2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk - Testdrivenow review by auto critic steve hammes

The Trailhawk is Jeep's most capable version of their all-new midsize Cherokee. It's equipped with a Selec-Terrain traction control system with up to 5 customized settings. Guess which one I used most often this week? Indeed, it's been a cold, snowy winter and the Cherokee arrived just in time to get me though a storm that added another 2 feet. So while Auto is the standard drive mode, automatically detecting the need for four-wheel engagement, it was mostly snow mode time for me -- a setting that starts off in 2nd gear, keeps the 4-wheel drive in full-time operation and biases the power to the front wheels. But no matter which terrain you find yourself on, the Trailhawk has a setting that's been customized to handle it. That said, it's not bullet-proof as we managed to get the Trailhawk temporarily stuck in rather unspectacular conditions more than once. An e-locker on the rear axle for severe conditions, 4-low range, hill descent and ascent mode, and a crawl mode with a gutsy 47.8:1 ratio round out the Trailhawk's standard Active Drive Lock 4-wheel drive system. Of course, the Trailhawk gets the Trail-Rated badge and because of that it needs the appropriate rubber; here, 17" Firestone Destination All-Terrain tires. For an extra $1,500 my tester has come equipped with Chrysler Group's first application of their new 3.2-liter Pentastar V6. It makes 271 horsepower and is capable of towing up to 4,500 pounds. Mated to a new 9-speed automatic with a trick 4X4 system that disconnects the rear axle when it's not needed, this Trailhawk is rated at 18mpg city/25mpg highway, significantly besting the old Liberty which had 5 fewer gears. And if you don't need the added grunt of the V6, you can stick with the Fiat-derived 2.4-liter 4-cylinder which returns slightly better mileage. With an as-tested price of $36,120, the Trailhawk gives you a lot of *** for your buck. It's thoroughly modern with a number of clever features and an everyday-friendly ride quality; not to the level of the Grand Cherokee mind you, but certainly agreeable. There were occasions when I felt like I had to frequently stomp the gas pedal to get the Cherokee to kick-down to a more useable gear, but in general the power delivery is robust and very smooth. Jeep went way out there on the Cherokee's design and I love it. The optional black hood decal just adds to this SUV's concept-car allure, completely distancing itself from the Liberty's boxy body. But don't worry -- though it's not on my tester the SkySlider open-air sunroof lives on. Trailhawk models come with unique front and rear fascias which improve approach and departure angles. You can also distinguish these models by their unique red recovery hooks. There's also an off-road, fully independent suspension jacked up to 8.7", and the underbody protection of skid plates. With the optional comfort/convenience group, leather interior and Uconnect with navi the Cherokee's cabin is an amenity-laden, high-tech, clever space. The brilliant electronics alone are enough to make you say wow and the attention to detail like these little bits is impressive. It's not particularly large inside but with a recline function on the rear seats 2 more adults can get comfortable. The seats also easily fold flat and the cargo area with its power rear hatch has these hooks for grocery bags. High-end luxury features, notable quality and thoughtful touches make it a huge winner. Sure, there are other Cherokee models -- starting with a 2-wheel drive Sport for under $25,000. But for the full Trail Rated Jeep Cherokee experience, the Trailhawk is where it's at.