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2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk: Our View
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk: The Pinnacle of Off-Road Luxury
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk represents the perfect marriage of rugged capability and premium refinement in the midsize SUV segment. As Jeep's most off-road-ready Grand Cherokee variant, the Trailhawk distinguishes itself with specialized hardware and aggressive styling that sets it apart from pavement-oriented competitors like the Nissan Murano and Ford Edge.
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Key Trailhawk Differentiators:
- Quadra-Drive II AWD with electronic limited-slip differential
- Class-exclusive adjustable air suspension
- 5.7L V8 option delivering 360 horsepower
- 7,400-pound max towing capacity (with proper equipment)
- Trail Rated certification for severe off-road conditions
Unmistakable Trailhawk Styling
The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk builds upon the model's already rugged aesthetic with purposeful off-road enhancements. Distinctive design elements include:
- Signature red tow hooks (front and rear)
- Matte black hood decals and badging
- 18-inch all-terrain wheels with aggressive tread
- Removable front air dam for improved approach angle
- Available Mopar rock rails for rocker protection
These visual cues aren't just for show—they signal the Trailhawk's serious off-road intentions while maintaining the Grand Cherokee's premium presence.
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Engine Options and Performance
The Trailhawk offers three powertrain choices to suit different needs:
| Engine | Power | Torque | Fuel Economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 | 293 hp | 260 lb-ft | 18/25/21 mpg (city/hwy/combined) |
| 5.7L HEMI V8 | 360 hp | 390 lb-ft | 14/22/17 mpg |
| 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 | 240 hp | 420 lb-ft | 22/30/25 mpg (est.) |
The standard 3.6L V6 provides excellent balance between performance and efficiency, while the available 5.7L V8 delivers thrilling acceleration. The torque-rich EcoDiesel (when available) offers exceptional fuel economy for long-distance adventures.
Unmatched Off-Road Capability
What truly sets the Trailhawk apart is its specialized off-road equipment:
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Quadra-Drive II AWD System
This sophisticated system features:
- Electronic limited-slip rear differential
- Active transfer case with low range (2.72:1 ratio)
- Torque vectoring that anticipates wheel slip
Quadra-Lift Air Suspension
The self-leveling system offers four height settings:
- Park Mode: 8.1" clearance (1.6" lower for entry/exit)
- Normal Ride Height: 8.1" clearance
- Off-Road 1: 9.3" clearance
- Off-Road 2: 10.8" maximum clearance
Selec-Terrain Traction Management
Five optimized drive modes adapt to surface conditions:
- Auto (balanced all-condition performance)
- Snow (gentler throttle response)
- Sand (maximized power delivery)
- Mud (aggressive traction control)
- Rock (low-speed crawl optimization)
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On-Road Refinement and Comfort
While the Trailhawk excels off pavement, it maintains the Grand Cherokee's reputation for comfort:
Premium Interior Features
- Available Laguna leather seats with Trailhawk embroidery
- Heated/ventilated front seats and heated rear seats
- Power tilt/telescoping steering column
- Dual-pane panoramic sunroof option
Uconnect Infotainment
The award-winning system includes:
- 8.4-inch touchscreen (5-inch standard)
- Navigation with topographic mapping
- 9-speaker Alpine premium audio option
- Rear seat USB ports and 110V outlet
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Safety and Driver Assistance
The Trailhawk offers modern safety technologies including:
- Full-speed forward collision warning with automatic braking
- Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-path detection
- Lane departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control with stop capability
- ParkSense parallel/perpendicular park assist
While IIHS ratings show room for improvement in small overlap protection, the Trailhawk's available safety tech helps prevent accidents before they occur.
Cargo and Practicality
The Trailhawk maintains excellent utility despite its off-road focus:
- 36.3 cubic feet behind rear seats
- 68.3 cubic feet with rear seats folded
- Class-leading 6,200-7,400 lb towing capacity
- Hidden underfloor storage compartment
- Available trailer tow package with integrated brake controller
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How It Compares to Key Rivals
| Model | Starting Price | Max Ground Clearance | Max Towing | Horsepower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk | $44,990 | 10.8" | 7,400 lbs | 360 hp |
| Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro | $43,340 | 9.6" | 5,000 lbs | 270 hp |
| Jeep Wrangler Rubicon | $43,240 | 10.8" | 3,500 lbs | 285 hp |
The Trailhawk stands out by offering superior towing, more powerful engine options, and greater refinement than its dedicated off-road competitors while maintaining comparable trail capability.
Who Should Consider the Trailhawk?
The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is ideal for:
- Outdoor enthusiasts who need serious off-road capability without sacrificing comfort
- Active families requiring both adventure readiness and daily practicality
- Towing needs that exceed what most midsize SUVs can handle
- Buyers who want Jeep's Trail Rated credentials with premium amenities
While the standard Grand Cherokee suits most buyers, the Trailhawk delivers unmatched versatility for those who regularly venture off the beaten path.
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Final Verdict
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk successfully bridges the gap between hardcore off-roader and luxury SUV. While competitors like the 4Runner TRD Pro and Wrangler Rubicon might match its trail capability, neither can touch its combination of refinement, technology, and towing prowess. For buyers who need one vehicle that can handle mountain trails during the weekend and client meetings during the week, the Trailhawk stands alone in its class.
MotorVero's independent editorial team provides unbiased vehicle reviews and comparisons. We maintain strict separation between our editorial content and advertising partnerships to deliver trustworthy automotive advice.
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Last Updated On Sep, 03-2025