The off-road-ready Trailhawk grade is returning to the Jeep Cherokee.

This grade has not been offered since the previous generation of the Cherokee was discontinued in 2023.

The current Cherokee launched for the 2026 model year and is picking up the off-road-oriented Trailhawk trim for 2027. It wears Jeep’s Trail Rate badge, which the automaker reserves for vehicles capable of what it calls authentic off-road performance.

“Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is the real deal, and earns its Trail Rated badge through a gauntlet of testing scenarios,” Jeep brand CEO Branden Coté said in a news release. “This SUV blends legitimate 4×4 off-road capability that the Trailhawk badge represents, but with hybrid efficiency that is so important to customers in this segment.”

The automaker said engineers took the new Cherokee Trailhawk to Sand Hollow to test its slickrock and sand performance. Furthermore, it was taken to Moab to configure its articulation, ground clearance, traction and more.

Off-road specs

Jeep provided some off-road specs for the Cherokee Trailhawk.

The SUV manages the following approach, departure and breakover angles:

• Standard approach – 28.8 degrees
• Departure – 31.8 degrees
• Ramp breakover – 21.9 degrees

Furthermore, it has a ground clearance of 22.98 centimetres (nine inches) with a 2.5-centimetre (one-inch) lift. The suspension lift with unique spring and damper tuning result in a 45-point Ramp Travel Index improvement compared to standard Cherokees. The index is a standard test for suspension flexibility and axle articulation.

The 2027 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk also has a water fording depth rating of 60.9 centimetres (24 inches).

The powertrain features Jeep’s Active Drive II 4×4 system with Lock Mode as well as a two-speed power transfer unit with a 2.92 low range ratio and 37.5:1 crawl ratio.

Jeep said the system’s torque delivery eliminates the need for the driver to ride the brakes when climbing steep, loose or rocky surfaces.

The vehicle also has steel skid plates to protect the front axle, wiring and fuel tank. There’s also a protection plate for the hybrid powertrain’s battery.

The Selec-Terrain has five settings. They include Auto, Sport, Snow, Sand/Mud and Rock.

The SUV is available with two unique 17-inch wheel designs and comes with Nexen Rodian ATX all-terrain tires measuring 245/65R17.

Rugged elements

The Cherokee Trailhawk has a few rugged elements to differentiate it from standard Cherokees.

It has a unique front end with a gloss black upper fascia. It has class-exclusive tow hooks finished in red at the front and rear.

The hood has an anti-glare graphic and Trailhawk bading at the rear.

Interior elements

The interior features Mantis Green upholstery with red accent stitching and an embossed logo.

The shift dial has a unique Black Spun Aluminum finish.

There’s also a Radical Red bezel around the transmission dial.

Three package options

The 2027 Cherokee Trailhawk has three optional packages.

They include a Sun and Sound package, which features a dual-pane sunroof and premium Alpine audio system, a trailering package with a 1,587-kilogram (3,500-pound) towing figure, and the Advanced Pro Tech Group, which features ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, front and rear camera washers, and a 360-degree camera.

Powertrain

The Jeep Cherokee is powered by a hybrid powertrain featuring a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors.

The system produces 210 hp and 230 lb.-ft. of torque.

The automaker estimates the Trailhawk manages a city-highway combined fuel economy rating of 7.5 L/100 km.

Canadian availability and price

The 2027 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk will go into production later this year and Canadian customer ordering will open later this year as well.

The 2027 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk has a starting Canadian price of $57,490, which includes $2,395 in destination and additional fees.

For more information, visit the Jeep Canada website.

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