Jeep Cherokee · Elgin CDJR · Streamwood, IL
Jeep Cherokee Oil Type and Capacity
What oil does a Jeep Cherokee take, and how much? Here is what the 2026 Jeep Cherokee owner's manual says about the engine oil, the oil capacity with the filter, the oil filter and how to reset the oil life after an oil change.
0W-20SAE grade, full synthetic
5 qtEngine oil with filter (4.73 L)
MS-13340Manufacturer oil standard
API SPOil service category named in the manual
The short answer
For the 1.6L engine in the 2026 Jeep Cherokee, the owner's manual recommends Mopar API SP/GF-6A certified SAE 0W-20 full synthetic engine oil that meets manufacturer Material Standard MS-13340. The fluid capacities table lists 5 quarts (4.73 liters) of engine oil with the filter.
2026 Jeep Cherokee oil type and capacity
From the fluids and lubricants and fluid capacities tables in the owner's manual:
| Item | 2026 Jeep Cherokee (1.6L engine) |
|---|---|
| Recommended engine oil | Mopar API SP/GF-6A certified SAE 0W-20 full synthetic engine oil |
| Manufacturer oil standard | MS-13340 |
| Engine oil with filter | 5 qt (4.73 L) |
| Oil filter | Mopar certified filter, or one that meets or exceeds SAE/USCAR-36 |
From the 2026 Jeep Cherokee owner's manual (Technical Specifications: Fluids And Lubricants; Fluid Capacities; Engine Oil Filter), read November 8, 2026.
Choosing oil for a Cherokee
The manual says the engine was designed for synthetic engine oils and to use only synthetic API approved engine oils. It says synthetic oils that do not have both the correct API trademark and the correct SAE viscosity grade numbers should not be used, and that the manufacturer only recommends API trademark oils.
It also cautions that failing to use the recommended API SP/GF-6A or equivalent oil can cause engine damage not covered by the vehicle warranty. The manual strongly recommends against adding any additives other than leak detection dyes, and says not to use chemical flushes, which can damage the engine.
From the 2026 Jeep Cherokee owner's manual (Engine Oil; Technical Specifications), read November 8, 2026.
Cherokee oil filter
The manual says to replace the engine oil filter with a new one at every engine oil change. Use a full-flow disposable filter; the manual says only high quality Mopar certified filters should be used, and if a Mopar filter is unavailable, use only filters that meet or exceed SAE/USCAR-36 filter performance requirements.
For used oil and filters, the manual asks you to contact an authorized dealer, service station or governmental agency for advice on how and where they can be safely discarded.
From the 2026 Jeep Cherokee owner's manual (Engine Oil Filter; Disposing Of Used Engine Oil And Oil Filters), read November 8, 2026.
Cherokee oil changes and oil life reset
The Cherokee has an oil change indicator system. The manual says an "Oil Change Required" message appears in the instrument cluster to indicate the next scheduled oil change, and that the system is duty cycle based, so the interval may change with your driving style. At every oil change interval shown by the indicator, the maintenance plan calls for changing the oil and filter.
After the oil change, the manual lists these steps to reset the oil life with the steering wheel cluster controls:
- Without pressing the brake pedal, place the Start button in the ON position (do not start the engine).
- Push and release the left or right arrow button to find the Vehicle Info main menu item.
- Push and release the down arrow button to access the Oil Life submenu.
- Push and hold the OK button to reset oil life. If conditions are met, the display will update to show 100%.
- Push and release the left or right button to exit the submenu screen.
The manual also gives a secondary method: with the Start button in ON and without pressing the brake, fully press the accelerator pedal slowly three times within 10 seconds, then push the Start button once to return to OFF. If the indicator message comes on when you start the vehicle, the reset did not take; repeat the procedure.
From the 2026 Jeep Cherokee owner's manual (Oil Change Required; Engine Oil Life Reset; Scheduled Maintenance), read November 8, 2026.
Jeep oil changes at Elgin CDJR
Want us to handle it? Book a Jeep oil change at our Jeep service center, check the Cherokee maintenance schedule, or see the new Jeep Cherokee. Schedule service or see our service specials.
Our service department is open Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed Sunday. Elgin CDJR is at 1500 W. Lake St. in Streamwood. Get directions.
Jeep Cherokee oil FAQ
What kind of oil does a 2026 Jeep Cherokee take?
The owner's manual recommends Mopar API SP/GF-6A certified SAE 0W-20 full synthetic engine oil meeting manufacturer Material Standard MS-13340 for the 1.6L engine.
How much oil does a 2026 Jeep Cherokee hold?
5 quarts (4.73 liters) with the filter, according to the fluid capacities table in the manual.
Does the Cherokee need synthetic oil?
Yes. The manual says the engine was designed for synthetic engine oils and to use only synthetic API approved engine oils.
Should I change the oil filter every time?
Yes. The manual says the engine oil filter should be replaced with a new filter at every engine oil change.
How do I reset the oil life on a Cherokee?
With the Start button in ON and the engine off, go to Vehicle Info, then the Oil Life submenu in the cluster, and push and hold OK until it shows 100%.
What are your service hours?
Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. We are closed Sunday.
Bring your Cherokee to Streamwood
Visit Elgin CDJR at 1500 W. Lake St. in Streamwood.
Sources
The oil type, capacity, filter and oil life reset steps are from the 2026 Jeep Cherokee owner's manual on Mopar (PDF dated March 27, 2026), read November 8, 2026. Our address and service hours are from our own website, checked the same day.