Jeep’s facelifted Grand Cherokee full size SUV has finally arrived and comes not only a host of improvements inside and out but also a new model, the Trailhawk.
Pricing starts off at an approachable $47,500 plus on road costs for the entry level Laredo while the performance orientated SRT tips the wallet scales at $91,000 plus ORCs.
With the addition of the Trailhawk the complete Jeep Grand Cherokee range now ranks as follows:
- Laredo
- Limited
- Trailhawk
- Overland
- SRT
“The updated Grand Cherokee range is not only more refined on-road and more capable offroad, we’ve bolstered its safety credentials and made it even better value for money,” said Jeep Australia Director, Guillaume Drelon.
“On top of all that, the arrival of the new Trailhawk model, with its heightened offroad abilities, is particularly exciting for Australia, a nation whose core values resonate strongly with Jeep’s love of freedom and adventure.”
The new Trailhawk is powered by Jeep’s 3.0-litre turbo diesel V6 rated at 184kW and 570Nm of torque delivered through an 8 speed automatic transmission. The Trailhawk features the Quadra-Drive II 4×4 system which gains additional traction and control from the electronic limited slip rear differential. Thanks to the Quadra-Lift air suspension, ground clearance has been raised to 260mm, the most ever from any Grand Cherokee and the fitted underbody skid plates ensure you can take the Trailhawk offroad with little concern. Visually the Trailhawk differs from others in the range with its red front tow hooks, matte black bonnet decal, neutral grey mirrors and grille.
All Grand Cherokee 4×4 models come equipped with the new Offroad Pages software accessed from an 8.4″ Uconnect touchscreen while the flagship SRT model retains Performance Pages instead.
Visually the entire range gets an update in the form of a new grille, headlights, LED fog lights and front fascia restyle. There’s a selection of new wheels available in both 18″ and 20″ while the color range has expanded to include 6 new options bringing the total choice to 11.
Acoustic windows for the front windscreen and front doors will further enhance cabin refinement and the redesigned gear shifter has been designed with ergonomics and intuitive use in mind.
Jeep has uprated the 5 star ANCAP safety rating on the Grand Cherokee range by including LaneSense Lane Departure Warning Plus and Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist.
The new Rear Trailer Hitch Camera View is sure to make hooking up a trailer solo far easier than before while the maximum braked towing capacity sits at a hefty 3,500kg for the range.
In total four different drivetrains are available across the range.
- 4×2 3.6 litre Pentastar V6
- 4×4 3.6 litre Pentastar V6
- 4×4 3.0 litre EcoDiesel V6
- 4×4 6.4 litre V8
Economy ratings for the 3.6-litre Pentastar have improved four per cent mainly due to the newly added start stop system while power has increased to 213kW. Economy improvements are further helped thanks to the new electronic power steering and an eco mode is available for the Gen II 8 speed automatic transmission. Jeep’s engineers have made several improvements to the transmission’s lubrication system resulting in improved shift quality, drivability and durability thanks to less drag on the internal clutches.
The updated Grand Cherokee range goes on sale this month and all models come with a 5-year transferable warranty with lifetime roadside assistance as well as capped price servicing.
“The Jeep There & Back Guarantee is the next step in our commitment to improve the Jeep ownership experience,” said Jeep Australia CEO Steve Zanlunghi. “This is not a limited-time offer or a short term promotion. It forms a fundamental component of our business going forward and it’s a commitment to our owners now and in the future.”
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Range
Model | Engine | Power / Torque | Transmission | MSRP* |
Laredo | 3.6-litre V6 | 213kW/347Nm | 8AT, RWD | $47,500 |
Laredo | 3.6-litre V6 | 213kW/347Nm | 8AT, 4×4 | $52,500 |
Laredo | 3.0-litre TDV6 | 184kW/570Nm | 8AT, 4×4 | $59,000 |
Limited | 3.6-litre V6 | 213kW/347Nm | 8AT, 4×4 | $62,500 |
Limited | 3.0-litre TDV6 | 184kW/570Nm | 8AT, 4×4 | $69,000 |
Trailhawk | 3.0-litre TDV6 | 184kW/570Nm | 8AT, 4×4 | $74,000 |
Overland | 3.0-litre TDV6 | 184kW/570Nm | 8AT, 4×4 | $80,000 |
SRT | 6.4-litre V8 | 344kW/624Nm | 8AT, 4×4 | $91,000 |
*Pricing excludes on-road costs