The 2019 Jeep Cherokee is just about to go on sale! How off-road worthy is the new Trailhawk?
Off-road ability is bred into Jeep’s DNA. If each model didn’t have a version that could tackle the rough stuff, then it’s not really much of a Jeep is it? The 2019 Jeep Cherokee has undergone several design changes all around – to see what all has changed, check out our video here – but now comes the big question. How well does the 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk cut it on the trails? As you might expect from a Trail-Rated Jeep, it handles most of the obstacles without any problems.
To find out, Roman takes the brand new Cherokee Trailhawk off-roading in California. Watch the video above to see how that turns out! Now, let’s go over some of the fundamental features of the new Jeep Cherokee range below. There are five models: Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited, Overland, and Trailhawk.
Engines
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee gives you a choice of up to three powerplants, depending on the model you choose. Two are carryover engines – the 2.4-liter, naturally-aspirated Tigershark and the 3.2-liter Pentastar V6. One engine is completely new: a 2.0-liter, turbocharged unit. All engines come mated to FCA’s 948TE nine-speed automatic transmission.
The new V6-powered Jeep Cherokee has just been rated by the EPA for efficiency. The Cherokee Trailhawk V6 gets the same rating as the previous 2018 model.
In the Latitude, you only have the option of the 180 horsepower 2.4-liter or the 271 horsepower Pentastar V6. If you bump up to a Latitude Plus or a two-wheel drive Limited, you get the 2.4-liter standard, with the option of the V6 or the 270 horsepower 2.0-liter turbo. On the 4×4 Limited, Overland, and Trailhawk, the Pentastar V6 comes standard, or you can have the 2.0-liter turbo as an option.
Off-roading equipment
If you purchase four-wheel drive versions of the Latitude, Latitude Plus, Limited, or Overland, you can get Jeep’s single-speed Active Drive I system. However, you can spec a low-range option in Jeep’s Active Drive II on Latitude Plus, Limited, and Overland. The latter system comes standard on the Trailhawk.
The Trailhawk is the only model in the range that features Jeep Active Drive Lock, a locking rear differential that makes it even more capable off-road. And that’s not all! The Trailhawk also sports 8.7 inches minimum running ground clearance to get over some tougher obstacles.
What else is new?
As mentioned in our previous improvements video, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee’s biggest change is its front fascia. The hood, LED headlamps, running lights, fog lights, and grille have all changed. Gone is the unconventional styling of the previous model.
There’s also a new lightweight, hands-free liftgate you can open with your foot, as well as greater rear cargo volume and more convenient storage. There’s an available dual-pane sunroof, as well as five new wheel designs spread across the model range. Naturally, new Jeep Cherokees come with a 7.0- or 8.4-inch touchscreen featuring FCA’s fourth-generation Uconnect. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported.
Availability and pricing
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee will go on sale in the first quarter of 2018. FCA hasn’t yet announced the pricing, at time of writing.
Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates. Subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow on YouTube for more news, views, and more videos like our rock-bashing Jeep-Cherokee off-road reviews.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
| On Sale: | Q1 2018 |
| Base MSRP: | TBD |
| Price as Tested: | TBD |
| Engine: | 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 w/ Engine Stop Start (ESS) (Standard)
2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four w/ Engine Stop Start (ESS) (Optional) |
| Drivetrain (Layout): | Transverse front engine, front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive |
| Horsepower: | 3.2-liter V6: 271 hp @ 6,500 RPM
2.0-liter turbo I4: 270 hp @ 5,250 RPM |
| Torque: | 3.2-liter V6: 239 lb-ft @ 4,400 RPM
2.0-liter turbo I4: 295 lb-ft @ 3,000-4,500 RPM |
| Transmission: | 948TE nine-speed automatic |
| Suspension: | Front: MacPherson strut, long-travel coil springs, one-piece steel subframe, aluminum lower control arms, stabilizer barRear: Four-link suspension w/ trailing arm, aluminum lateral links, isolated high-strength steel rear cradle, coil springs, stabilizer bar |
| Brakes: | Front: 13.1 x 1.1-inch vented rotor with 2.36-inch single-piston floating caliper or 1.89-inch twin-piston floating caliperRear: 10.95 x 0.47-inch solid rotor w/ 1.5-inch single-piston floating caliper or
12.6 x 0.47-inch solid rotor w/ 1.69-inch single-piston floating caliper (available) |
| Tires: | Firestone Destination A/T P245/65 R17 OWL all-terrain |
| Fuel capacity: | 15.9 gallons |
| Fuel economy (EPA): | TBD |
Dimensions:
| Wheelbase: | 107.1 inches (4×4 Lock) |
| Length: | 182.0 inches |
| Width: | 74.9 inches (4×4 Lock) |
| Height: | 67.8 inches (4×4 Lock w/ roof rack) |
| Approach Angle: | 29.9 degrees |
| Breakover Angle: | 22.9 degrees |
| Departure Angle: | 32.2 degrees |
| Turning Circle: | 38.1 feet (4×4 Jeep Active Drive Lock) |
| Curb Weight: | 3.2-liter V6: 4,108 pounds (4×4 Lock)
2.0-liter I4: 4,028 pounds (4×4 Lock) |
