TRAIL RATED – 2022 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4×4 (WL74):

The Jeep® brand first introduced the “Trailhawk” nameplate on the Grand Cherokee as a concept vehicle that first appeared at the 2012 Easter Moab Jeep Safari. The idea behind the concept was to deliver a more rugged appearance, with a host of functional features that resulted in an increased level of off-road 4×4 capability. In 2017, Jeep unveiled the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, a production version of the concept that put the best off-road capability in the hands of Grand Cherokee owners. 

Since then, the Jeep brand has embraced the Trailhawk nameplate for more of its off-road-oriented “Trail Rated” models.

When Jeep unveiled it’s all-new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L (WL75), many diehard Jeepers were shocked to learn that the new three-row Grand Cherokee would not be offered in Trailhawk form. Instead, Jeep provided a “Trail Rated” package for the Grand Cherokee L with the Overland Off-Road. The decision left a lot of people wondering if the Trailhawk would return.

Then in March of this year, MoparInsiders.com spy photographers caught what appeared to be the all-new Grand Cherokee Trailhawk (WL74) testing on public roads near the Stellantis North American Headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It still left Trailhawk enthusiasts with a ton of questions. It would take until late September, answer those questions. That included both the standard Trailhawk and all-new Trailhawk 4xe, the first electrified Grand Cherokee.

Now, that standard two-row Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is ready to start arriving in dealerships, we figured we would look a little more in-depth at the latest off-road-oriented Grand Cherokee for the 2022 model year.

Grand Cherokee Trailhawk models are equipped with a host of standard off-road capability features, including Jeep’s Quadra-Drive II 4×4 system with 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio and rear electronic limited slip-differential (eLSD) for all powertrains, a unique version of Grand Cherokee’s Quadra-Lift air suspension (developed specifically for Trailhawk), a class-exclusive sway-bar disconnect to allow improved articulation and total suspension travel, as well as Selec-Speed® Control with Hill Ascent Control. 

The new Grand Cherokee Trailhawk also includes a set of 18-Inch x 8-Inch Polished/Painted aluminum wheels wrapped with Goodyear Wrangler Territory 265/60R18 BSW A/S all-terrain tires, and an integrated front-mounted off-road camera.

The 2022 Trailhawk improves on off-road capability thanks to an increase in ground clearance of .5 inches. This means the 2022 model now has up to 11.3 inches (28.7 cm) of ground clearance. The new Trailhawk also features an improved approach angle (35.7 degrees), break-over angle (24.4 degrees), and departure angle (30.2 degrees). Trailhawk models also have a water fording depth of 24 inches (61 cm).

On the exterior Trailhawk models share the same front fascia with the Overland model. Of course, there are Trailhawk-signature red tow hooks in the front and rear, Trailhawk and Trail Rated badges with red accents, a Gloss Black-painted roof, Gloss Black-painted mirror caps, and underbody skid plates, and a new glare-proof black-and-red matte “Trailhawk” hood decal.

Inside, seating is covered in Global Black Capri Leather and Suede with Trailhawk-signature red stitching and embossed “Trailhawk” logos on the seatbacks. The Trailhawk features an 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated seats for first and second rows, an 8.4-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment touchscreen with Navigation, a 9-speaker 506-watt Alpine audio system, cargo tie-down loops, dual-zone auto temperature control, heated steering wheel, and all-weather floor mats.

There is an available Entertainment Group 1 package that replaces the standard 8.4-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen with a 10.1-inch display and 10.25-inch front passenger interactive display from the Grand Wagoneer.

Other available options include…

• Advanced ProTech Group II – 
  • Intersection Collision-Assist System
  • Night Vision w/ Pedestrian and Animal Detection
  • ParkSense^® Front and Rear Park-Assist with Stop
  • Surround View Camera System
• Luxury Tech Group III –
  • Hands-Free Power Liftgate
  • Memory Steering Column
  • Door and Liftgate Passive Entry
  • Power Tilt / Telescope Steering Column
  • Rain-Sensitive Windshield Wipers
  • Rear-View Auto-Dimming Digital Display Mirror
  • Manual 2^nd Row Window Shades
  • Wireless Charging-Pad
• Rear Seat Video Group I –  
  • Seatback Video Screens
  • Video USB Port
• Finishing Package by Mopar_® – 
  • Paint Protection Film by Mopar_®
  • Front Splash Guards by Mopar_®
  • Rear Splash Guards with Jeep Logo by Mopar_®

Under the hood of the new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, is two powertrain options. Standard is the award-winning all-aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, rated at 293 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. The Pentastar features fuel-saving engine start-stop (ESS) technology and is rated for a towing capacity of up to 6,200 lbs. (2,812 kg) with an estimated class-leading driving range of more than 500 miles (804 km).

The Pentastar V6 is mated to a standard 8-speed 850RE TorqueFlite automatic transmission.

Those who crave more power will be seeking out the legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V8 delivering 357 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque delivered over a broad powerband. The V8 delivers performance and efficiency with VVT and Fuel Saver Technology (cylinder deactivation).

With Fuel Saver Technology, the engine control computer turns off fuel and spark and closes the valves to four of the engine’s cylinders during light-load operation, such as highway cruising, when full power is not needed. The system immediately re-engages the deactivated cylinders when the driver presses on the accelerator pedal. The HEMI has a class-leading towing capacity of up to 7,200 lbs. (3,265 kg). 

The HEMI V8 is mated to a standard 8-speed 8HP75 TorqueFlite automatic transmission.

There are five different exterior colors for the Trailhawk upon launch, Diamond Black, Baltic Grey, Silver Zynith, Velvet Red, and Bright White. All colors are available with either a Black or body-colored painted roof.

As far as pricing goes, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk has a starting U.S. Manufacturing Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $51,275 for the V6 model and $54,570 for the HEMI model. Both prices do not include a $1,795 destination charge. For those who are North of the border, the Canadian starting MSRP is $63,645 for the V6 and $67,140 for the HEMI models. The Canadian prices do not include a $2,095 destination charge.

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.

2022 Jeep® Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Image Gallery:

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