The Real Deal?

The Trailhawk Carries Jeep’s Trail-rated Badge, in Reference to the Fabled Rubicon Trail, but Does It Deliver on That Claim?

THE Trailhawk is the new star in a revamped 2017 Grand Cherokee range, and it’s pitched at buyers who wish to maximise the off-road capability of their Grand Cherokee without going beyond a showroom-stock model. In a way, it’s a showroom ‘custom’ based on the top-spec Overland; although, it ends up cheaper than the Overland.

The Trailhawk’s key off-road hardware includes an electronic rear locker, height-adjustable air suspension in a unique Trailhawk ‘tune’, extra underbody protection, a bespoke front fascia for a better approach angle, front recovery hooks (otherwise an option), all-terrain rubber on special-pattern 18s and, like it or not, blacked-out bonnet panels.

POWERTRAIN AND PERFORMANCE

THE Trailhawk comes with the Grand Cherokee’s familiar 3.0litre turbo-diesel V6 engine from Italian diesel specialist VM Motori. It claims 184kW and 570Nm, well up on the Everest’s 143kW and 470Nm.

This more powerful V6 then has the advantage of a slick eight-speed ZF automatic, whereas the Everest has to make do with six speeds in its auto. The Trailhawk is also lighter than the Everest by some 100kg, and possibly more aerodynamic, especially at the lower highway ride-height afforded by the height-adjustable air suspension.

It’s no surprise then that the Trailhawk produces a level of response and pedal-to-the-metal performance that the Everest simply can’t match. What’s more, the refinement of this V6, especially in terms of noise, is well ahead of the comparatively gruff Everest engine.

Still, the Trailhawk’s V6 isn’t perfect, particularly in the default ‘Eco’ mode which has the throttle response, especially off idle and at low revs, feeling a little doughy. Cancelling the Eco mode via a dashboard button, or by activating the Sport mode (adjacent button), brings sharper throttle response.