This week, I am looking at a new addition to the Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup, the 2022 Trailhawk Edition. This is a 5-passenger, serious off-roader that doubles as a very nice daily driver. All Trailhawks are 4-wheel drive and Jeep Trail Rated for its off-road capability.
Exterior
This is a really good-looking SUV in silver with a black roof, 18” wheels, and some really meaty 265/60R Wrangler tires. I’m not a huge fan of these wheels, I think black wheels would have set it off better, but still an attractive ride that sits up high for a better off-road experience. A blacked-out hood looks super and cuts down on glare and it features a red Trailhawk logo. Red tow hooks are seen in front, and they are functional. All-in-all, it looks tough and mean.
Powertrain
Under the hood, my review vehicle has the tried-and-true 3.6-liter Pentastar engine and it is mated to an 8-speed automatic with shift paddles. It is putting out a very respectable 293-horses with 260 pound-feet of torque.
Interior
The interior is actually luxurious, which I did not expect in an SUV built for going off the pavement. The suede and leather seats are quite comfortable, with red stitching which also runs through the door panels and across the dash. There is also the same stitching on the leather-wrapped steering wheel that has controls.
As you get comfy in the driver’s seat and hit the start button, a digital gauge cluster comes to life. It is easy to read and highly configurable.
Center dash, you’ll find the touchscreen for the fabulous Uconnect 5 interface. That’s where you operate the sound system, navigation system, Bluetooth, climate settings, and a host of apps. This is also where you’ll find the terrific off-road pages which gives you everything you need to know when off-roading in your Trailhawk, including elevation and pitch and roll degrees.
Moving down to the center console, piano black abounds, which I am not crazy about because fingerprints show everywhere, but it looks awesome when it’s clean.
Below the touchscreen are buttons for all the climate control, the heated and cooled seats, the heated steering wheel, the button to turn off the start/stop system, and more.
Further down, there is a wireless phone charger and USB and USC ports. This is also where you find the rotary dial transmission shifter and the drive modes which include: Rock, Sand/mud, Snow, Auto, and Sport. Each mode changes the digital gauge cluster.
Also there, you can lock in 4-wheel low, change the ride height, and disconnect the sway bar to give the Trailhawk more flexibility when rock climbing or other off-road activities. There are a couple of cupholders here, and a center armrest that doubles as storage.
Moving to the back seat, it is quite roomy and has pullup rear window shades, always a nice touch. Back seat riders have their own A/C vents, heated seats, a 110-power outlet, and two USB and two USC ports.
Utility
Cargo area, without a third-row seat is massive and there is a power liftgate that operates handsfree or with the key fob. It is nice, too, that the button to close the liftgate is low, versus most you have to reach for at the top of the liftgate when it’s open.
Features
This SUV is loaded, and besides what I’ve already mentioned, has remote start from the key fob, power tilt wheel, a panoramic moon roof, a rearview camera mirror, parking sensors, Surround view rear camera, a full suite of safety features, and it even has Night Vision.
Verdict
The surprise for me that a vehicle that is so capable off-road would be so enjoyable as a daily driver. I think part of the credit goes to the Jeep air suspension system and the front and rear independent suspension. The Trailhawk is much more enjoyable on pavement than I expected, and is the perfect mix of off and on road.
Fuel economy is actually good for an SUV at 19 in town, 26 on the highway, and 22 overall. Looking at the gauges, I am exceeding that. Interior quietness is also good. MSRP comes in just shy of $60,000 and for such a capable vehicle, I think that’s a really good buy.
- What I Liked Most: The 4-wheel system and interior.
- What I would change: Less piano black trim.
- MSRP: Base Price: $51,275; Total with transportation and options: $59,945.
- Official Color: Silver Zynith.
- Fuel Economy: 19 city/26 highway/22 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 1,300 miles.
- Weight: 4,747 pounds, GVWR 6,050.
- Spare Tire: Full-Size Spare.
- Length-Width-Height: 193.5” long/77.5” wide/70.9” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 23 gallons with the filler on the passenger side.
- Towing Capacity: 6,200 pounds.
- 2022 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk: An amazing mix of off-roading capability and a truly enjoyable family SUV.
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance, 5-year/60,000 miles power train coverage.
- Final Assembly Location: Detroit, MI.
- Manufacturer's website: Jeep
