2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Shines Bright in Moab
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is a great off-roader without comprising driving comforts.
When I mentioned to people that I was going to Moab to test a Jeep, most of them assumed that we would be driving a Wrangler or Gladiator, as those are the two vehicles which would seem the most at-home in the country’s best-known off-roader’s paradise. When I then pointed out that I would be driving the new Grand Cherokee, many people questioned why the Jeep people would have us to Moab to drive a vehicle that isn’t known for being the most off-road-capable vehicle in the lineup.
As it turns out, Jeep brought us to Moab to test the 2022 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk in one of the most extreme locations in the country to show just how well it performs in conditions that most owners will never encounter. In short, while most new Grand Cherokee owners won’t buy one to go off-roading, the Trailhawk model is an incredible option for anyone who wants to play in some of the toughest terrains in the country.
Grand Cherokee Climbs Raven’s Rim
While we did some driving off-road in our on-road test vehicles, the Summit Reserve model with 21-inch wheels and low profile tires was no match for any serious off-road trail around Moab. With that in mind, Jeep provided a fleet of Grand Cherokee Trailhawk models, which offer the most off-road capabilities in the lineup. The Trailhawk model features a uniquely tuned Quadra-Lift air suspension system, electronic disconnecting sway bar, electronic limited slip rear differential and the Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system with 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio.
The area in which we were testing the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk was known as Raven’s Rim. It began with a drive up a steep, tight and winding path comprised of loose sand and rocks of varying sizes. At points, the path took us over large boulders that we embedded in the sand, which really put the Jeep’s suspension, chassis and four-wheel-drive systems to the test. Time and time again, the Grand Cherokee effortlessly climbed over every obstacle that we encounter.
In addition to easily climbing over everything, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk was surprisingly nimble in the repeated switchback turns. Even though this Grand Cherokee is larger than the previous generation, causing it to pretty much fill the path taking us into the skies over Moab, the level of control is impressive.
The suspension articulation leads to excellent footing on uneven surfaces, the steering system is responsive and smooth and when you get into particularly tight spaces, the front-facing camera system lets you see just how close you are to a horrifying drop. Also, the 360-degree camera system and the split-screen display is great when making your way through tight spots in the new Grand Cherokee.
Frankly, making my way up the narrow dirt path with a hundred-foot drop just inches away was one of the most treacherous off-road situations I have experienced and at no point did the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk ever feel like it was struggling. When we got to the top of the Raven’s Rim, there was some wide open space, lined with massive boulders that led to some great rock crawling. With the sway bar disconnected, the suspension set to the highest off-road setting and four-low engaged, the 2022 Grand Cherokee inched its way over every obstacle, no matter how steep or slippery with dust.
Heading Down the Hill
While climbing Raven’s Rim with the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk was a unique experience, coming back down was truly surreal. It is hard to tell from these images, but the trail is incredibly steep and it is pretty much carved into the face of the hill.
As a result, when you are coming back down the hill, you are making tight turns over long drop-offs, with gravity pushing the big SUV in the loose footing. In most areas, the Hill Descent system serves as a sort of off-road cruise control, allowing you to focus on steering wheel the system maintains a constant vehicle speed that you can select. When creeping down the hill at 5 miles per hour, you handle the steering while the vehicle handles the braking, taking some of the guesswork out of the process of an intimidating down-hill descent.
With the help of the spotters who were provided by Jeep, who helped us get around the tight turns, the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk not only made it down the hill safely, but the off-road technology made the drive down much easier.
Finally, once we got back on paved roads, we drove a few miles to the hotel in the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk. During that time, it was clear that the Trailhawk’s off-road tires offer a smoother ride, absorbing pretty much any rough spots in the road, but the trade-off is a bit more sidewall play when cornering. The Trailhawk doesn’t stick to the road quite as well as the Summit Reserve, but for anyone who wants a great, roomy off-road SUV, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is the best bet in the segment.
Photos: Stellantis
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