Jeep Teases the Upcoming “Trail Rated” 2027 Cherokee Trailhawk for the Second Time

• The new Jeep Cherokee is a hybrid crossover that traded some of its predecessor’s capabilities for efficiency.

• Now, Jeep wants to bring off-roadability back to the Cherokee with the upcoming Trailhawk version.

• To earn the Trail Rated badge, Jeep models have to pass tests related to ground clearance, traction, articulation, water fording, and maneuverability.

Now that the 2026 Jeep Cherokee has been on the market for a few months, the automaker is getting ready to add a more rugged Trailhawk trim level for the 2027 model year.

While the company had teased this upcoming version with a digital rendering back in June, Jeep has now published the first actual picture of this future model.

Indeed, we have now gotten our first look at this more capable version of the new hybrid Cherokee in the form of an image that shows the compact SUV climbing some rocks in a desert.

The vehicle shown still wears some light camouflage that hides the details of its front bumper, but we still have a good idea of what the production model will look like.

This means we expect the 2027 Cherokee Trailhawk to feature a more aggressive-looking front fascia with a large mesh lower air intake. Judging by other Trailhawk models, this version of the Cherokee will also be equipped with actual tow hooks, painted red.

All-terrain tires are also expected, along with additional black plastic cladding all around the body.

Unique alloy wheels will also likely be part of the package, and the 2027 Cherokee Trailhawk could also receive a slight suspension lift, although this hasn’t been confirmed.

Other changes versus the regular versions of the hybrid Cherokee might also be included, as Jeep has announced this model will be Trail Rated.

To earn this badge, Jeep vehicles have to pass a series of tests that are split into five categories related to maneuverability, water fording, ground clearance, traction, and articulation.

Since Jeep has always been known for its vehicles’ off-roading capabilities and given the recent popularity of off-road trims on all types of trucks and SUVs, a new Cherokee Trailhawk is likely to generate lots of interest, especially since the regular versions of the hybrid Cherokee have prioritized efficiency over capabilities.

Indeed, the new Cherokee has been developed more as a CR-V and RAV4 fighter than as a “true” Jeep, which could help the brand reach new buyers, but is unlikely to convince existing Cherokee drivers to upgrade to the new model.

With the upcoming Trailhawk, Jeep could rectify this and widen the new Cherokee hybrid’s appeal.

The automaker says to expect more details in the “near future”.