Where Is The 2021 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L Trailhawk?

No Trailhawk, But Still Trail Rated...

Robert S. Miller January 23, 2021

2021 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L Overland with Off-Road Group. (Jeep).

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.

2021 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L Overland with the Off-Road Group. (Jeep).

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.

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bill burke Jan 24, 2021 #1

I’m sure there is more coming on Grand Cherokee, lots more. Wisely much is being held tight and will be revealed to great fanfare when most opportune. By keeping us in the dark, it maintains interest. That Trailhawk will show soon enough, as will the Trackhawk. I want to see it all too, but Jeep is too smart for that. Can’t wait.

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TripleT Jan 24, 2021 #2

Not sure there should be a TrailHawk of the LWB version.... maybe Desert Hawk.... Reserve the Trailhawk for the SWB

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Ryan Jan 24, 2021 #3

If Overland can be Trail Rated, there’s no reason they couldn’t make a Trailhawk with the same level of capability, just more rugged styling. And maybe cheaper with less luxury content.

bill burke Jan 25, 2021 #4

These are two valid points to which I agree. I would propose that there is no reason or logic in abandoning a popular model like the Trailhawk or the Trackhawk for that matter. In fact, I believe Jeep will up the ante on both with affordability, capability and distinction in styling. I also believe that the short wheel base GC is a better fit for these models. Let’s face it, Jeep is restructuring the whole brand and with new competition snapping at their heels, expect a more aggressive effort brand wide. I am restating my prediction that Cherokee is headed to a shortened Grand Cherokee RWD platform next generation to expand capability and enhance conformity to traditional Jeep attributes. This will put one less soft FWD model under that valuable Jeep name and the Trailhawk will stand out as the off road leader in SUV’s, nothing to be compromised.
We may have a wait for all things Jeep, but anticipation only makes the heart grow fonder.

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TripleT Jan 25, 2021 #5

No one is saying to abandon the Trailhawk on the Grand Cherokee, It whether is is appropriate for the L. I absolutely SURE that it will be appropriate on the SWB.

The question is, do you treat it like a performance package or is just a appearance package.

If it is a Performance Package the breakover is a issue. And not that it not very capable off road, but is it TrialHawk capable? Not really.

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