2027 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Adds Low Range, 9 Inches of Clearance and Hybrid Power

The 2027 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk brings mechanical off-road equipment to a hybrid compact SUV. Its defining features are a two-speed four-wheel-drive system with low range, a lifted suspension, underbody protection and all-terrain tires. Jeep estimates 31 mpg combined, giving the Trailhawk a different balance of trail capability and fuel economy from more traditional off-road SUVs.

It’s a substantial equipment package for a Cherokee, not just a trim with tougher styling. Jeep says the Trailhawk has been tested on terrain in the American Southwest, including slickrock and sand at Sand Hollow and trails around Moab. That development work informed its suspension, traction and clearance. The practical question for buyers is how often they’ll use the added hardware; for drivers who regularly leave pavement, the low-range gearing is the standout.

Clearance and suspension for uneven ground

The Trailhawk has 9 inches of ground clearance, helped by a 1-inch suspension lift. Jeep also fitted unique springs and dampers, and says the changes improve the Cherokee’s Ramp Travel Index by 45 points compared with other models in the lineup. That measure reflects suspension flexibility and axle articulation, useful when the wheels need to follow uneven terrain while maintaining contact.

Its published approach angle is 28.8 degrees, the departure angle is 31.8 degrees, and ramp breakover is 21.9 degrees. Jeep also claims a 24-inch water-fording rating, which it describes as the only one in the class. These figures give buyers specific points of comparison, though they don’t tell the whole story of how a vehicle behaves on a particular trail.

Low range is the key distinction

Jeep Active Drive II with Lock Mode comes standard, along with a two-speed power transfer unit that Jeep calls class-exclusive. The system’s 2.92:1 low-range ratio contributes to a 37.5:1 crawl ratio. In practice, lower gearing gives the driver more control at slow speeds on steep or loose ground, reducing the need to rely constantly on the brakes while climbing or descending.

Steel skid plates protect the front axle, wiring and fuel tank, while a separate plate shields the hybrid battery. Selec-Terrain offers Auto, Sport, Snow, Sand/Mud and Rock modes, which adjust vehicle systems for the selected conditions. Those additions address the vulnerable components and traction demands that can limit a road-focused crossover once it reaches rougher terrain.

Purposeful exterior, distinctive cabin

The front and rear fascias have been redesigned for the Trailhawk to improve approach and departure angles. The exterior also gets red tow hooks at both ends, Trailhawk badging and a hood graphic intended to reduce glare. Buyers can choose between two 17-inch wheel designs, each fitted with 245/65R17 Nexen Rodian ATX all-terrain tires. The tire size and tread are part of the package’s functional case: the lift and bodywork alone wouldn’t provide the same traction away from pavement.

Inside, Mantis Green upholstery is paired with red stitching and an embossed Trailhawk logo. Jeep adds a Black Spun Aluminum finish to the shift dial and a Radical Red bezel around the transmission control. The color treatment gives the cabin a distinct identity while echoing details used in other capable Jeep models.

Hybrid output and everyday equipment

Power comes from a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid system rated at 210 horsepower. Jeep’s estimated fuel economy is 31 mpg combined. The figures suggest the Trailhawk is aimed at buyers who want off-road hardware without stepping into a larger, more traditional four-wheel-drive vehicle. The source doesn’t provide an electric-only range or further details about the hybrid system, so those figures can’t yet be used to assess its efficiency in different driving conditions.

The cabin includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. Trailhawk equipment also includes LED headlights and taillights, fog lamps, heated power front seats, a heated steering wheel, seat and mirror memory settings, and a foot-activated power liftgate. Much of that equipment is drawn from the Cherokee Overland, giving this version a daily-driving brief alongside its trail focus.

Options, towing and timing

Three optional packages add comfort, towing or driver visibility equipment. The Sun and Sound package combines a dual-pane sunroof with a premium Alpine audio system. A separate trailering package raises advertised maximum towing capacity to 3,500 pounds. The Advanced Pro Tech Group adds ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, camera washers at both ends and a 360-degree camera system. The surround view could help drivers judge tire placement on narrow trails where nearby rocks or other obstacles are difficult to see from the cabin.

Production is scheduled to begin later this year at Stellantis’ Toluca Assembly Complex. Orders are open, with pricing starting at $44,625, including a $1,995 destination charge. That price buys more than trail-themed trim: low range, suspension changes and protection plates give the Cherokee a credible equipment list for drivers who expect to take it beyond graded roads. The 31-mpg estimate and standard comfort features broaden its appeal, while real-world capability and economy will depend on conditions and use.