New Jeep Cherokee to Return to U.S. Production in 2029
The Jeep Cherokee is preparing to move into a new generation, in a major shift that will bring production of the SUV back to the United States after the current model has been built in Mexico.
The Cherokee returned to the market in 2025 following a brief hiatus, but the sixth-generation model is expected to have a relatively short lifecycle, with Stellantis planning to introduce the seventh-generation model before the end of the decade.
The company announced that the next-generation Cherokee will be the first U.S.-built vehicle based on its new STLA One platform, which Stellantis unveiled in May.
A New Platform for Multiple Segments
STLA One is a global modular platform designed to replace five different platforms currently used by Stellantis. Its high degree of flexibility allows it to support vehicles across the B, C and D segments.
The consolidation of platforms is expected to help the company reduce production costs, simplify vehicle development and design processes, and accelerate the launch of new models.
STLA One is also designed to support multiple powertrain configurations, including electric vehicles equipped with LFP batteries and 800-volt electrical architectures.
The first vehicle based on the new platform is scheduled to arrive in 2027, while Stellantis ultimately plans to use STLA One across more than 30 models by 2035.
Cherokee Returns to U.S. Production
The seventh-generation Jeep Cherokee will be built at the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois, marking a major change from the current model, which is produced in Mexico alongside the Jeep Recon and Wagoneer S.
Stellantis plans to invest more than $800 million in the currently inactive plant, up from the previous estimate of approximately $600 million.
Preparations for restarting the facility are already underway, with pilot production targeted for the first half of 2028.
Full commercial production is expected to begin in the second half of 2029, pointing to a market launch toward the end of that year.
A Short-Lived Generation
If Stellantis follows the announced schedule, the current sixth-generation Cherokee will remain on the market for only around four years, a relatively short lifecycle compared with many other vehicle models.
As a result, the current Cherokee is unlikely to receive a major update before being replaced by the new generation.
Technical details about the seventh-generation model remain limited, but Stellantis has indicated that the Belvidere plant will be capable of producing all available powertrain options using a two-shift operation.
That could suggest that the new Cherokee will offer multiple powertrain choices, potentially including an all-electric version.
More Than One Model on the Same Platform
The Cherokee is unlikely to be the only vehicle produced at the Belvidere plant after operations resume.
Stellantis said the facility is expected to assemble at least two vehicles using the new STLA One platform, although the company has not yet identified the other model.
Antonio Filosa, Stellantis CEO, said launching the next-generation Cherokee on the STLA One platform will allow the company to deliver a more competitive product while taking advantage of its U.S. manufacturing capabilities.
He added that selecting the right product platform, timing and execution path forms part of Stellantis long-term growth strategy and is intended to provide greater stability for its employees, customers and stakeholders.
