After a new generation of the Jeep Cherokee arrived for the 2026 model year, Jeep has expanded the lineup for 2027 with the most capable version of the crossover yet. That’s the Cherokee Trailhawk, which brings Trail Rated capability to the Cherokee. This Jeep distances itself from the many compact SUVs that look tough but can’t handle even moderately tough off-roading trails. Thanks to genuinely useful approach/departure angles, plenty of ground clearance, and an advanced 4×4 system, the new Cherokee Trailhawk is ready to play.
What Makes The Cherokee Trailhawk Unique?
2027 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
Stellantis
The new Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk comes with a class-exclusive two-speed power transfer unit (PTU) and Jeep’s Active Drive II 4×4 system with Lock Mode. The PTU has a 2.92 low range ratio and 37.5:1 crawl ratio, while the Selec-Terrain system allows drivers to choose between the following modes: Auto, Sport, Snow, Sand/Mud, and Rock.
These features allow the Cherokee Trailhawk to comfortably handle slickrock or sand, with engineers testing it at Sand Hollow and Moab. Steel skid plates are in place to protect the front axle, wiring, and gas tank, and the hybrid battery has a dedicated protection plate, too.
Key Specs: Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
- Approach/departure/ramp breakover angles: 28.8/31.8/21.9 degrees
- Ground clearance: Nine inches
- 45-point Ramp Travel Index improvement over other Cherokees
- 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid: 210 hp/230 lb-ft combined
- Towing capacity: 3,500 lbs
The standard hybrid powertrain returns up to 31 mpg combined.
“Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is the real deal, and earned its Trail Rated badge through a gauntlet of testing scenarios,” said Branden Coté, Jeep brand CEO. “This SUV blends authentic 4×4 off-road capability that the Trailhawk badge represents, and with hybrid efficiency that is so important to customers in this segment.”
Even More Rugged Design
2027 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
Stellantis
The Cherokee Trailhawk has been handed quite a few visual and functional upgrades over other Cherokees. The front and rear fascias have a unique design that improves approach/departure angles. There are also red tow hooks and it rides on 17-inch wheels with Nexen Rodian ATX all-terrain tires. Coupled with the one-inch suspension lift, it looks less like a grocery-getter and more like an adventure SUV. On the hood, there’s an anti-glare Trailhawk graphic, which complements the rear Trailhawk badging.
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Moving inside, this Jeep shows off a new motif with premium Mantis Green upholstery and red accent stitching. The shift-dial finish in Black Spun Aluminum is unique to this model. Around the transmission dial, buyers will notice the Radical Red bezel shared with the Wrangler Rubicon.
As one of the most expensive Cherokee models, the Trailhawk gets features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen, powered and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a foot-activated power liftgate.
Pricing and Rivals
Ford Bronco Sport Badlands
Ford
The 2027 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is priced at $42,630, excluding a destination charge of $1,995. Here’s a look at how that compares to a few key rivals:
- Subaru Forester Wilderness: $36,995
- Toyota RAV4 Woodland: $39,900
- Ford Bronco Sport Badlands: $38,260
- Honda CR-V TrailSport Hybrid: $39,200
Of these, we rated the Bronco Sport Badlands as being the most capable. It has a sprightly 250-hp powertrain and Ford’s impressive G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) system. For $2,395, it can be equipped with the Sasquatch Badlands Package, which brings the price much closer to the Jeep’s and adds Bilstein position sensitive dampers, a HOSS 3.0 off-road suspension, high-clearance fender flares, an 850W engine cooling fan, and more.
The Ford and Jeep most successfully bridge the gap between regular compact crossovers and more serious, body-on-frame SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner. The Cherokee Trailhawk’s key advantage over the Bronco Sport Badlands is its more efficient hybrid powertrain. It also has a better towing capacity and more ground clearance, so while the Jeep is not the cheapest option, it goes some way towards justifying the added cost.
The new Cherokee Trailhawk goes into production later this year and customers can place their orders now.
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