Who one Jeep usually wants to drive off-road. In the case of the Grand Cherokee, this works particularly well with the new Trailhawk version. The SUV, which is upgraded for off-road driving, will be available from February with either a 213 kW / 290 hp 3,6-liter V6 petrol engine or a 3,0-liter V6 diesel with 184 kW / 250 hp from 62.400 euros.
Meanwhile, Jeep has a real Trailhawk family in its program, because the small Renegade and the compact Cherokee are already available in these versions. All three have badges that mark the vehicles as “trail rated”. That means that with the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk you could conquer the Rubicon Trail without any additional equipment.
The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk has been specifically upgraded for demanding off-road tours. Among other things, it offers underbody protection and 18-inch tires with kevlar-reinforced side walls. There is also a ground reduction and air suspension, which allows the ground clearance to be raised to 27 centimeters. In addition, the Jeep offers a downhill and uphill driving assistant. The electronics ensure a constant speed so that the vehicle crawls slowly uphill or downhill. The driver only has to concentrate on steering. And the electronics can do even more: With the rotary knob of the all-wheel drive system called Quadra-Drive-II, special driving programs for snow, mud, sand and rocks can be set.
The Trailhawk also looks more rustic than the standard versions of the Grand Cherokee. Its distinguishing features include a black anti-glare film on the bonnet and matt gray accents for the roof rails, front grill, front apron and exterior mirror housing.
The interior is also not too classy. Dirt-smeared footsteps - they don't have to come from a muddy off-road terrain - can be easily cleaned away and the leather-velor-upholstered seats also forgive one or the other stain. The predominant color black in the interior is loosened up by red stitching on the steering wheel and on the door panels. (Elfriede Munsch / SP-X)