- Jeep just revealed a new off-road-focused version of its 2027 Cherokee compact SUV.
- The Cherokee Trailhawk features unique front and rear fascia for better trail geometry, skid plates, all-terrain tires, and more.
Jeep has a deep and hard-earned reputation for off-road prowess. Most of its vehicles are trail-capable in even their base trim levels, but its most rugged trims carry a badge that denotes their specialist status — Trailhawk.
There’s a new Trailhawk coming to the showroom.
On Wednesday, the brand announced a Trailhawk edition of its 2027 Jeep Cherokee compact SUV.
The Cherokee returned to the Jeep lineup in 2026 after a 3-year absence, the first Jeep available only in hybrid form. Our editors praise its sharp interior design and quiet on-road ride, though we found knee room tight for taller drivers.
The Trailhawk is the first 2027 Cherokee to appear, so we don’t know if other trim levels will see major changes for the new model year. The Trailhawk starts at $44,625, including a $1,995 destination charge. Production is slated to begin later this year, according to the automaker.
Improved Angles, 2-Speed Power Transfer Unit
- Skid plates, all-terrain tires, and unique angles help, but the real trail capability comes from how power is delivered
It gets unique front and rear fascia, allowing for better approach and departure angles — 28.8 and 31.8 degrees, respectively. Ramp beakover is respectable, as well, at 21.9 degrees. Real skid plates protect the undercarriage, should you miscalculate an angle on the trail.
Other upgrades include 9-inch ground clearance thanks to an extra inch of lift, unique spring and damper tuning, and 17-inch wheels wrapped in Nexen Rodian ATX all-terrain tires.
Other Cherokee trims get Jeep’s capable Active Drive I 4-wheel-drive (4WD) system. The Trailhawk uses the upgraded Active Drive II 4WD system, which includes an electronic locking rear axle. A 2-speed power transfer unit with a 2.92 low-range ratio and 37.5:1 crawl ratio may be what most sets it apart from rival off-road trims like the Honda CR-V TrailSport or Toyota RAV4 Woodland.
Jeep explains, “Unlike rival SUVs, climbing steep, loose, and rocky surfaces is a simple task without the driver needing to ride the brakes, and torque delivery is superb when off-road.” That’s likely not hyperbole — it’s the actual engineering difference that makes the Cherokee Trailhawk unique.
Inside, it matches the interior of the upscale Overland trim, including heated front seats and steering wheel, front and rear camera washers, and a 360-degree trail cam.
