When we first reviewed the new Jeep Cherokee Limited Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) in September 2014, it took us quite a while to get used to a rather unusual front-end of triple-deck head lights and seven-slot grille. But on the road, the SUV proved itself to be a driver-orientated car, easy to drive, versatile and chock full of useful safety functions and convenience features that a new P-plate driver will thank the gods for.
So what am we doing back in a Cherokee four months later?
Well, given Jeep's heritage and panache as a manufacturer of fine off-road, trail-ready cars, there had to be a hardcore trail-bashing version of the Cherokee. And in the same way BMW's M models are reincarnations of the speed demon, Jeep's Cherokee Trailhawk is the jungle-bashing equivalent. Up close and Personal
Equipped with Jeep's off-road package (a $10,000 premium), the Trailhawk is exactly why this Bear Grylls wannabe of a writer never quite fancied the kempt styling on the regular Cherokee. Distinctly rugged and alluring in the way some women go weak in the knees for men with facial hair, the Trailhawk sees the chrome bits like roof rails, badges and side-mirrors in a brushed down and finished matte-gray. It's definitely badass in the flesh.
So what am we doing back in a Cherokee four months later?
Well, given Jeep's heritage and panache as a manufacturer of fine off-road, trail-ready cars, there had to be a hardcore trail-bashing version of the Cherokee. And in the same way BMW's M models are reincarnations of the speed demon, Jeep's Cherokee Trailhawk is the jungle-bashing equivalent. Up close and Personal
Equipped with Jeep's off-road package (a $10,000 premium), the Trailhawk is exactly why this Bear Grylls wannabe of a writer never quite fancied the kempt styling on the regular Cherokee. Distinctly rugged and alluring in the way some women go weak in the knees for men with facial hair, the Trailhawk sees the chrome bits like roof rails, badges and side-mirrors in a brushed down and finished matte-gray. It's definitely badass in the flesh.
Elsewhere, the car also receives larger wheel flares for its 17-inch aluminium alloys with off-road rubbers and skid plates in their original black colour to help it deal with the harsh off-road terrain.
Notably, the car has been given red 'Trail Rated' badges on its flanks to highlight its capabilities where the tarmac ends and nature's unpredictability begins. And in the event that Mother Nature prevails against Jeep's engineering prowess, the car has three red tow hooks (two in the front, one at the rear) for reinforcements to lend assistance to. Making way for this, the front and rear overhangs have been shortened, a change that also helps improve its ascent and decent angles.
On the inside though, the interior layout and features remain largely unchanged. Instead of leather, the upholstery in the Trailhawk features a fabric and leather combination with 'Trailhawk' embroidery. As 'sportier' siblings usually are, the interior finish receives an added zing-red contrast stitching.
Notably, the car has been given red 'Trail Rated' badges on its flanks to highlight its capabilities where the tarmac ends and nature's unpredictability begins. And in the event that Mother Nature prevails against Jeep's engineering prowess, the car has three red tow hooks (two in the front, one at the rear) for reinforcements to lend assistance to. Making way for this, the front and rear overhangs have been shortened, a change that also helps improve its ascent and decent angles.
On the inside though, the interior layout and features remain largely unchanged. Instead of leather, the upholstery in the Trailhawk features a fabric and leather combination with 'Trailhawk' embroidery. As 'sportier' siblings usually are, the interior finish receives an added zing-red contrast stitching.
The Drive
While the Trailhawk has been primed for more adventurous pursuits off the straight and narrow, there is little (if any) perceptible difference in the way it drives on the road. Like the Cherokee Limited, the Trailhawk maintains the same 2.4-litre Tigershark engine with 174bhp and 229Nm of torque.
While the ZF-sourced nine-speed autobox works smoothly to get the car up to speed, it isn't the quickest or most responsive when you're in a hurry. And if you must know, the car gets from nought to 100km/h in a leisurely 10.6 seconds (compared to the Limited's 10.5 seconds) before topping out at 175km/h. Good to be informed, although you wouldn't actually be pushing this car to such limits.
On the go, it's as reassuring on the road (thanks to driver aids like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning) as its more sublime sibling. It's easy to handle and indulges passengers with high levels of comfort.
Taken off road, the Trailhawk really comes into its element. Additional off-road features like Hill Descent Control, Select Speed Control and a more elaborate Select Terrain control set it apart from the more docile Cherokee Limited.
While the Trailhawk has been primed for more adventurous pursuits off the straight and narrow, there is little (if any) perceptible difference in the way it drives on the road. Like the Cherokee Limited, the Trailhawk maintains the same 2.4-litre Tigershark engine with 174bhp and 229Nm of torque.
While the ZF-sourced nine-speed autobox works smoothly to get the car up to speed, it isn't the quickest or most responsive when you're in a hurry. And if you must know, the car gets from nought to 100km/h in a leisurely 10.6 seconds (compared to the Limited's 10.5 seconds) before topping out at 175km/h. Good to be informed, although you wouldn't actually be pushing this car to such limits.
On the go, it's as reassuring on the road (thanks to driver aids like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning) as its more sublime sibling. It's easy to handle and indulges passengers with high levels of comfort.
Taken off road, the Trailhawk really comes into its element. Additional off-road features like Hill Descent Control, Select Speed Control and a more elaborate Select Terrain control set it apart from the more docile Cherokee Limited.
Couple that with the additional rear differential lock for added traction when the going gets slick and this Jeep will be able to chomp down on steep ascents, descents, rocky surfaces, gnarly roots, snow and even mud and sand with confidence.
That said, drivers must ensure that their Trailhawks are equipped with the right tyres to maximise traction because no matter how capable their cars and four-wheel drives are, it's meaningless without grip in harsher terrains.
Conclusion
The $10,000 off-road package may separate the Limited from the harder-edged Trailhawk, but when it comes down to it, both cars drive and handle identically in the city. If trailblazing isn't quite your cup of tea, then the Limited will more than suffice.
But if you're consumed by a sense of adventure and would like a ride that could chew on hills between meals without compromising on your familial obligations, the $248,000 Trailhawk (as of 6th March 2015) will hit the spot.
That said, drivers must ensure that their Trailhawks are equipped with the right tyres to maximise traction because no matter how capable their cars and four-wheel drives are, it's meaningless without grip in harsher terrains.
Conclusion
The $10,000 off-road package may separate the Limited from the harder-edged Trailhawk, but when it comes down to it, both cars drive and handle identically in the city. If trailblazing isn't quite your cup of tea, then the Limited will more than suffice.
But if you're consumed by a sense of adventure and would like a ride that could chew on hills between meals without compromising on your familial obligations, the $248,000 Trailhawk (as of 6th March 2015) will hit the spot.
