While many had expected the long-rumored SRT Hellcat iteration of the Jeep Grand Cherokee to debut at this week’s New York Auto show, the company had a different tactic up their sleeve.
Instead, FCA took the wraps off what they describe as “the most capable version [of the Grand Cherokee] ever produced from the factory” in the form of the Trailhawk, while the new Grand Cherokee Summit model focuses on premium content and on-road refinement.
Inspired by a concept model from the 2012 Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk focuses on a 4×4 capability, with approach angles of 29.8 degrees or 36.1 degrees when the lower front fascia is removed, while the breakover angle is 27.1 degrees and the departure angle is 22.8 degrees. Grand Cherokee Trailhawk will also offer up to 10.8 inches of ground clearance.
Outfitted with either 18-inch or optional 20-inch wheels, the Trailhawk will roll on Goodyear Adventure rubber with Kevlar reinforcement, and its Uconnect off-road pages have been updated to include wheel articulation and other vehicle 4×4 capability features like ride height and terrain traction modes.
The Summit takes a decidedly different approach to the Grand Cherokee, focusing on paved road refinement rather than 4×4 capability. The model scores an updated front fascia, grille and LED fog lamps, with new 20-inch polished aluminum wheels in the mix as well.
Inside, occupants are treated to luxury features like a Nappa-leather wrapped dashboard and a 19-speaker, 825-watt Harman Kardon audio system with no less than three subwoofers.
But of course the Jeep Quadra-Drive II 4×4 system is standard on all Summit models, as is the Quadra-Lift air suspension. It is a Jeep, after all. Hit the Jeep blog for more information on this new pair of Grand Cherokee offerings.