Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 2013 Review
The limited-edition Trailhawk version of Jeep's Grand Cherokee is something of a ‘last hurrah' for the American brand's top-selling modelRoad Test
Price Guide (recommended price before statutory & delivery charges): $68,000?
Options fitted to test car (not included in above price): N/A?
Crash rating: Four-star (ANCAP)?
Fuel: Diesel?
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 8.3 ?CO2 emissions (g/km): 218
?Also consider: Land Rover Discovery 4 (from $68,900); Mitsubishi Pajero (from $58,990); Toyota LandCruiser Prado (from $55,990)
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The limited-edition Trailhawk version of Jeep’s Grand Cherokee is something of a ‘last hurrah’ for the American brand’s top-selling model. The Grand Cherokee will be updated with a significantly face-lifter model later this year, meaning the Trailhawk will offer potential buyers a final shot at getting hold of a highly-optioned version of the current (WK2) series.
Restricted to just 160 units, the Trailhawk’s styling tweaks probably won’t appeal to everyone. But the added offroad equipment is, in our view, well worth the asking price. The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk retails for $68,000, just $2000 shy of the top-spec Grand Cherokee Overland, a variant which shares much of the same equipment on offer here.
For the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, that means the addition of bonnet graphics, grey mirror caps, grille and 18-inch alloy wheels, red-stitched suede and leatherette upholstery, Mopar rock sliders and underbody bash plates, red-painted recovery hooks up front, all-terrain tyres and a powered tailgate. You also get Jeep’s Quadra-Lift air suspension as standard issue which is a $2500 option on some variants.
The air suspension gives the 2400kg Grand Cherokee Trailhawk an additional 100mm of ground clearance, but conversely, does slightly limit the suspension’s travel when compared to the standard steel arrangement.
Mated to a velvety smooth five-speed automatic transmission, the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk achieved a respectable fuel economy average of 10.0L/100km on test -- a decent average considering the tachometer sat on 2200rpm at 100km/h, possibly because of the Trailhawk (and Overland) variant’s electronic limited-slip rear differential and shorter 3.45:1 axle ratio.
The heated thick-rimmed steering wheel felt nice to hold, while the steering itself proved quite direct. A shame then the feel was quite ponderous, especially on rapid changes of direction offroad where a fair amount of muscle was required to manoeuvre the large vehicle around obstacles.
The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk’s various four-wheel drive modes, part of Jeep’s Quadra-Drive II system, all worked as expected, though we did note 4L (low-range four-wheel drive) to be slower than others to engage, and then only when the transmission was in neutral.
We also found the large SUV to feel comfortable and confident on-road. The suspension managed to keep the crew comfy while also providing enough engagement for the driver. It handles better than you’d expect a vehicle of such appreciable stature to; maintaining very good body control in the bends. It also resisted the urge to pitch under heavy braking and acceleration, something we can’t say for many of the Grand Cherokee’s rivals.
Like most SUVs in this price range, the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is equipped with a high level of kit. There’s a good mix of features, especially from a convenience and infotainment perspective. The audio system is very good, complementing the Bluetooth audio streaming from my smartphone nicely. Some of the functionality is a little clunky compared to some of the newer tech out there, but once you’re used to it, there’s few complaints. Though I can’t say the same for the multifunction wiper/indicator/high beam stalk…
While we’re on the subject, it’s worth pointing out that although Jeep’s automated high-beam assist works well on country roads, it is confused by reflective street signs, cat’s eyes and the likes in urban environs. In fact, you could say that on occasion it leaves you in the dark.
On balance, the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is a tough offroad-oriented SUV with luxury flourishes certain to appeal to those with adventurous aspirations. It’s a good way to get the equipment you need at a reasonable price before Jeep moves to the 300-inspired look of the newcomer. If you want one, get on it. They won’t stay in showrooms for long.
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