2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4X4

By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos FCA US

For 2017, Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup expands with the new Trailhawk model which features red tow hooks in the front and rear, standard rugged 18-inch Goodyear Adventure off-road tires with Kevlar reinforcement, and new Trailhawk and Trail Rated badges with red accents.

Exterior
The Trailhawk was originally offered in 2013 and for just one year, but now it’s back and features unique 18-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, additional skid plates, a matte black hood to keep glare down on the trail, and those signature red tow hooks. For 2017, Grand Cherokee Trailhawk exemplifies Jeep 4×4 capability with a distinctive, aggressive look, backed by Jeep Trail Rated hardware, resulting in a capable SUV.

The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk includes Jeep’s Quadra-Drive II 4×4 system with rear Electronic Limited-slip Differential for all powertrains, a unique version of Grand Cherokee’s Quadra-Lift air suspension developed for Trailhawk that offers improved articulation and total suspension travel, as well as Selec-Speed Control with Hill-ascent and Hill-descent Control.

Approach angles on the Jeep Grand Cherokee are 29.8 degrees or 36.1 degrees when the lower front fascia is removed for severe off-roading, while the breakover angle is 27.1 degrees and the departure angle is 22.8 degrees. Grand Cherokee Trailhawk models offer up to 10.8 inches of ground clearance.

The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk model with the standard off-road package is Trail Rated. The Trail Rated badge indicates that the vehicle is designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented performance categories: traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation and water fording.

Interior
The interior of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is clearly one of the most technically advanced, well-crafted interiors in the industry. Immediately noticeable is the Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen. Controls for radio and climate are found below the screen and have easily identifiable knobs and buttons. Following the center stack down onto the center console reveals a new leather-wrapped polystable shifter for the eight-speed transmission.

All Grand Cherokee models include standard paddle shifters mounted on the back of the steering wheel. The steering wheel is designed and positioned to provide optimal view of the gauge cluster that features a 7-inch, full-color, customizable instrument display. This screen allows drivers to select from a multitude of layout and vehicle information to be shown in the center of the gauge cluster.

Trailhawk models feature a unique black interior with leather and suede performance seats for comfort and control, red accent stitching, brushed Piano Black appliques, gun-metal finish on all painted interior parts, a Trailhawk badge on the Jeep steering wheel, and red accent stitching on the seats, doors and console.

Engine and Transmission
Under the hood, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk features the 3.6-liter V-6 engine which features a double-overhead cam and high-flow intake and exhaust ports, which in combination with variable valve timing via dual independent cam phasing, allow optimum volumetric and combustion efficiency over the full speed and load range. This results in an exceptional, flat torque curve along with high specific power. The engine’s torque exceeds 90 percent of its peak value from 1,600 to 6,400 rpm, which provides customers outstanding drivability and responsiveness.

In addition, ESS technology, which is standard on Grand Cherokee models equipped with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine, increases fuel efficiency by shutting the engine off when the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Amenities (radio, gauges, heating or air conditioning, etc.) continue to operate, making the operation transparent to the driver. The engine restarts automatically when the driver releases the brake, allowing seamless acceleration. ESS is activated automatically and requires no input from the driver. A system disable switch is located on the dash if the operator wishes to suspend the feature.

The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk engine is mated to the FCA US eight-speed automatic transmission. In addition to enhancing fuel economy, the robust and durable eight-speed transmission delivers quick acceleration and precise, smooth shifting, enhancing ride quality to luxury car levels. An additional benefit is a low crawl ratio of 44.1:1 to aid in climbing over or through tough obstacles, when equipped with a two-speed transfer case.

Summary
The addition of the Trailhawk to the Grand Cherokee model lineup is yet another example of Jeep’s commitment to producing vehicles that are just as nimble and capable in the dirt as they are on the paved road; The Trailhawk model, which includes a unique version of Grand Cherokee’s Quadra-Lift air suspension to improve articulation and suspension travel, takes a capable vehicle and makes it even better. In addition to the great functional upgrades, the Trailhawk package adds a number of visual tweaks to create a handsome and rugged appearance.

The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $43,095.00, the one I drove included the Traihawk Luxury Group, Jeep Active Safety Group, Rock Rails by Mopar, Uconnect 8.4 Navigation, and the Blind Spot and Cross Path Detection System, and it came in at $50,220.00 including destination charge. The EPA fuel economy estimates 18 MPG City and 25 MPG Highway.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com

Posted in CAR REVIEWS, Jeep.

Emilio Lezcano

Journalist - Editor - Photographer
Professional Race Car Driver

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