The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, what Jeep are calling the most capable Grand Cherokee yet, is confirmed for Australia in the 2nd quarter of 2017. It will join an already big range of Grand Cherokees, including Laredo, Limited, Overland, Summit and SRT models.
Jeep will be hoping this raises the credentials of the brand in Australia, as lots of recalls have hurt their sales figures. As the name suggests, this one is tailored to increased off-road capability. So, let’s get down to the nuts-and-bolts of it.
It uses Jeep’s Quadradrive II full-time 4WD system, along with an electronic limited-slip rear differential. It’s not fully locking, but if it is teamed up with a decent off-road traction control, it should be almost as good.
The Grand Cherokee offers up to 278mm of ground clearance, which is quite impressive. This must be when the air suspension is jacked up for increased clearance, so we’ll have to see how it performs in the real world.
The approach angle is 29.8 degrees, improving to 36.1 when you remove the front airdam. 27.1 is the rampover angle, and 22.8. We assume these are all when the suspension is at it’s maximum height.
Off-road tyres will be standard, which look to be a Goodyear Wrangler of some description. There are also some skid plates, and something Jeep are calling an ‘anti-glare’ bonnet. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Trailhawk without Jeep’s special selection of decals and badging, both inside and out, so your neighbours get the message that you’re a real tough off-roader type.
There is the usual list of off-road aids in the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, like Traction Control, Hill Ascent/Descent Control and Selec-Speed control (a kind of cruise control for rock crawling), amongst others.
Being a 2017 Grand Cherokee, the Trailhawk will get the new front grille and fascia, and the new infotainment unit inside. We have used this already, and have been well-impressed with the improvement over the old model.
Stay tuned, as we bring a full roadtest of this new model.
