Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk confirmed for Australia

Offroad junkies can look forward to a new Trailhawk variant of Jeep’s popular Grand Cherokee SUV. The Trailhawk model – the most capable factory-produced Grand Cherokee ever – goes on sale in the second quarter of 2017 in Australia.

The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk expands Jeep’s large SUV range to six offerings, joining the Laredo, Limited, Overland, Summit and the HEMI V8-powered SRT.

Read ForceGT’s Jeep Grand Cherokee Review

Jeep first introduced the world to the “Trailhawk” name on a Grand Cherokee concept at the 2012 Easter Jeep Safari. The idea was to deliver a unique and more rugged appearance, with a host of functional features to increase offroad 4×4 capabilities.

The “Trailhawk” name first moved to production with the all-new Jeep Cherokee in 2014, and is also available in the Renegade range launched in 2015.

Befitting its go-anywhere status, the Trailhawk is equipped as standard with a host of off-road capability features, including Jeep’s Quadra-Drive II 4×4 system with rear Electronic Limited Slip Differential (ELSD), a special version of Grand Cherokee’s Quadra-Lift air suspension – further developed for Trailhawk – that offers improved articulation and total suspension travel, as well as Selec-Speed Control with Hill Ascent Control. Skid plates and a Trailhawk-specific anti-glare bonnet decal are also standard.

To tackle the toughest terrains, the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk’s approach angle is 29.8 degrees, increasing to 36.1 degrees when the lower front fascia is removed for severe off-roading. The breakover angle is 27.1 degrees while the departure angle is 22.8 degrees. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk offers up to 274mm of ground clearance.

The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk exterior features a front fascia and seven-slot Jeep grille that debuted on the 2016 Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary edition, Trailhawk-signature red tow hooks in the front and rear, standard (in the USA) rugged 18-inch offroad tyres with Kevlar reinforcement, Trailhawk and Trail Rated badges with red accents, and mirror caps and a roof rack with Neutral Gray accents.

Inside, Trailhawk gets a unique black interior with leather and suede sport seats, brushed Piano Black appliques, gun-metal finish on all painted interior parts, a Trailhawk badge on the Jeep steering wheel, and red accent stitching on the seats, doors and console.

The standard 8.4-inch Uconnect touch screen includes updated off-road pages showing wheel articulation and other vehicle 4×4 capability features, such as suspension height and 4×4 and Selec-Terrain modes.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk models will be available in Redline Red, Billet Silver, Bright White, Rhino, Granite Crystal, Velvet Red and Diamond Black Crystal exterior paints.

In the United States, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk comes with the Pentastar 3.6-litre V6 engine standard, and the option of EcoDiesel 3.0-litre V6 or Hemi V8.

Australian pricing and specification will be confirmed closer to local launch in 2017.