Elk Grove Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM
Elk Grove Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram · Cherokee Research
The Trailhawk is the Trail Rated version of the new hybrid Cherokee. It keeps the 210-hp powertrain and adds a lift, a two-speed 4x4 system with low range, all-terrain tires and underbody protection. Here is what changes from the 2026 Cherokee and what it means on the trail.
| 2027 Trailhawk | Other Cherokee trims | |
|---|---|---|
| 4x4 system | Jeep Active Drive II, 2-speed | Jeep Active Drive I, single-speed |
| Low range / crawl ratio | 2.92:1 / 37.5:1 | None |
| Selec-Terrain modes | Auto, Sport, Snow, Sand/Mud, Rock | Auto, Sport, Snow, Sand/Mud |
| Ground clearance | 9.0 in (1-in lift) | 8.0 in |
| Approach / breakover / departure | 28.8° / 21.9° / 31.8° | 19.6° / 18.8° / 29.4° |
| Water fording | 24 in | Up to 20 in (2026, per Jeep) |
| Tires | 245/65R17 Nexen Roadian ATX all-terrain | 17- to 20-in all-season, by trim |
| Powertrain | 1.6L turbo hybrid, 210 hp | Same |
| Max towing | 3,500 lb with optional trailering package | 3,500 lb when properly equipped |
The standard Cherokee's Active Drive I is a single-speed system. It is good in rain and snow but has no low range, so on a steep, rocky climb the hybrid has to manage speed with throttle and brakes alone. Active Drive II adds a 2-speed power transfer unit with a 2.92:1 low range. Combined with the rest of the driveline, that gives a 37.5:1 crawl ratio.
In practice, a lower crawl ratio means the wheels turn more slowly for the same pedal input. You can ease over a ledge or down a loose descent at walking pace with more control and less brake work. The new Rock mode in Selec-Terrain tunes the system for that kind of slow, technical driving.
The 1-in lift raises ground clearance from 8.0 to 9.0 in, and the reshaped front and rear fascias open up the angles a lot. The approach angle grows from 19.6° to 28.8°, which is the difference between scraping the front bumper on a steep driveway or trail entry and clearing it. Breakover goes from 18.8° to 21.9°, and departure from 29.4° to 31.8°.
The water-fording rating is 24 in, up from the 20 in Jeep quotes for the 2026 Cherokee. Always check depth before crossing, and remember a hybrid still has an engine air intake to protect.
Like every Cherokee, it has the 12.3-in Uconnect 5 touchscreen and 10.25-in digital cluster.
EPA ratings for the 2027 Cherokee, including the Trailhawk, have not been published. All-terrain tires and a lift usually cost some efficiency, so don't assume the Trailhawk will match the 37 mpg combined of the 2026 Cherokee. We'll update this page when the EPA posts its numbers. For how the hybrid system works on the standard trims, see our Cherokee hybrid mpg guide.
Jeep revealed the Trailhawk in fall 2026. Orders are open, production at Toluca, Mexico, begins later in 2026, and no dealer arrival date has been published. The Trailhawk joins a 2027 lineup of seven trims: Cherokee, Laredo, Laredo Altitude, Limited, Limited Altitude, Trailhawk and Overland.
For Sacramento-area owners, the Trailhawk makes sense if your weekends include fire roads in the foothills or snowy, rutted access roads around Tahoe. If your driving is mostly paved, with the occasional ski trip, a standard Cherokee with Active Drive I will likely do the job.
Yes. Jeep revealed the Trail Rated 2027 Cherokee Trailhawk in fall 2026. Orders are open, and production begins later in 2026.
9.0 in, thanks to a 1-in lift. Other Cherokee trims have 8.0 in.
Yes. Jeep Active Drive II adds a 2-speed power transfer unit with a 2.92:1 low range and a 37.5:1 crawl ratio. Other Cherokee trims use single-speed Active Drive I with no low range.
Yes. It uses the same 1.6L turbo hybrid powertrain as the rest of the lineup, rated at 210 hp combined.
EPA ratings for the 2027 Cherokee, including the Trailhawk, have not been published yet. Its all-terrain tires and lift mean it may not match the 37 mpg combined of the 2026 Cherokee.
It is rated for 24 in of water fording, compared with up to 20 in that Jeep quotes for the 2026 Cherokee.
Yes, up to 3,500 lb with the optional trailering package.
245/65R17 Nexen Roadian ATX all-terrain tires on 17-in wheels.
Elk Grove Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram · 8575 Laguna Grove Dr, Elk Grove, CA 95757 · Sales 916-892-0515
*2027 Cherokee Trailhawk details are based on published reports of Jeep's fall 2026 announcement and may change before production. 2026 figures are from Jeep's 2026 specifications. EPA ratings for the 2027 Cherokee have not been published. Off-road driving involves risk; know your vehicle's limits and the trail conditions. Towing requires proper equipment. Pricing on in-stock vehicles excludes government fees and taxes, any finance charges, dealer document processing charge and emission testing charge. Contact Elk Grove Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram for current pricing and availability.