2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk: The Most Off-Road Grand Cherokee Ever Made

Mar 03, 2017 09:00 AM EST | Anthony Aventador

The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is the most butch, brashest and most off-road Grand Cherokee ever made. It could be the first overland capable vehicle affordable to the public.

The vehicle is the first iteration to earn the Trailhawk name and Trail Rated badge on its left front render. Unlike its predecessor, the new model is the product of Jeep's off-road know-how, resulting in an incredible off-roader at a budget friendly price of $43,990.

The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is well-equipped for off-road adventure. Standard features will include a Jeep Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case, an electronic rear limited slip differential, and a tuned Quadra-Lift air suspension.

The vehicle's air suspension is an untraditional choice for rock crawling, optimized to offer up improved articulation and suspension travel compared to the standard models of the air suspension. But is doesn't improve beyond the new model's 29.8-degree approach, 27.1-degree departure, and 22.8-degree break over angles.

Other additions will include a requisite skid plate, black anti-glare hood decal, and red tow hooks. Steel rock rails don't come standard; they're $900 option well worth getting.

Under the hood, customers can choose three engine options; the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, which produces 295 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. The second available engine would be the 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which produces 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. Lastly would be the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6, which makes 240 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque.

The V6 paired with an eight-speed automatic offers a lot of grunt on the road despite the extra rotational mass of the off road tires. Its steering remains light and linear.

The cabin of the new 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is comfortable and accommodating. Both rows offer an excellent view of the outside world. However, the driver may find the A-pillars and large exterior mirror block some vision to the corners. Three adult passengers will perfectly fit in the second row without much effort.

 

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