Grand Cherokee Trailhawk adds Jeepness

Jeep has added even more off-road ability to its already capable Grand Cherokee, launching a new model dubbed the Trailhawk as part of the MY17 upgrade.

The obvious question is why?

"Because we are Jeep," global product marketing co-ordination manager Colin Shaw told motoring.com.au at the international launch in Las Vegas last week.

"The Trailhawk naturally fits with our off-roading message but it is also a really good way to bring in a younger demographic: working professionals, two income families that want to go out, still want to go bike or kayak on the weekend.

"They don't need a Wrangler because they need to go and pick up the kids. So that's where the Trailhawk fits in, help people still access that lifestyle, have a little bit more of an aggressive look, but still have a very good ride and everything else that comes along with Jeep."

Unmentioned by Shaw is the fact the current WK Grand Cherokee is entering the closing stages of its model life, its replacement due to pop up in some form in late 2017 or early 2018. So Trailhawk is also a stratagem to keep buyer interest percolating.

In Australia the Grand Cherokee also needs a boost in the wake of 16 recalls since its 2011 launch that have played a big role in decreasing sales. Shaw acknowledged the issues the vehicle has had.

"We are working on it, we know we have to improve it ... and we are aware of that challenge," he said.

Added FCA Australia director of corporate communications Lucy McLellan: "I think there are a lot of things that are needed to reverse the sales trend and it starts with the foundations of the company, but the product speaks volumes,"

"It's an interesting one because we have had this Grand Cherokee since 2011 and I think refreshed product, refreshed marketing and a refreshed approach to customer service will all be factors in our sales turnaround."

FCA Australia's fundamental changes to customer and dealer relations was detailed here last week.

On-sale here around the end of the first quarter of 2017, the Trailhawk will become the latest permanent member of the Australian Grand Cherokee line-up, slotting in above the Laredo and below the Overland.

At this stage all that is confirmed is we will get the 179kW/569Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine mated with an eight-speed ZF transmission and low-range transfer case. The Pentastar we drove in Nevada could come and maybe even the Hemi V8. Pricing is also a TBA, although positioning somewhere between $65,000 and $70,000 seems logical considering the current model line-up.

A luxury model called the Summit is also coming, and that will sit further up the range, so there could be some readjustment of the pricing ladder.

Both Trailhawk and Summit (Platinum) badges have been limited editions previously, the Trailhawk appearing as far back as 2013.

Trailhawk is also the designated name for the most off-road capable model in all Jeep model lines except the Wrangler, which gets the Rubicon moniker.

Trailhawk is fitted with Jeep's Quadra-Drive II 4x4 system with rear Electronic Limited Slip Differential, a unique version of the Quadra-Lift air suspension providing increased articulation and total suspension travel, the Selec-Terrain system that adjusts dynamics through auto, sand, snow, rock and mud modes, Selec-Speed Control with hill ascent and descent control, four underbody skid plates and Goodyear Adventure off-road tyres with Kevlar reinforcement.

Inside the five-seat interior there's a unique black hue with leather and suede performance seats, red accent stitching, piano black and gun-metal finishes. There are new off-road pages on the 8.4-inch Uconnect touch screen that shows wheel articulation, suspension height and 4x4 and Selec-Terrain modes.

It also gets the new gear shifter required by one of those 16 recalls.

Read a review of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk