Where Is The 2021 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L Trailhawk?

During the unveiling of the all-new 2021 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L earlier this month, you might have noticed that one particular trim-level is missing from the three-row SUV’s lineup. The “Trailhawk” nameplate has become synonymous with the Jeep brand’s “Trail Rated” go-anywhere attitude across the brand’s lineup (with the exception of the Wrangler and Gladiator). So we weren’t surprised that the unveiling left a lot of people scratching their heads.

With the launch of the fifth-generation Grand Cherokee and the upcoming Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer twins, the Jeep brand is pushing forward by offering a more upscale experience to its more luxury-based nameplates. While the Trailhawk moniker will continue throughout most of the lineup on vehicles like the Cherokee, Compass, and Renegade, Jeep has now introduced an “Off-Road Group” to its entry-level luxury package on the all-new Grand Cherokee L.

The Off-Road Group allows the Grand Cherokee L Overland to proudly wear the “Trail Rated” badge by offering class-leading traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation, and improved water fording capabilities. The Overland “Off-Road Group” includes the following equipment…

• Quadra-Drive II 4×4 System
• Skid Plates
  • Fuel Tank
  • Underbody
  • Transfer Case
  • Front Suspension
• Limited-Slip Differential Rear Axle
• 18-inch Polished Aluminum Wheels with High-Gloss Black Pockets
• Michelin Primacy XC All-Season 265/60R18 Tires
• “Trail Rated” Badge

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland Off-Road will feature a different front fascia than a Laredo, Limited, or even the Summit. It allows for the Grand Cherokee L Overland to be the only trim-level to feature standard forward-facing tow hooks.

The Quadra-Drive II 4×4 system that is fitted with the Off-Road Group features a two-speed active transfer case and is equipped with a rear electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) rear axle. The system instantly detects tire slip and smoothly reacts distributing engine torque to tires with traction. The vehicle can anticipate low traction in some instances and pre-emptively adjust in order to limit or eliminate tire slip. 

Grand Cherokee L Overland can also be outfitted with Quadra-Lift air suspension which allows the Grand Cherokee L to have five height settings for optimum ride performance…

• Normal Ride Height (NRH): 8.3-inches of clearance offers improved fuel economy as well as improved aerodynamics during on-road driving
• Off-Road 1: Lifts the vehicle an additional 1.6-inches from NRH for added height in clearing obstacles (9.9-inches)
• Off-Road 2: Delivers legendary Jeep off-road capability and provides an additional 2.4-inches from NRH for 10.9-inches of ground clearance
• Park Mode: Lowers the vehicle 1.8-inches from NRH for easy ingress/egress. NRH and Park Mode are driver-selectable allowing the driver full control over vehicle ride height
• Aero Mode: Lowers the vehicle 0.8-inches from NRH. Aero Mode is controlled by vehicle speed and adjusts for optimal performance and fuel economy. The vehicle will also lower to Aero Mode when in Sport Mode

While there might be the possibility of a resurrection of the Trailhawk name for the Grand Cherokee L, we might not see one for some time.

We can’t wait to spend some time behind the wheel of the all-new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland Off-Road. Stay tuned to MoparInsiders.com for a future review as soon as we can get our hands on one. Also don’t forget to check out our dedicated WLJeepForum.com forum, to discuss everything surrounding the fifth-generation Grand Cherokee (WL) models.