2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee and JK Concepts Go Off-Roading in Malibu
The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee recently made its west coast on-road debut in Malibu, California, showcasing the new Trailhawk, SRT, and an even more luxurious Summit model.
For the very first time, the Grand Cherokee receives a Trailhawk version, which adds unmatched off-road capability to this already feature-packed midsize SUV. This new model is easily identified by red tow hooks in the front and rear as well as new Trailhawk and Trail Rated badges throughout the vehicle.
We had an opportunity to put the 2017 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk through its paces on the trails at Calamigos Ranch to test out the most important pieces of standard equipment — Quadra-Drive II 4×4 system, rear Electronic Limited-slip Differential (ELSD), a Trailhawk-specific Quadra-Lift air suspension, and Selec-Speed Control with Hill-ascent and Hill-descent Control.
The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk made quick work of moguls and steep inclines/declines. Using the Selec-Speed Control, which is essentially a crawl mode that allows the driver to set a speed at intervals of 0.6 mph, we let the Trailhawk manage itself up and down hills, and simply focused on steering input, all without touching the pedals.
The updated Quadra-Lift air suspension delivered a smooth ride, and is now more gentle when it’s compressed while at the highest setting.
Other notable standard features include 18-inch Goodyear Adventure off-road tires with Kevlar reinforcement, skid plates, and an anti-glare hood decal.
On the luxury end of the spectrum, the Grand Cherokee Summit receives more hand-crafted leather appointments than you could ever wish for, an updated front fascia, and a host of now-standard premium features including Lane Departure Warning, Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist, and Trailer Hitch Camera View at Speed.
The available full-wrap leather interior offers four color schemes and adds Nappa leather to the dashboard, center console, and door panels while the seats are treated to Laguna leather with edge welting. The side pillars and roof are lined with a soft suede-like material that enhances the luxurious feel of the cabin.
The Grand Cherokee SRT also makes its return for 2017 with a new, exclusive front fascia and Signature leather interior package. A 475 horsepower 6.4-liter V8 sends the SRT from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, and completes a quarter mile in the mid-13 second range.
Eight drive modes help the Grand Cherokee SRT excel in a variety of on- and off-road situations, and standard launch control delivers improved and consistent straight-line acceleration.
According to Scott Tallon, Director of Jeep Brand Marketing, these three Grand Cherokee variants are special in the sense that they satisfy the demands and trends in the marketplace, and continue to help grow the brand.
With over 707,000 Jeep vehicles sold to date in 2016 (12% increase over last year), it seems like they’ve got the formula for excitement and capability dialed in quite well.
Jeep also brought out some of their JK concept vehicles for us to enjoy, many of which made their debut on the 2016 Easter Jeep Safari.
The Trailcat was a definite crowd favorite with its 707 horsepower HEMI Hellcat V8 engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.
Paying homage to the spirit of 1950s Americana was the Shortcut, a Wrangler-based take on the styling of the CJ-5.
This 1960 FC 150 heritage concept uses its original steel body and rides on a modified 2005 Wrangler chassis.
The Crew Chief 715 concept draws its inspiration from the Kaiser M715 military service vehicle.
With 75 years already in the bag, what are you most looking forward to for Jeep’s next 75 years? We’re hoping the Trailcat becomes a real thing!
Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>
