We already realize that the usual Jeep Grand Cherokee’s rough terrain functionality is a match for any inside the top class SUV elegance. So what’s the factor of this new ‘Trailhawk’ version then, which claims to be even extra adept when the going gets filthy?
Consider Jeep’s Trailhawk moniker – already found on the Renegade and Cherokee – alongside the equal strains as you would Porsche’s 911 ‘GT3 RS’ tag and it begins to make greater experience. Whilst every badge is catering for completely unique wishes, both purpose to take an already capable vehicle to another degree, for customers who preference the highest levels of performance on the right track or - within the Jeep’s case - off-avenue.
As such, the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk has a number of revisions to make it less of an all-rounder and more of a centered off-roader. For starters, there are chunky Kevlar-enforced Goodyear adventure tyres, as well as retuned air suspension that gives greater floor clearance and improved axle articulation
Moreover, you’ll locate more underbody protection and bolstered metallic sills, even as bespoke bumpers also function along the revised grille for the 2017 Grand Cherokee. Particularly tasteful hood decals, Trailhawk badging and specific alloy wheels complete the rugged appearance.
Jeep has also beefed up its off-road wizardry for the Trailhawk, adding ‘Selec-velocity manage’, which is a shape of low-pace, off-street cruise manage. That provides to the standard batch of functions which includes a five-mode terrain selector, rear limited-slip differential and hill descent control. Jeep has also delivered a suite of off-avenue instruments to its U-join infotainment system, displaying facts together with axle attitude and oil strain.
Our on-avenue check of the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk become restricted to Nevada highways, but in that point we had been amazed by way of the dearth of street roar from the specialist tyres. Wind and engine noise are nevertheless the dominant intrusion at pace, simply as they may be on the usual automobile.
We have been also most effective able to try the 282bhp three.6-litre V6 petrol engine, which gained’t be bought within the uk and suffers from a lack of refinement together with a important torque deficit compared to extra cutting-edge turbocharged devices. The Trailhawk could be mated with Jeep’s smooth three.0-litre diesel engine whilst it arrives here, and that need to help it make a much better case for itself.
Maximum of our time with the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk became spent tackling some of Nevada’s harshest desolate tract terrain, where it understandably excelled. The multiplied floor clearance in Rock mode manner there’s far less danger of it bottoming out, whilst the Sand placing keeps the revs high to maintain momentum. There’s no doubting that it would depart a BMW X5 or Volkswagen Touareg for dead out in a rocky desolate tract, however is that actually applicable to British punters?
Back on the road, the Trailhawk is outclassed through newer opponents in relation to experience and dealing with. maximum SUV options can tackle a muddy discipline, too, but gain from far advanced road dynamics than whatever the Jeep can serve up. It’s is behind the quality at this charge for indoors best and performance, too. in case you are seduced via the Grand Cherokee’s all-American charm, we’d endorse forgoing Trailhawk spec and opting for the base (and rarely in moderation equipped) restricted Plus model.