Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk: Tow Test

The Cherokee nameplate is a significant one in the 4WD world. One of the first monocoque 4WDs produced, and with a sophisticated part-time/full-time 4WD system, the 1984 XJ series was produced for 17 years. In 2001, the KJ arrived then, in 2010, the KK was released. Then, in 2014, the new KL series arrived. But is it worthy of the Cherokee badge?

Here, we’ve tested the top-of-the line petrol Cherokee model, the Trailhawk.

ATTRIBUTES

The Trailhawk has plenty of standard equipment as the top-shelf petrol model. For starters, it has unique offroad front and rear treatment, wheel arch flares, recovery hooks, underbody protection plates, increased-height offroad suspension, Jeep Active Drive Lock 4X4 system with low range and locking rear axle, Selec-Speed control featuring hill-ascent control and hill-descent control, roof rails, 17in polished alloy wheels, matte black bonnet treatment, power tailgate, climate controlled air-conditioning and leather, heated, power front seats.

The Cherokee’s cabin is very comfortable and provides ample space for four adults or five at a pinch.

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION

The 3.2L version of the Pentastar V6 has been used for the first time with the KL Cherokee.

The 3.2L engine features individual exhaust-manifold runners integrated into the alloy cylinder-head casting, a weight and space-saving measure.

A 60-degree, deep-skirt, die-cast-aluminium cylinder block with six-bolt main caps improves noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels, according to Jeep.

The nine-speed automatic transmission is a first for the medium SUV segment and Jeep claims that more than 40 individual shift maps for specific conditions optimise shift quality and shift points to maximise fuel economy, performance and drivability.

The transmission’s software chooses the right shift sequence based on engine torque, kick-down events, longitudinal and lateral acceleration and grade changes. The shifts also depend on temperature, speed and electronic stability control being activated.

The Trailhawk has dual-range transfer plus a locking rear differential for offroad work. The locking rear diff can be activated in any low-range terrain mode, but will lock automatically when in certain modes, such as ‘Rock’, to maximise traction.

SUSPENSION

The Trailhawk’s suspension blots out the worst road ripples and, while its steering is well-weighted, it doesn’t communicate a lot of what’s going on up front. This vehicle is a transverse, front-wheel drive by default, and that’s how it translates in its chassis dynamics. It’s not the sharpest, most dynamic vehicle out there by any stretch.

ECONOMY

The Trailhawk averaged 8.9L/100km on an easy, solo cruise at 100km/h and, while towing a 1200kg single-axle caravan, it achieved 17.8L/100km. Around town, the average was 12.6L/100km.

TOWING

Tow-testing relies on a number of factors and, sometimes, it can be hard to achieve them all, so in this case we towed less weight than we would have liked. So it was no surprise that the Cherokee hardly noticed the weight behind it, and felt stable.

Where we can adjust for less weight, though, is in finding steep climbs to ascend and descend, and also push a bit harder in acceleration during the photography sessions, where we may need to drive up and down the same road several times. In this scenario, the Cherokee still performed well, climbing the hills with minimal fuss and with acceptable engine braking down the hills.

The only notable change in performance was how easily the front wheels chirped off the mark with a caravan behind – clearly the result of the on-demand 4WD system. It’s also worth noting that, with its 60L fuel tank, the comfortable touring range when towing is only around 250km – which is clearly not ideal.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The Cherokee is a stunning-looking vehicle – you’ll either love or hate it – and it is good to see that Jeep has not completely given in to fashion and has kept with a proper 4WD system in the Trailhawk.

Yet the high level of engineering and quality (not to mention great pricing) that has seen its sibling, the Grand Cherokee, sell so well, doesn’t apply here. The Trailhawk lacks the cohesive quality and dynamics of the Grand Cherokee, and also of the key competitors in the medium SUV class.

Check out the full review in issue #532 Decemeber 2014 of Caravan World magazine. Subscribe today for all the latest camper trailer news, reviews and travel inspiration.