Jeep® Files Trademark For “Nighthawk” Name With USPTO

At the end of November, Stellantis (FCA US, LLC) filed a trademark request for the name “Nighthawk” with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). While it’s common for automakers to register names for various models or trims, this one caught us by surprise.

FCA US’ Jeep® brand is known for offering several “hawk” models across its vehicle lineup. For instance, the Trailhawk name serves as the top off-road trim for various Jeep nameplates such as Renegade, Compass, Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee. Additionally, the performance-oriented Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI® HELLCAT V8 and all-wheel drive (AWD), remains a notable force on the drag strip despite ending production three model years ago. Notably absent was the promised Cherokee Deserthawk, a trademarked name that FCA US didn’t renew and has since lapsed, as indicated by the USPTO.

While the USPTO filings lack specific details regarding the vehicle to carry the Nighthawk name, Jeep has previously used similar names. Some years ago, Jeep introduced the Night Eagle for its European Renegade, Compass, and Cherokee models, which were equivalent to the popular Altitude dark appearance packages in North America.

Recent information suggests that the American adventure brand is exploring another “hawk” name for the Brazilian market. Both the Compass and the Brazilian-built Commander are expected to receive a top-tier “Blackhawk” model next year. As reported by the Brazilian automotive publication AutosSegredos, these vehicles will be marketed as premium models, featuring the popular turbocharged 2.0-liter Hurricane4 inline-four-cylinder engine from the Stellantis Global Medium Engine (GME) family, similar to the powertrain used in the 2023 models in North America. The Blackhawk is anticipated to be comparable to the High Altitude or a more upscale dark appearance package model there. Consequently, it wouldn’t be surprising if Jeep opts to use the Nighthawk name across multiple vehicles as a designation for its dark appearance packages.

The Nighthawk could also be the name for a future concept vehicle. Jeep frequently registers names for its Moab Easter Jeep® Safari concepts well in advance. Hence, only time will reveal what the new model might entail. Hopefully, it won’t be akin to the desert-rated Cherokee Deserthawk that never came to fruition.