Jeep Trailhawk Models Detailed

Four models of the Jeep brand have a Trailhawk trim level associated with them. These are the more off-road-focused trim points for these particular models. Already off-road-ready out the gate, most Jeep models need little persuasion when heading off the road. But to get to the next level, comparatively, some added equipment certainly doesn’t hurt.

The Jeep Trailhawk models do not include high-end, luxurious vehicles like the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. Nor do they include models that are already legendary for their off-road capability, such as the Wrangler and the Gladiator. Instead, Trailhawk is reserved for the more mainstream models in Jeep’s lineup.

These are popular mainstays like the Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Compass, and Renegade. These models are better than average when off the paved road, but are as much or more about the on-road experience as the no-road experience. Adding the Trailhawk upgrades, which add more off-road focus, is a choice rather than the norm. This gives consumers the more rugged option.

Here is a breakdown of what the Trailhawk additions add to these Jeep models individually in the 2023 and 2024 model years.

Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

The Jeep Cherokee has only two trim levels, one of which is the Trailhawk. The Trailhawk is similar to the standard Altitude Lux model, but adds several trail-focused items. Including:

• 4WD system upgrade with locking rear axle
• Upgraded off-road suspension (adds about 0.7 inches of lift)
• All-terrain tires (adds about 0.5 inches of lift)
• Underbody skid plates

The Cherokee Trailhawk also has black hood decals and Trailhawk badging. Several optional add-ons through various Jeep packages can add more comfort and convenience to Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk models as well.

Jeep Compass Trailhawk

The Compass Trailhawk is the top-most trim level for the small Compass SUV. It shares that top spot with the high-end Limited, but takes a less premium route and aims for trial readiness instead.

Added to the Compass Trailhawk model are:

• 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires (adds 0.5 inches of lift) and a full-sized spare to match
• A one inch suspension lift
• Low-range all-wheel drive system with Rock drive mode
• Underbody skid plates
• Tow hooks
• Driver-selectable, automated hill descent control

The trim level also adds several comfort and convenience items like automatic wipers and dual-zone climate control. Jeep Compass Trailhawk models also have black-painted rooftops and Trailhawk badging to set them apart from other Compass trims.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk

The Jeep Trailhawk models include the Grand Cherokee, but notably not the longer wheelbase Grand Cherokee L. The Trailhawk trim level falls in the middle of trim choices for the Grand Cherokee. It is only available as a plug-in hybrid (called “4xe” by Jeep).

The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk package includes:

• Four-wheel drive with low gearing
• Goodyear Wrangler Territory all-terrain tires
• Electronic limited-slip rear differential
• Electronically disconnecting stabilizer bar
• Adaptive air suspension with ride height selections
• Providing nearly 3 inches of lift in all
• Hill ascent and descent control
• Pre-installed front tow hooks

The Cherokee Trailhawk model also includes a black-painted roof, leather upholstery, and other non-trail-specific comfort and convenience items.

Jeep Renegade Trailhawk

As with the Compass model, the Renegade Trailhawk trim is the top-most trim for this SUV. Its additions are similar as well. The Renegade Trailhawk has the following off-road gear added:

• 17-inch wheels
• All-terrain tires (providing about 0.5 inches of lift)
• Full-size spare tire
• One inch suspension lift
• Pre-installed tow hooks at front and rear
• Underbody skid plates
• Driver-selectable hill descent control

The Renegade Trailhawk also adds a black hood decal, Trailhawk badging, and other accents. Other optional equipment such as leather upholstery and heated seats are add-ons via a Trailhawk Elite Group package.

Summarizing the Jeep Trialhawk

Jeep Trailhawk models all add suspension lift, A/T tires, and a full-sized spare tire. Of the four Trailhawk models, the Jeep Cherokee gets the most suspension and tire lift. Both the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee Trailhawk models get low-range four-wheel drive with a true geared transfer case while the smaller Compass and Renegade models get upgrades to their differential-based all-wheel drive systems.

The Trailhawk trim level, unlike many “off-road” trims offered by other brands, truly adds off-pavement capability to the Jeeps it is available for. Aftermarket options to add even more lift and equipment abound for the Jeep brand as well, allowing buyers of factory Trailhawk models to go even further toward off-road readiness.