Jeep Prepares a New Cherokee: Strategy Shift and Return to the USA

Stellantis, the owner of the Jeep brand, is preparing a new Cherokee for launch in about two years. Although the current generation was introduced only a year ago, its lifecycle is expected to last no more than four years—half the industry standard.

According to American media reports, production of the brand-new Cherokee will begin in the first half of 2028, with sales starting in the second half of that year. In Israel, the current Cherokee has not yet been launched, and the brand's importer stated it is expected to arrive "later this year." Its successor is estimated to arrive during 2029.

The reason for this double investment lies in a shift in strategy at Stellantis. After the Cherokee (KL generation) was discontinued in 2023, a gap appeared in the model lineup. To fill it, Stellantis rushed to introduce the KM generation last August, based on the aging STLA-Large platform (known since 2015 from the Alfa Romeo Giulia, Stelvio, and Jeep Grand Cherokee). However, this platform is relatively expensive and technologically limited.

Simultaneously, Stellantis began developing another Cherokee based on the more modern STLA-One platform. This will support gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric powertrains, as well as advanced safety and comfort features missing in the KM generation.

Production location is also a key factor. The current Cherokee is built in Mexico, but the trade policies of US President Donald Trump make vehicles imported from Mexico more expensive. Stellantis intends to move production back to its plant in Belvidere, Illinois. The company will invest $800 million—$200 million more than initially planned—to upgrade the facility for the production of more advanced vehicles, including the new Cherokee.