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Jeep® Will Only Make Grand Cherokee Trailhawk In 4xe Form For 2023!

No More Pentastar Or HEMI Power For The Trailhawk...

Jeep® has officially announced for the 2023 model year, that its popular off-road-oriented Grand Cherokee Trailhawk model will only be available as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) 4xe from this point on. The bold move marks an end to the Pentastar V6 and HEMI V8 power in the popular off-roader.

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The cancelation of the standard internal combustion engine (ICE) Trailhawk also brings forth some other issues. The major point is cost. For the 2022 model year, the standard Trailhawk had a starting U.S. Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $54,235 (not including $1,795 for destination charges), while the Trailhawk 4xe on the other hand pushed the starting U.S. MSRP to $62,485 (again not including the $1,795 for destination).

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That is a difference of $8,250! While Jeep has yet to release pricing for the 2023 model, we can guarantee it will be higher due to the ongoing inflation and supply chain issues plaguing the market.

2022 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Trailhawk vs. 2022 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe:
  Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe
Ground Clearance (in) 11.3 10.9
Approach Angle (degrees) 35.7 35.7
Ramp Breakover Angle (degrees) 24.4 22.3
Departure Angle (degrees) 30.2 30.0
GVWR (lbs) 6,050 (V6), 6,500 (V8) 6,900
Curb Weight (lbs) 4,747 (V6), 5,017 (V8) 5,524
Payload (lbs) 1,140 1,150
Max. Trailer Weight (lbs) 6,200 (V6), 7,200 (V8) 6,000

The second disadvantage is the slight loss of capability due to the Trailhawk 4xe’s packaging. While the off-road numbers are pretty close to the ICE model, the 4xe loses a lot of towing capability versus its gas-powered options. That might chase away some who are looking for an SUV that can tow over 6,500 lbs.

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The Trailhawk 4xe does offer some benefits. It does have an estimated 25 miles of all-electric range and an MPG rating of 56 MPGe. Jeep loves to taunt that the Trailhawk 4xe conquered the famed Rubicon Trail under all-electric power using the 4xe’s electric mode. The electric motors do assist the turbocharged 2.0-liter (GME-T4) inline-four-cylinder engine to provide instant torque on the trail.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe (WL74) includes the following features…

  • Quadra-Drive II 4×4 system with 2-speed transfer case and 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio
  • Rear electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD)
  • Selec-Terrain traction management system
  • Selec-Speed Control
  • 24 inches of water fording capability
  • 47.4:1 crawl ratio  
  • Blue tow hooks
  • Blue-accented 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires 
  • Glare-proof black-and-blue matte “Trailhawk” hood decal

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So what do you think about the change to only offering a 4xe model of the Trailhawk? Do you think the increase in cost and slightly different capability numbers is enough to push sales away from the Grand Cherokee? Let us know in the comments below or in the MoparInsiders.com forums.

Be sure to check out our dedicated WLJeepForum.com website for all the latest news and information surrounding the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee, Grand Cherokee L, and Grand Cherokee 4xe.

Robert S. Miller

Robert S. Miller is a diehard Mopar enthusiast who lives and breathes all that is Mopar. The Michigander is not only the Editor for MoparInsiders.com, 5thGenRams.com, and HDRams.com but an automotive photographer. He is an avid fan of offshore powerboat racing, which he travels the country to take part in.

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Wow!! Great move killing off the most off-road capable variant of the Grand Cherokee. I need something that can do some off-road exploration, can tow 4500 lbs and doesn’t ride like a conestoga wagon. Looks like my next vehicle won’t be a jeep.

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Wow!! Great move killing off the most off-road capable variant of the Grand Cherokee. I need something that can do some off-road exploration, can tow 4500 lbs and doesn’t ride like a conestoga wagon. Looks like my next vehicle won’t be a jeep.

You have basically described this: X GON' GIVE IT TO YA: 2022 Jeep® Cherokee X Arrives At Dealers!

If the X doesn't have enough off-road chops for you, Jeep still offers the Trail Hawk Trim on the smaller Cherokee. A trailer towing package must be optioned to meet those requirements. The Grand Cherokee 4Xe when equipped with the the trailer towing package easily meets this as well.

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Anyone else confuse by 0 for 1 post that doesn't understand that the drivetrain in question has a 6000lb tow rating, That all Grand Cherokees are more off road capable than about anything outside the 4 runner and Bronco. That the Gladiator can handle nearly double the request, That the only thing keeping the Wrangler from meeting this is that it is sprung to climb like a mountain goat. Jeep has no trouble selling it products good luck elsewhere.

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Anyone else confuse by 0 for 1 post that doesn't understand that the drivetrain in question has a 6000lb tow rating, That all Grand Cherokees are more off road capable than about anything outside the 4 runner and Bronco. That the Gladiator can handle nearly double the request, That the only thing keeping the Wrangler from meeting this is that it is sprung to climb like a mountain goat. Jeep has no trouble selling it products good luck elsewhere.

Yeah, I'm disappointed in this decision, but that is mainly because of the price difference between the gas Trailhawk and the 4xe Trailhawk. Its still a good vehicle, and the "Jeep" specs are still there, and in some ways superior to a regular gas version.

Maybe this will just make it easier to find a good used Trailhawk 4xe in a few years when I'm ready to part with my KL? :unsure:

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What bothers me is not the specs of the 4xE models. It's that you can't buy a Trailhawk or Overland with Offroad Group WITHOUT going to the PHEV 4xE models. Yes if you didnt' notice you can't order a WL Grand Cherokee in 2023 with the Quadra-Drive 2 four-wheel drive system. If you want a ICE only model you are only able to order a WL Grand Cherokee with 4x2 and the only two 4x4 systems are Quadra-Trac 1 and Quadra-Trac 2. You can not order a 2023 Grand Cherokee with the 3.6 V6 or 5.7 V8 AND have an engine skidplate, transfercase/transmission skidplate, fueltank skidplate, thicker axles, limited slip rear-end, all-terrain tires, 18 inch wheels. If you want maximum offroad capability in a 2023 WL Grand Cherokee you are forced to order it as a PHEV 4xE model.

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