How the 2026 Jeep Cherokee could fit into commercial and service fleets

DETROIT—Nearly three years after discontinuing the iconic model, Jeep recently debuted the 2026 Jeep Cherokee, bringing the midsize SUV back to market. While the midsize SUV is not a vehicle most fleets consider, executives at Jeep and Stellantis, the parent company of the Jeep brand, think differently.

“Is it a fleet vehicle? Most people would say ‘no,’” Jake Aumann, VP of commercial sales at Stellantis, said of the new Jeep Cherokee. “But if you look at professional services, reps on the road ... the pharma industries, for instance, this is a perfect vehicle for that.”

Aumann believes that not only will the Cherokee be a fit for service reps, but it could fit into other fleet segments as well, once “the vehicle is out there, and we’re able to show it to fleet customers,” he told FleetOwner.

The new 2026 Jeep Cherokee

Taking a few years away from the segment allowed Jeep to ensure it “got it right” for the new generation Cherokee, Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf said at the launch event. “That means more standard equipment, more cargo space, more fuel economy, and efficiency.”

The brand achieved that first and foremost, with an all-new Stellantis 1.6L turbo-four hybrid powertrain. This gives the Cherokee an estimated range of 500 miles on a single tank of gas with an estimated 37 mpg (city and highway mileage combined).

It has an increased towing capacity, up to 3,500 lb., and 30% more cargo space than the previous generation. Moreover, it has one extra inch of space in the back seat, providing more legroom.

The Cherokee offers 140 available safety and security features, and many of those features are standard equipment.

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Here’s what’s standard:

A 10.25-in. full-color digital instrument cluster
A 12.3-in. infotainment screen equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability
Jeep brand’s award-winning Uconnect 5 infotainment system
Passive entry system
Rain-sensing wipers
Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist identification
Intersection Collision Assist
Blind-spot monitoring with Rear Cross Path detection
Drowsy driver detection
Active Driving Assist (Level 2 driver-assistance system with adaptive cruise control)
Rear park assist with rear automatic emergency braking

Here’s what’s available:

Dual-pane sunroof
Foot-activated power liftgate w/adjustable height
360-degree camera
Digital rearview mirror
Heated rear seats
Ventilated front seats
Windshield wiper de-icer
Front tire-to-curb view
Turn Signal Active Blind Spot View
Premium audio
Alexa in-vehicle assistant

Why Jeep for fleets?

What Aumann believes makes the Jeep Cherokee a great fit for fleets comes down to the total cost of ownership, which is impacted by its 500-mile range on one tank of gas and its competitive price point.

Its increased cargo capacity is another area where fleets might find benefit.

“Depending on what type of fleet customer it is, they're going to have space to put machines back there, if they're on the road doing repairs or testing or other things,” he said. “They could be using it for any type of samples that they're transporting.”

Additionally, fleet owners and fleet drivers of Ram vehicles will experience a nearly seamless transition when going from a Ram vehicle to the Jeep Cherokee. Both vehicles employ Uconnect software and telematics systems that can easily be integrated with a fleet’s current fleet management system.

Though the Jeep brand might not be the first that comes to mind when thinking of commercial vehicles, Aumann believes it's an excellent fit for fleets looking for a smaller, more sustainable solution, especially for fleets that currently employ light-duty trucks.

The hybrid powertrain offers a more eco-friendly option than light-duty pickups without the range anxiety of an electric vehicle, Aumann said. Further, the Jeep’s features are offered “unbundled,” meaning that fleet owners don’t have to pay for features that aren’t important to them.

Overall, this Jeep Cherokee signifies more to come from the brand and Stellantis in terms of fleet-forward offerings. Stellantis is working to strengthen its commercial sales by revamping Stellantis Fleet and Business Solutions. The fleet-focused business unit of the company seeks to deliver more value for the customer before, during, and after they’ve purchased a vehicle. According to Aumann, the 2026 Jeep Cherokee is the first of many fleet-focused launches to come.