Jeep has put the word out that it is reintroducing one of the most formidable variants of its flagship SUV. In the wake of the 2027 Grand Cherokee’s refresh, the automaker has confirmed the return of the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk as well as the premium, off-road oriented Overland trim.
For years the Trailhawk has been the most able Grand Cherokee in the stable, and the 2027 edition is no different. It comes back with some upgraded tech and the kind of rugged hardware you need to put down on difficult ground, all while being comfortable for your daily commute.
The headline change for the 2027 Trailhawk is what powers it.
Gone is the old powertrain, replaced by Stellantis’ new 2.0-liter Hurricane 4 Turbo engine mated to an eight-speed automatic. This turbo four puts out 324 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque for a more responsive drive whether you are on or off the tarmac. Thanks to Turbulent Jet Ignition, the engine gets 162 horsepower per liter. You will also find peak torque at 3,000 rpm, which ought to give you better low-speed control and crawling than the gasoline models of yore.
But the engine is not the only thing to look at; the Trailhawk’s off-road bona fides are what matter.
Standard fare on the 2027 model is the Quadra-Trac II four-wheel-drive, a two-speed transfer case and an electronic rear limited-slip differential. There is also Selec-Terrain with Rock mode, semi-active damping and the Quadra-Lift air suspension. For protection you get six skid plates over vital parts, a TrailCam system and 30.5-inch Goodyear Territory all-terrains.
By Jeep’s reckoning, the numbers are hard to beat: 11.4 inches of ground clearance and approach, breakover and departure angles of 36.0, 24.4 and 30.3 degrees. That makes it about as capable as any midsize SUV you can buy from the factory. And if you need to put a trailer behind it, it can tow 6,200 pounds with the standard package.
Visually, the Trailhawk has been given a few tweaks to suit its adventurous side. You won’t miss the signature red tow hooks up front or the matte black hood decal with its red graphics that cuts down on glare and adds an edge to the SUV. An 18-inch Granite Crystal wheel and dark metallic trim round out the exterior. Step inside and you are met with Global Black Nappa leather with red stitching and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen.
Then there is the Grand Cherokee Overland, which Jeep is also making available for 2027. As the premium option in the lineup, it is meant to be as much at home on a trail as it is in luxury. It has its own front-end styling with bright tow hooks and 21-inch machine-faced wheels, plus black lower bodywork.
In the cabin you will see Nappa leather with embossed Overland logos, unique trim and heated/ventilated seats up front and in the back. Mechanically it is no slouch either, sharing the Trailhawk’s Quadra-Trac II and air suspension, but adding a 360-degree camera with a washer for easier navigation.
You can count on seeing both the Trailhawk and Overland arrive later this year.
