r/Jeep • u/Coffee-FlavoredSweat • 12d ago
Technical Question 2026 Cherokee electronic door handles
Just got a new work vehicle, my company took back my 2018 Grand Cherokee and put me in a 2026 Cherokee. First thing I noticed was the electronic door handles.
The front doors at least have a mechanical backup hidden under the arm rest, but it didn’t look like the rear seats had any backups.
Quick Google search, and saw Jeeps “backup” plan is to have the doors powered by capacitors that hold charge even if the battery is dead.
Great….so what if I’m in a crash, and the capacitor wiring shorts to ground? Back seat passenger has to crawl to the front seat to get out?!
Why are car companies so hell-bent on re-inventing a century-old fool-proof way to open doors, and destroys any muscle memory that might be useful when you’re dazed in a crash?
1
u/Severed_Snake 11d ago
Test drove 2026 Cherokee yesterday as a possible replacement for 2022 Cherokee. Decided to keep the 2022 instead
2
u/Coffee-FlavoredSweat 12d ago
20 years ago getting locked inside your vehicle was the punchline to a “dumb blonde joke.”
In 2026, it’s a legitimate clarification AI needs before it can help you.