When Stellantis announced the next-generation Cherokee would share its platform with the legendary Dodge Charger, the automotive world held its breath. Could Jeep’s iconic midsize SUV maintain its off-road DNA while adopting the Charger’s performance-oriented architecture? At RC Auto Group, located at 845 Washington St, Newell, WV 26050, we’ve spent a week testing the answer – and it’s spectacular. Call us at (304) 387-3100 to schedule your test drive.
This isn’t your parent’s Cherokee. This is a driver’s SUV that rewrites what Jeep capability means for drivers in Newell, WV, Weirton, WV, and Steubenville, OH.
The 2026 Cherokee rides on Stellantis’ STLA Large platform – the same foundation underneath the 2024+ Dodge Charger. This isn’t badge engineering; it’s a fundamental reimagining of Cherokee capability.
| Feature | Old Cherokee (2023) | New Cherokee (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Compact Wide (Fiat-derived) | STLA Large (Charger-derived) |
| Weight Distribution | 58% Front / 42% Rear | 52% Front / 48% Rear |
| Suspension | MacPherson Strut Front | Multi-link Front & Rear |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 inches | 111.1 inches |
| Track Width | 62.9 inches (front) | 65.4 inches (front) |
Translation for drivers in Beaver Falls, PA and Cross Creek, PA: The new Cherokee is wider, lower, and more planted. It feels like a performance sedan that can go off-road, not an SUV trying to handle well.
The additional 2.5 inches of front track width is transformative. In our testing on Route 2 between Newell and Weirton – a twisty, elevation-changing road locals know well – the Cherokee felt glued to the pavement through corners that would’ve had the old model leaning and protesting.
Why this matters for Ohio Valley drivers:
The old Cherokee used a cost-effective MacPherson strut front suspension. The 2026 model adopts a 5-link independent front and 5-link independent rear setup borrowed directly from the Charger.
What you’ll feel on pothole-prone roads near Rochester, PA:
The 2026 Cherokee is available with two versions of Stellantis’ new Hurricane turbocharged inline-six engine:
Standard Output (S.O.) Hurricane:
High Output (H.O.) Hurricane (available on Trailhawk & higher trims):
For context: The old V6 Cherokee made 271 hp. The new base engine makes 420 hp. That’s not an upgrade – that’s a revolution in what midsize SUVs can deliver.
We tested the H.O. Hurricane model at our facility. Here’s the unfiltered truth for drivers considering the upgrade:
From a stop: Turbos spool instantly with minimal lag. The Cherokee launches with authority. The 8-speed automatic snaps through gears with paddle-shift precision unavailable in competitors like the Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot.
Passing power (50-70 MPH on Route 30): Instant. Effortless. The old Cherokee would downshift, think about it, then accelerate. The new model just goes. Turbo torque is available right now, all the time.
Towing: Rated for 6,500 lbs with proper equipment. That torque curve means you’re not straining the engine to pull a boat from Beaver, PA to Lake Erie or a trailer through the hills near Burgettstown, PA.
The performance-oriented chassis raised concerns among purists: “Is this still a Jeep?” The answer: Yes, but evolved.
The Cherokee Trailhawk trim retains:
The honest trade-off: You lose 1.2 inches of ground clearance and some approach angle. You gain on-road composure and the ability to drive 300 highway miles without fatigue.
Our take for Ohio Valley drivers: The Cherokee is no longer a hardcore off-roader pretending to be a daily driver. It’s a daily driver that can off-road when needed. If you’re rock-crawling every weekend, buy a Jeep Wrangler. If you’re commuting between Newell and Pittsburgh, road-tripping to Columbus, and occasionally hitting a dirt trail near Beech Bottom, WV, the Cherokee is now better at your actual use case.
You should test-drive this if you:
You should skip this if you:
Current Inventory: We have 3 units in stock at our 845 Washington St, Newell, WV 26050 location (1 S.O., 2 H.O. spec)
Starting MSRP:
Test Drives: Available by appointment. Call (304) 387-3100 or visit our scheduling page
Financing: Competitive rates through Stellantis Financial. Pre-approval available in 10 minutes online. Our finance team serves customers from East Liverpool, OH to Canonsburg, PA with tailored solutions.
While the 2026 Cherokee represents Jeep’s performance evolution, we offer a complete range of vehicles for every need:
The 2026 Cherokee is what happens when Jeep’s engineering team gets access to Dodge’s performance toolbox. It’s not trying to be a Charger. It’s not trying to be a Wrangler. It’s carving out a new space: the performance SUV that still has Jeep’s capability badge.
If you’ve been waiting for an American-made SUV that can out-handle a BMW X3, out-muscle a Ford Edge ST, and still tow your boat from the Ohio River to Lake Erie – this is it.
Come drive the revolution. Our team at RC Auto Group is ready to put you behind the wheel. Visit us at 845 Washington St, Newell, WV 26050 or call (304) 387-3100 today.
RC Auto Group – Authorized Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram Dealer serving Newell, Weirton, Steubenville, and the Ohio Valley since [founding year].
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