Dubbed as the most ‘Capable Version Ever’, the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk was first revealed to the general public at the 2016 New York Auto Show and later was displayed in EMEA premiere at Paris International Motor in October.
The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee is originally available in six variants including Laredo, Limited, Overland, Summit, SRT and the range-topping Trailhawk. We recently got a chance to test drive the Trailhawk on the snow and here are our findings.
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Review
Walk Around
In terms of design, the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk boasts an aggressive persona with an updated front fascia incorporating a seven-slot Jeep grille along with stylish bi-xenon HID headlamps and fog lamps. The wheels are 18-inch aluminum, while the Goodyear Adventure off-road tires not only add a sporty look, but also offer a phenomenal road grip. The unique Trailhawk badges on the outside make this variant distinguishable from other trims.
Cockpit Impression
As you step inside, you see a beautiful black colored interior featuring comfortable leather and suede performance seats. The Trailhawk logo is stitched with red accent on the seats, doors and the front console. The combination of piano black and the gun-metal finish on the dash looks stunning and gives a luxurious feel to the interior. As I moved on to the back seat, I found the leg space and headroom adequate for tall passengers. The front dash features an interactive infotainment display, which we will inspect while test driving the SUV.
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is available in two engine options:
- The 3.6L V6 with 285 horsepower and 347 Nm of torque
- The 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel engine with 250 horsepower and 570 Nm of torque
Both the engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission system.
Driving Dynamics
To test the off-road capabilities of the 2017 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, I drove it on a snowy and rugged landscape. Undoubtedly, the driving experience was spectacular, thanks to the powerful engine and the unique 4×4 Quadra-drive II system, which is paired to the Quadra-Lift air suspension system Selec-Terrain and Selec-Track traction management system to ensure an amazing off-road performance. One of the best features of this SUV is the Selec-Speed Control with Hill-ascent and Hill-descent Control, which allowed me to control the speed of the vehicle while going up or stepping down from a steep area.
The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk also boasts standard skid plates, which keep the SUV safe in extreme off-road driving conditions. I hit the 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds. The automaker has capped the top speed at 190 km/h. During our test drive, the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk consumed around 7.0L fuel to cover 100 kilometers.
Technological Overview
The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk encompasses a range of latest technological features including an 8.4-inch Uconnect touch screen, which also displays the SUV’s off-roading capability features such as suspension height and the drive mode selected, as well as an optional rear-seat entertainment system, navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, voice-activated features and more.
Safety Features
The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk also comprise high-end safety facilities like lane departure alert, parallel and perpendicular Park assist, rear-backup camera, underbody skid plate, hill start assist, hill descent control, Kevlar reinforced tires, vehicle dynamic control, supplemental front seat side airbags, side impact airbags and knee airbags.
Dislike
Although the 2017 Grand Cherokee is loaded with advanced safety features, it lacks the five-star safety rating from IIHS. Something, Jeep needs to work on in the next model.
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Price and Verdict
If you are in search of an ideal four-wheel drive SUV with splendid 4×4 capabilities, then the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk should be on the top of your list. The price of the standard Grand Cherokee starts from AED 149,999, while the upper trims cost significantly higher. Nevertheless, the Trailhawk is worth every fils.