Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk gains low-range gearing, a locking rear differential and more ground clearance
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Jeep is once again giving the new Cherokee a version genuinely suited to off-road driving. The 2027 Cherokee Trailhawk gets a two-speed transfer case, a 2.92:1 low-range ratio, an electronically locking rear differential and 229 mm of ground clearance. Compared with the standard Cherokee, it is no longer merely a trim package with a more rugged look.
Trailhawk gets proper off-road hardware
According to details released by Stellantis on 30 September, the Cherokee Trailhawk uses Jeep Active Drive II four-wheel drive. Its two-speed transfer case provides a 2.92:1 low-range reduction, while the drivetrain's overall crawl ratio reaches 37.5:1. The system also locks the rear differential when needed.
The suspension raises the vehicle by 25 mm, increasing ground clearance to 229 mm. New springs and dampers also improve wheel articulation. The approach angle increases to 28.8 degrees, the breakover angle to 21.9 degrees and the departure angle to 31.8 degrees. The standard Cherokee's corresponding figures are around 19.6, 18.8 and 29.4 degrees, so the biggest gain is in clearance beneath the nose.
Jeep adds steel underbody protection for the front axle, wiring and fuel tank, with separate protection for the hybrid battery. Wading depth increases to 610 mm, while the 17-inch wheels are fitted with 245/65 R17 Nexen Roadian ATX all-terrain tyres.
Hybrid powertrain unchanged, fuel consumption rises
The Trailhawk uses the same hybrid system with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine found elsewhere in the Cherokee range. The system develops 157 kW, with 312 Nm in the standard version. The all-terrain tyres, raised body and heavier four-wheel-drive hardware take their toll. Jeep estimates the Trailhawk's average fuel consumption at around 7.6 l/100 km, compared with approximately 6.4 l/100 km for the standard Cherokee.
That is still a reasonable price to pay for a vehicle that, unlike many SUVs in the same class, has genuine low-range gearing and a locking rear differential. Technically, the Cherokee Trailhawk moves considerably closer to the classic Jeep formula than most of its front-wheel-drive-based rivals.
Europe remains on the sidelines for now
Production begins in late 2026 at Stellantis's Toluca plant in Mexico. Jeep has not confirmed European sales of the Cherokee Trailhawk.
That is a shame, as a Cherokee with a hybrid powertrain, a more compact body and proper off-road hardware would fill a rather distinctive niche. The much more urban-focused Compass and Avenger currently do most of the work in Jeep's European line-up.
