2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk first drive review

It's no secret that the current generation of SUVs - across all brands - are more focused on on-road manners than serious bush-bashing and rock-climbing.

Even Jeep, a brand synonymous with off-roading, has worked hard on improving its models on sealed roads; especially its range-topping Grand Cherokee. The large five-seater is now a rival to the likes of the Toyota Kluger and Hyundai Santa Fe, a family-friendly choice for taking the kids to school or the shops.

But what if you want to go on an outback camping trip? Well, Jeep hasn't forgot its heritage and for the 2017 Grand Cherokee update it has added a new model to the range - the hardcore, off-road focused Trailhawk.

Jeep already offers Trailhawk variants of the Cherokee and Renegade but this is first Grand Cherokee to bear the badge as a production model, despite debuting the name as a concept back in 2012. In order to wear the Trailhawk badge the model must be 'Trail Rated' by the brand, which requires passing a number of off-road tests, including wading depth, wheel articulation and ground clearance.

The 2017 Grand Cherokee receives a number of updates across the range including a new-look front end, new 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine, new gear selector and thicker front glass to reduce cabin noise; elements we've already seen adopted on the 75th Anniversary special edition.

In order to beef up the Trailhawk, Jeep has added a number of off-road parts including an upgraded version of its four-wheel drive system, changes to its air suspension that adds a further 63.5mm of ground clearance above the standard 203mm. There's an electronic limited slip differential on the rear too for added off-road ability.

Underbody protection for the engine, transmission, fuel tank and driveshaft are also added to the Trailhawk.

The other major change is the fitment of Goodyear All-Terrain Adventure tyres with Kevlar reinforced sidewalls as standard (on 18-inch alloy wheels).

For both practical and styling purposes the Trailhawk gets red tow hooks on the front and rear bumpers and a large bonnet decal that Jeep claims cuts sun glare.

Under the bonnet of our test car was the updated 'Pentastar' V6 petrol engine, good for 220kW of power and 350Nm of torque. But Australian models are likely to be powered exclusively by the brand's 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel. That engine is good for 179kW and 569Nm, but we'll have to reserve judgement on that until we test it as only petrol models were available at our US test drive.

What we did get a chance to test was the Trailhawk's off-road ability after heading outside of Las Vegas to the Valley of Fire State Park for a day of crawling over rocks and through sand dunes.

The drive to the park showcased the Grand Cherokee remains well mannered on sealed roads, with minimal tyre roar and a compliant ride.

Once we hit the dirt the Trailhawk immediately felt at home. Jeep's Select Terrain System tailors the four-wheel drive, throttle and suspension settings to suit the conditions - including sand, rock and snow.

Despite its size, the Grand Cherokee had little trouble climbing up, over and down rocks that would challenge many of its SUV rivals.

The Trailhawk has improved off-road capability with 29.8 degrees of approach angle, a breakover angle of 27.1 degrees and a departure angle of 22.8 degrees. If that's not enough the low part of the front bumper can be removed to increase the approach angle to 36.1 degrees.

The Trailhawk was just as comfortably ploughing through soft sand as it was climbing up and down rocks, underlining its capability as a serious off-roader.

Inside the cabin remains as comfortable as ever, with leather and suede trimmed seats, piano black trim and Jeep's user-friendly 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system.

The Trailhawk will be introduced along with the rest of the updated Grand Cherokee line-up in the first half of 2017.

It will be slot between the Limited and Overland variants in the Grand Cherokee range. At their current prices - $69,000 and $79,000 respectively - that will mean the Trailhawk is likely be priced around $74,000 but Jeep Australia isn't revealing any details.

It will be joined by the Summit model as new permanent additions to the range along with the Laredo, Limited, Overland and Hemi V8-powered SRT.

While most Australian owners will be unlikely to really push the Grand Cherokee to its limits off-road, the addition of the Trailhawk underlines Jeep's commitment to its heritage. And for those who do want an SUV with some serious capability to get off the beaten track it perfectly fits the bill.

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk pricing and specifications

On sale: Q1 2017

Price: $74,000 (estimated)

Engine: 3.6-litre V6 petrol

Power: 220kW

Torque: 350Nm

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, four-wheel drive

Fuel use: TBC

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