Jeep Grand Cherokee gets most-4x4 Trailhawk and luxuried-up Summit

About to become even more capable and even more luxurious, Jeep is showing a new Trailhawk and upgraded Summit spec models.

Trailhawk most 4x4

Trailhawk marks the most 4x4-capable specification in the baby-Jeep Renegade and mid-size Cherokee… and now also in the big Grand Cherokee.  Although these smaller Jeeps were the first produced to carry the Trailhawk wings badge, Trailhawk was introduced on the on the concept vehicle at the 2012 Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah.

The idea was to deliver a unique and more rugged appearance, with a host of
functional features that resulted in an increased level of off-road 4x4 capability, and this was first applied to Cherokee in 2014, then Renegade in 2015.

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is equipped with a host of standard off-road capability features, including Jeep’s Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system with rear Electronic Limited Slip Differential (ELSD), a unique version of Grand Cherokee’s Quadra-Lift air suspension (developed for Trailhawk) that offers improved articulation and total suspension travel (Grand Cherokee Trailhawk models offer up to 270mm of ground clearance) as well as Selec-Speed Control with Hill Ascent Control, and skid plates.

The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk exterior features the front fascia and seven-slot Jeep grille that debuted on the Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary edition, a Trailhawk-specific anti-glare matt black hood decal, Trailhawk-signature red tow hooks in the front and rear, standard rugged 18-inch or optional 20-inch Goodyear Adventure off-road tyres with Kevlar reinforcement, new Trailhawk and Trail Rated badges with red accents, Neutral Grey accents for mirror caps and the roof rack, and optional Mopar rock rails for added protection.

Inside, Grand Cherokee Trailhawk models feature a unique black interior with leather and suede performance seats for comfort and control (mixing sporty and rugged, for practical and visual purposes) plus red accent stitching on seats and doors and console, brushed Piano Black appliques, gun-metal grey finish on all painted interior parts, and a Trailhawk badge on the steering wheel.  A standard 8.4-inch Uconnect touch-screen includes updated off-road screens showing wheel articulation and other 4x4 capability features such as suspension height, 4x4 and Selec-Terrain modes.

The Grand Cherokee is also available in interestingly-named paint colours like Redline Red, Rhino, Velvet Red and Granite Crystal.

Grander Grand Cherokee

The Summit up-luxuried spec big Jeep has been with us in SA as of 2015 as the luxury model in the Grand Cherokee line-up, though this is being upgraded. 

Grander Grand Cherokee… this was created by taking the Summit higher, with an exterior getting an updated front fascia, grille and new-look LED fog lamps, new cross-spoke 20-inch polished wheels, and Laguna leather seats with edge welting, new full-wrap Laguna leather interior in “Indigo and Ski Gray” (1 of 4 colour schemes – the other 3 are Black, Brown and Dark Sienna Brown).  The headliner is in suede for the premium feel, door sills are illuminated, and premium Berber carpet mats are fitted.

Sound comfort is added by an acoustic windshield and full side glass, Active Noise Cancellation, and a Harmon/Kardon 19-speaker 825-Watt amp audio system with 3 subwoofers.

An array of technological and other features are also standard on the Grand Cherokee Summit, including Blind Spot Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning and Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist.

Jeep’s Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system with ELSD is standard on all Summit models, as is Grand Cherokee’s Quadra-Lift air suspension and Selec-Speed Control.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit is painted in luxury-aimed choices of Light Brown Stone, True Blue, Bright White, Ivory Pearl, Granite Crystal, Velvet Red, Diamond Black Crystal or Luxury Brown.

Indication has not been given on whether the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk will find its route here, or whether the upgraded Summit will be given market space.