Buy this instead of a Wrangler | 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Review

Buy this instead of a Wrangler | 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Review

Otomotif Review - In our first encounter with the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk at Fiat Chrysler's Chelsea Proving Grounds, we saluted the new model's impressive on-road demeanor. In its off-road state, nonetheless, we couldn't reject the pre-production throttle calibration- it was super abrupt and difficult to modulate with the precision needed to navigate drawbacks. We were told then that Jeep's operators were aware of their own problems and were determining it for creation simulations. So we recently set off for Bundy Hill Off-Road Park in Jerome, Michigan, in a production-spec Grand Cherokee Trailhawk to check their work and get a better idea of the overall package.

We can report that the Trailhawk's throttle has been fixed for creation, landing it suitably in Goldilocks territory. In the off-road Mud setting, the throttle is soft and fast to modulate. You can match this rig with the gas pedal, contacting simply past tip-in to steadily urge forwards. But the gas pedal doesn't postpone when you really need strength. Move beyond the initial tip-in, and the engine responds quickly, which is a good thing, as a sluggish throttle is almost as dangerous off-road as one that's too abrupt. Rock mode promises even more precise mastery over the throttle, although our lack of a spotter and a desire to avoid detriment the 700 -mile-young Trailhawk stopped us from punching Bundy Hill's rockier regions. The soggy , non-snowy weather intend we didn't suitably test Snow or Sand mode.

This test model was furnished with FCA's popular 3.6 -liter V6, but like the rest of the Grand Cherokee range, more power is available from the 3.0 -liter EcoDiesel V6 and the 5.7 -liter Hemi V8. You don't need them- the 3.6 -liter and eight-speed automated are perfectly fine on the lines. Fronted with an lower, the transmission holds its paraphernalium without grumble - you don't even is a requirement to swap into manual state. Despite the 4,800 -rpm torque meridian, the V6' s 260 pound-feet arrive early enough that you don't need to strong-arm the throttle.

So that's resolution for the pre-production question. But our times at Bundy Hill disclosed a different and ultimately much simpler to tie trouble for the creation simulate. Late fall in Michigan is not always a good time to go off-road- sub -40 -degree temperatures and a continuous, depressing rain can roll a relatively simple trail into a slick mess of soggy clay. States like these can easily overwhelm an on-road tire like the Goodyear All-Terrain Undertaking the Trailhawk utilizes. Simply driving around in the stuff will coat the mainstream SUV tires in almost half an inch of gunk, trimming the coefficient of friction to about zero. If you're really projecting on taking a Trailhawk off-road, especially in dirt or clay, waste the money on some better rubber. A quick probe of TireRack.com indicates abundance of most aggressive alternatives in the stocks 265/60/ 18 size.

Tires aside, the Trailhawk is far more ability than most consumers will ever demand. The Jeep's impressive approaching and departure inclinations implied we are to be able attack nearly any obstruction at Bundy Hill, self-confident it could get up it and over, while the increased suspension hasten and motor expression implied bigger bumps and immerses didn't require a serious rethink of our direction. That's a boon, particularly on tighten, tree-lined trails.

That capability is predominantly down to the accessibility of the Trailhawk's off-road structures. Twist a grip and propagandize a button, and the vehicle's transmitting, throttle, brakes, differential, suspension, and traction mastery are ready for whatever you shed at it. It's as easy as it looks as simply evidencing up at the way. This takes the whodunit out of travelling off-road. There's no ticklish fastening differential to mess with- the Trailhawk doesn't even have a locker, simply a rear limited-slip differential- or sway-bar detach like there is on the Wrangler. Ground clearance is never an issue, as the air suspension face-lift the Jeep into the air at the push of a button. You simply look at the area and select what you think is best.

Hard-core Jeepers will balk and say that their Wranglers can do all of this and more, without the fancy suspension or the other computer-controlled structures, and for lower than the $46,435 sticker of this specific Trailhawk. But you can drive the Trailhawk, and we necessitate really drive it, every day without a second thought. That air suspension? In addition to being able to clearing the Trailhawk more ability, it greatly increases on-road ease. The Grand Cherokee's unibody platform, real entrances, and roof too make it much more livable. And if you're really honest with yourself, you don't need the Wrangler's extra capability( or lots of it at all ). Trade the bouncy journey, lack of room, and street noise for the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk's civility. It's just like a Jeep, but for grown-ups.

Read Also : Hot or not? | 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback First Drive

Source      : Autoblog.com