The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk stands out as a rugged SUV that’s ready for adventure. It’s a model designed for both daily comfort and serious off-road action.
In this review, you’ll see how the Trailhawk performs in the real world, what makes it different from other Grand Cherokees, and whether it’s worth your attention in a crowded midsize SUV market.
What Makes The Trailhawk Special?
The Trailhawk trim is all about off-road ability. Jeep adds features that help you tackle tough trails without losing comfort or tech. Some highlights:
- Quadra-Drive II 4×4 system for advanced traction
- Air suspension that raises the ride for better ground clearance
- Skid plates and tow hooks for protection and recovery
- Distinctive Trailhawk badges and styling cues
This trim also includes Jeep’s Trail Rated badge, which means it’s tested for traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation, and water fording. Most midsize SUVs don’t offer this level of off-road focus.
Engine And Performance
Under the hood, the Trailhawk comes with a 3.6-liter V6 engine. This engine makes 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. For more power, a 5.7-liter V8 is also available, putting out 360 horsepower. Both engines use an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The Trailhawk’s air suspension lets you raise the car for up to 10.8 inches of ground clearance. That’s enough for most off-road trails and deep snow. The four-wheel-drive system can send power to individual wheels, which helps on slippery rocks or mud.
Here’s a quick look at key specs:
| Spec | V6 Engine | V8 Engine |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 295 hp | 360 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 390 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 7.6 sec | 6.5 sec |
| Towing Capacity | 6,200 lbs | 7,200 lbs |
One thing beginners often miss: The V8 adds weight to the front, which can reduce nimbleness off-road. For most buyers, the V6 is the smarter choice unless you need to tow heavy trailers.
Interior And Comfort
Inside, the Trailhawk feels upscale but tough. It comes with leather-trimmed seats (with suede inserts), red stitching, and Trailhawk branding. The front seats are heated and ventilated, and the rear seats are heated too.
A big 8.4-inch touchscreen is standard, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Uconnect infotainment system is quick and easy to use. There’s also a nine-speaker Alpine sound system for clear audio on long drives.
Cargo space is generous—about 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 68.3 with the seats folded.
Off-road Features In Detail
The Trailhawk is packed with off-road tools that most SUVs can’t match:
- Quadra-Lift Air Suspension: Adjusts ride height for better clearance or easier entry.
- Selec-Terrain System: Lets you pick modes for snow, sand, mud, or rocks.
- Skid Plates: Protect vital parts like the fuel tank and transfer case.
- Hill Descent Control: Manages speed automatically on steep slopes.
- All-Terrain Tires: Standard for better grip on dirt and gravel.
A helpful tip: If you plan to go off-road often, keep an eye on the air suspension’s maintenance. It’s reliable but can be expensive to repair after years of heavy use.
On-road Driving And Daily Use
The Trailhawk isn’t just for trails. On pavement, it’s quiet and comfortable. The air suspension smooths out bumps. Steering is light for city driving, and the turning radius is tight for a midsize SUV.
Fuel economy is average for the class. The V6 gets about 18 mpg city/25 mpg highway, while the V8 drops to around 14/22 mpg. If you drive mostly in the city, the V6 saves money at the pump.
Safety And Technology
Safety is strong, with these standard features:
- Forward collision warning
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
The Grand Cherokee scored well in crash tests. It’s a family-friendly SUV, not just a weekend toy.
How Does The Trailhawk Compare?
When you stack the Trailhawk against rivals like the Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road and Ford Explorer Timberline, some differences stand out.
| Feature | Trailhawk | 4Runner TRD | Explorer Timberline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | 10.8 in | 9.6 in | 8.7 in |
| Horsepower | 295 hp | 270 hp | 300 hp |
| Infotainment | 8.4″ Touchscreen | 8″ Touchscreen | 12″ Touchscreen |
| Towing Max | 7,200 lbs | 5,000 lbs | 5,300 lbs |
Many first-time buyers overlook one key point: The Trailhawk offers more luxury and tech than most true off-road SUVs. If you want both comfort and capability, it’s hard to beat.
Pros And Cons
Every SUV has strengths and weaknesses. Here’s what stands out for the Trailhawk:
Pros
- Top off-road capability in its class
- Plush interior with lots of features
- Strong towing and cargo space
- Good safety tech
Cons
- V8 engine is thirsty
- Air suspension repairs can be costly
- Pricier than some rivals
Real-world Reviews
Drivers praise the Trailhawk’s quiet cabin and smooth ride. Many say it handles daily commutes as well as weekend adventures. Off-road fans love the Quadra-Lift suspension and Selec-Terrain system.
Some owners mention the infotainment system can freeze, but most find it reliable after updates. Reliability scores are average Jeep has improved, but not to Toyota’s level.
For a deeper look at reliability and crash scores, check the IIHS site.
Should You Buy The 2021 Trailhawk?
If you want a midsize SUV that’s comfortable for the family but can handle real off-road adventures, the Trailhawk is a smart pick. It costs more than a base Grand Cherokee, but you get serious upgrades for the money.
Two things to remember:
- Choose the V6 unless you truly need V8 power.
- Plan for air suspension upkeep if you keep the SUV for many years.
The Trailhawk is a rare SUV that feels just as good on mountain trails as it does in city traffic. For buyers who want to do it all, it’s a top choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
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“,”visible”:true}]} –>Is The 2021 Trailhawk Good For Daily Driving?
Yes, the Trailhawk is comfortable and quiet on the road. Air suspension helps smooth bumps, and features like heated seats and a good sound system make it great for commuting.
What's The Difference Between Trailhawk And Other Grand Cherokee Trims?
The Trailhawk is built for off-road performance. It has air suspension, skid plates, special tires, and extra drive modes not found on most other trims.
How Does The Trailhawk Handle Snow And Ice?
With its advanced 4×4 system and Selec-Terrain modes, the Trailhawk handles snow and ice better than most SUVs. The all-terrain tires add extra grip.
Is The Trailhawk Reliable?
Reliability is average for the class. Most owners report few problems, but air suspension and electronics can have issues as the SUV ages.
What's The Towing Capacity?
The Trailhawk can tow up to 7,200 pounds with the V8, or 6,200 pounds with the V6. This is more than many rivals and enough for boats, trailers, or campers.
