The 2027 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Adds a 1-inch Lift, Skid Plates, and a More Rugged Design to the Hybrid Crossover

• The Trailhawk aims to bring some off-roading abilities back to the Cherokee nameplate.

• This model uses the same hybrid powertrain as the regular Cherokee, but adds a more capable suspension.

• Pricing will start at $57,490 in Canada.

When the current generation of the Jeep Cherokee was launched last year, many felt the compact SUV had abandoned its off-road capabilities in pursuit of increased fuel efficiency.

To rectify this, Jeep has now added a Trailhawk version of the new Cherokee hybrid that will arrive on the market later this year, in time for the 2027 model year.

While it keeps the regular Cherokee’s 1,6L turbocharged hybrid powertrain, the Trailhawk benefits from a revised suspension system along with unique bodywork elements that serve both to differentiate it visually and to improve approach and departure angles.

The main element in play is a 1-inch suspension lift that gives the Cherokee Trailhawk 9 inches of ground clearance, which is 0.3 inches less than the 2027 Subaru Forester Wilderness Hybrid, but 0.5 inches more than the Toyota RAV4 Woodland and 0.8 inches more than the Honda CR-V TrailSport.

According to Jeep, the Cherokee Trailhawk features an approach angle of 28.8 degrees, a departure angle of 31.8 degrees, and a ramp breakover angle of 21.9 degrees.

This new model of the Cherokee can also ford water up to a depth of 24 inches (60.9 cm), which is better than any other model in its class.

Thanks to the lift, along with returned dampers and spring rates, the Cherokee Trailhawk features significantly increased suspension articulation over the standard model, which prioritizes comfort and efficiency over off-roading.

The Cherokee Trailhawk also comes with the Jeep Active Drive II 4×4 system with lock mode, in addition to a class-exclusive two-speed power transfer unit that makes rock crawling and climbing or descending steep hills easier.

In addition, Jeep added steel skid plates to the underbody of the Cherokee Trailhawk in order to protect the front axle, the hybrid battery, wiring, and the fuel tank from direct impacts.

All of these elements have earned the Cherokee Trailhawk its Trail Rated badge, which is only applied to Jeep models after they have successfully completed a series of standardized tests that evaluate their all-terrain capabilities.

In terms of design, the 2027 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk also stands out from the regular model with its gloss black front fascia, red front and rear tow hooks, and a reworked front bumper.

A matte black Trailhawk hood graphic is also included, along with two unique designs for the 17-inch alloy wheels. These wheels wear Nexen Roadian ATX all-terrain tires.

Inside, the Cherokee Trailhawk displays a new light Mantis Green upholstery with red contrast stitching and Trailhawk logos embossed in the front seat backs.

This model also stands out with its black rotary shifter and a red surround for the Select-Terrain drive mode switch, recalling similar details on the Wrangler Rubicon.

In terms of packaging, the Cherokee Trailhawk features most of the equipment found on the top-of-the-line Overland trim, such as the 12.3-inch infotainment and 10.25-inch instrument cluster screens, heated and power-adjustable front seats, a heated steering wheel, a foot-activated power liftgate, and memory settings for the driving position, among others.

Canadian pricing will start at $57,490 including destination and other fees, and three optional packages will be available.

These are the Sun&Sound package which brings a panoramic sunroof and a premium Alpine sound system, the trailering package (with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds), and the Advanced Pro Tech Group, which includes ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a 360-degree camera system with front and rear lens washers.

Production is set to begin in Mexico later this year, when Canadian dealerships will also start taking orders.