along with available premium features like dual-row temperature seats and new white color schemes.
It also packs the new Cherokee with great standard tech, starting with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen running the latest Uconnect 5 system. You don't have to pay extra for wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, or Bluetooth. It also features a new Connect One services bundle that gives you a decade of access to remote vehicle controls, over-the-air system updates, and automatic emergency help. For a major audio upgrade, there's a 10-speaker sound system with a dedicated subwoofer that you can add to the Limited trim, or get automatically by stepping up to the Overland.
Subaru reworked the Forester's center console by placing a phone slot right in front of larger cup holders, while expanding the middle armrest and storage bin. Even the back row gets an upgrade with cup holders that can hold large 32-ounce water bottles. On the tech front, the base Forester sticks with a split pair of 7.0-inch screens, while almost every other trim steps up to a vertical 11.6-inch touchscreen.
| 2026 Jeep Cherokee | 2026 Subaru Forester |
|---|---|
| Expanded size for cargo and passenger space | Redesigned center console with more storage |
| 12.3-inch infotainment screen running the latest Uconnect 5 system, Connect One Services bundle | Large rear cupholders |
| 10-speaker sound system | 11.6-inch vertical screen or dual 7.0-inch displays |
The Cherokee vs. Forester Under the Hood
The Cherokee goes all-in on hybrid tech in '26. Its 210-hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and two electric motors deliver 230 lb-ft through a CVT. Combined with standard AWD, the Cherokee gives you quick, confident acceleration from the get-go.
The Forester sticks with its traditional 180-hp 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 178 lb-ft through a CVT. It gets the job done, but the acceleration feels a bit slow, leaving drivers waiting for a hybrid version that isn't on the market yet.
The Bottom Line When Looking for the Best Compact SUV
Thanks to its hybrid efficiency, sharp new interior, and more modern tech, the Cherokee takes the lead. Stop by our Alan Jay CDJR Clewiston showroom and see it today!