By Ross Mackay. Photos by Jeep & Edward Rowe

First seen as a concept(as is Jeep’s way) at the annual Jeep Safari at Easter, the new Trailhawk is one of five different Grand Cherokee models (Laredo, Ltd, Trailhawk, Overland and SRT) now available here.

All share the same unibody (monocoque) platform with RRPs ranging from  just $64,990 for the Pentastar V6 Laredo 2WD to $114,990 for the V8 Quadra-Trac on-demand 4WD SRT.

At a cool $94,990 the 184kW/550Nm 3.0 litre turbo-diesel-powered Trailhawk sits slap-bang in the middle of the line-up and is pitched at the buyer who is definitely interested in heading off the beaten track.

Though it takes a keen eye to initially pick out the signs (the matt-black paint inserts on the bonnet, red tow hooks and Trailhawk Rubicon Trail-earned ‘Trail-rated’ badges are the key giveaways) the Trailhawk comes ‘loaded for bear.’

For a start it is equipped with the top-of-the-line Quadra-Drive 11 4WD system which  includes Jeep’s Electronic Limited Slip Differential (ELSD) at the rear, a unique version of the company’s high-rise, Quadra-Lift air suspension system (which offers improved articulation as well as considerably more suspension travel) and Selec-Speed Control with Hill Ascent Control.

Robust skid plates  are standard and clever packaging around the nose and chin spoiler and rear bumper sees an approach angle of 29.8 degrees and a departure one of 22.8 degrees. The Quadra-lift system also means almost 275mm of ground clearance.

Wheels are 18-inch alloys, tyres Kevlar-reinforced Goodyear Adventure A/Ts.

Inside, Trailhawk models feature a mix of comfortable, supportive black leather and suede sports seats , a gun-metal finish on all painted interior parts and red accent stitching on the seats, doors and console.

An 8.4-inch Uconnect touch screen is standard and comes complete – get this ! – with scrollable ‘pages’  showing  not only the 4x4 and Selec-Terrain modes you are in, but also functions such as suspension height and wheel articulation.

In addition to the arrival of the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk for 2017, Jeep has also made a range of enhancements and improvements across the Grand Cherokee range.

These include:

• Laredo, Limited, Overland, and Trailhawk models all get the front fascia and seven-slot Jeep grille that debuted on the 2016 Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary edition.
• The SRT model gets an exclusive front fascia/fog lamps/grille combo as well as  a Signature leather interior package.
• Rearview cameras, rear park sensors, uConnect telematics, and LED daytime running lights are now standard on all Grand Cherokee models.
   

To read every story in the May 2017 issue of NZ4WD go to Zinio.com (April 21) or purchase your own hard copy at the Adrenalin store.