In a significant move for the automotive landscape, the Jeep Cherokee is set to re-enter the market in 2026, marking its return with an emphasis on hybrid propulsion. This strategic redirection sees the iconic SUV equipped with an entirely new hybrid powertrain, promising an impressive driving range exceeding 500 miles and an estimated 37 miles per gallon. The introduction of this hybrid variant signals a notable shift in Jeep's product strategy, particularly as the broader industry navigates the complexities of electrification and the evolving landscape of government incentives.
The newly unveiled 2026 Cherokee arrives after a two-year absence, during which Jeep has seemingly recalibrated its approach to future vehicle offerings. This re-entry is not merely a revival but a comprehensive overhaul, designed to infuse the brand with renewed vitality and invigorate its sales performance. The decision to prioritize a hybrid model, powered by a combination of an internal combustion engine, two electric motors, and a battery, reflects a pragmatic response to market demands and the immediate economic environment.
This hybrid setup features a 1.6-liter turbo-four engine, delivering 210 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. Jeep asserts that this configuration will offer superior fuel economy compared to many of its rivals, positioning the Cherokee as a competitive option for consumers seeking efficiency without fully committing to electric. Beyond its mechanical advancements, the 2026 Cherokee also boasts an array of enhancements, including more spacious interiors, cutting-edge technology, and a revitalized aesthetic. While retaining its classic rugged appeal, the vehicle now presents a more upright, longer, and taller profile, complemented by modern LED headlights featuring distinctive U-pattern daytime running lights.
Inside, the new Cherokee integrates advanced digital interfaces, including a 10.25-inch driver cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment display, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. Every new Cherokee will also come equipped with Stellantis' 'Connect Once' services package, ensuring over-the-air updates for a decade, highlighting a commitment to long-term technological relevance. The model will be available in four trims: Cherokee, Laredo, Limited, and Overland, with pricing for the base model starting at $36,995, including a destination fee. The higher-tier Limited and Overland trims are slated for release later this year, followed by the entry-level and Laredo models in early 2026.
This renewed focus on hybrid technology comes at a curious juncture, as reports suggest that Stellantis, Jeep's parent company, has already begun scaling back production of its all-electric vehicles, alongside certain hybrid models. This reported curtailment includes models like the Jeep Wagoneer S, Dodge Charger Daytona EV, and plug-in versions of the Wrangler, Cherokee, and Chrysler Pacifica. Such adjustments appear to be a direct consequence of the impending expiration of the $7,500 EV tax credit, which is set to conclude at the end of September. With Stellantis having experienced a 10% decline in US sales during the first half of 2025, the new hybrid Cherokee is positioned as a critical component of the brand's strategy to rebound. Concurrently, Jeep is offering substantial incentives on the 2025 Wagoneer S, underscoring the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable nature of the automotive market's transition to new energy vehicles.
Genesis, a marque synonymous with luxury, is poised to redefine the high-end SUV segment with its groundbreaking GV90, an all-electric vehicle featuring an advanced coach door system. Recent patent disclosures provide an in-depth understanding of how these sophisticated doors will operate. This innovative design, initially showcased on the Neolun concept, is confirmed for the production model, promising an unparalleled experience in vehicle ingress and egress. The GV90 is slated for a mid-2026 launch, manufactured at Hyundai's Ulsan facility in South Korea, and will leverage Hyundai's cutting-edge eM platform, promising substantial improvements in driving range and integrating state-of-the-art technology, connectivity, and autonomous driving capabilities.
Genesis GV90's Revolutionary Coach Door Mechanism Detailed in Latest Patent Submissions
In a significant revelation on August 22, 2025, new patent documents filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office have illuminated the intricate workings of the coach door system for Genesis's forthcoming luxury electric SUV, the GV90. This highly anticipated feature, which first captivated audiences at the New York Auto Show in March with the unveiling of the full-size Neolun concept, is now confirmed for the production vehicle, dispelling earlier concerns about its transition from concept to reality.
The GV90, previously sighted with these distinctive doors on a car carrier in South Korea earlier this year, and more recently in California sporting rear-mounted hinges, is poised to offer an unmatched level of luxury and convenience. The patents, specifically titled 'Cinching Device For Door Latches in Vehicle' and 'Door Latch Device for Vehicles,' meticulously describe the operation. Unlike conventional vehicle doors that rely on the B-pillar for structural support, this novel system incorporates a door striker on the lower side, enabling a seamless hinge-like motion, with the device directly attached to the door itself. Furthermore, Genesis has engineered a unique cinching mechanism that can manage multiple units through a singular device, a testament to their commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of automotive design by enabling production-feasible B-pillarless coach doors.
While the coach doors are confirmed for the GV90, they are anticipated to be an exclusive feature, with other variants expected to retain traditional door handles, as observed during testing phases in both the US and South Korea. This strategic offering aligns with Genesis's vision for a flagship SUV that integrates luxury, advanced technology, and environmental consciousness, setting a new benchmark in the electric vehicle landscape.
The introduction of such an advanced coach door system by Genesis marks a pivotal moment in automotive design and engineering. From a reporter's perspective, this development underscores a bold commitment to innovation and luxury, challenging established norms in vehicle architecture. It prompts reflection on how luxury car manufacturers are increasingly differentiating their products not just through performance or interior opulence, but through unique and functional design elements that enhance the user experience. The GV90's coach doors are more than just a stylistic choice; they represent a significant engineering feat that promises enhanced accessibility and a grander sense of arrival. This move could inspire other premium brands to explore similar unconventional solutions, pushing the entire industry towards more creative and user-centric designs. It also highlights the growing convergence of aesthetic appeal and practical innovation in the high-stakes electric vehicle market.
A new electric vehicle enterprise, Slate Auto, which has secured backing from figures like Jeff Bezos, has recently made a significant acquisition of talent. The company has successfully onboarded a leading manufacturing expert from Tesla, a move intended to spearhead the establishment of its electric pickup truck production plant located in Indiana. This strategic recruitment highlights Slate Auto's aggressive approach to building its manufacturing capabilities and signals its ambition to become a formidable competitor in the burgeoning EV sector.
Napoleon Reyes, a former US Marine and Purdue mechanical engineering alumnus, brings a wealth of experience to Slate Auto. His career trajectory includes stints at Subaru and Wabash before joining Tesla's manufacturing division in 2020. At Tesla, Reyes played a pivotal role in scaling up Model Y production, quickly advancing to lead its General Assembly in Fremont by 2022. He continued to oversee critical aspects of vehicle manufacturing, including the launch of the Model Y refresh assembly line, before making the decision to transition to Slate Auto as Senior Manager of Plant Vehicle Engineering. His departure from Tesla, after nearly five years, marks a significant gain for Slate Auto, as they leverage his extensive expertise in large-scale EV manufacturing.
Slate Auto recently emerged from its developmental phase, showcasing a revolutionary modular two-seat electric pickup truck designed for affordability and customization. The company has already secured over $700 million through investment rounds, indicating strong financial backing and a clear path towards mass production. Their strategy includes converting a former printing facility in Warsaw, Indiana, into a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant, assembling a team that combines seasoned professionals from traditional automotive industries with former Tesla engineers and leaders, including Rich Schmidt, an early manufacturing director from Tesla.
The strategic hiring of experienced leaders like Napoleon Reyes by burgeoning companies such as Slate Auto underscores a dynamic and evolving landscape within the electric vehicle industry. This movement of top-tier talent from established innovators to ambitious startups reflects a collective drive towards a sustainable future, where expertise and vision converge to accelerate the adoption of electric transportation. It exemplifies how dedication and ingenuity in one's field can contribute to broader positive changes, inspiring progress and fostering competition that ultimately benefits consumers and the environment alike.