Jeep’s Most Trail-Hungry Grand Cherokee Returns from Its Hiatus

While the Trailhawk has remained a constant in Jeep’s Grand Cherokee lineup since its introduction in 2013, the brand had to put the trim on ice for this model year. Pulling the plug for its 4xe hybrid models required revisiting the portfolio as a whole.

Thankfully, it isn’t to be an extended absence, as Jeep has announced that the Trailhawk will be returning for 2027. As part of its revival, the SUV will be going back to the good old days of simple internal combustion.

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A change of heart

Specifically, Stellantis’s 2.0-liter turbocharged Hurricane four. When paired to an eight-speed  auto, it’s rated for 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. 

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Though this makes the Trailhawk more powerful than lesser Grand Cherokees running the base Pentastar V6, it’s still short some 51 horses and 138 lb-ft of torque compared to its electrified predecessor. Of course, what buyers lose in outright grunt, they should hopefully gain in recall avoidance.

Besides, Jeep didn’t skimp when it came to the rest of the powertrain. In keeping with the up-spec Grand Cherokee’s trail focus, it brings Quadra-Trac II four-wheel drive, a two-speed transfer case, an electronic limited-slip rear diff and Selec-Terrain traction control.

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They’re goodies that you won’t typically find on family-hauling SUVs, and they give owners some much more control. The low speed gearing and Rock mode in particular make for some true crawling potential on steeps.

Exercising its capability

The treatment doesn’t stop there, though, as the Trailhawk outfits the Grand Cherokee with some other important off-road essentials. 

Namely, a Quadra-Lift air suspension setup and some 30.5-inch Goodyear Territory all-terrain tires. Together they take ground clearance up to 11.4 inches and result in approach, breakover and departure angles of 36, 24.4 and 30.3 degrees, respectively. 

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Even a 4Runner TRD Pro won’t give you those kinds of numbers. Still, to make sure that the Grand Cherokee is prepared for unexpected bumps and bruises, Jeep also readies the undercarriage with six steel skid plates.

Rounded out by tech like an onboard TrailCam and Jeep Off-Road Pages, it once again brings advanced monitoring for everything from tire path and vehicle dynamics to suspension settings and pitch and roll. 

Moreover, as part of its Trailhawk revival, Jeep is even resurrecting its sharp looks. Along with some red tow hooks, it brings a matching accent on the matte hood and some granite wheels.

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Availability and pricing

As of this writing, Jeep hasn’t unveiled pricing for the 2027 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk just yet. More info is set to follow closer to its arrival at dealers later this year.

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2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk

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