2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Video Review

Returning after a 13-year hiatus following the killing of the Cherokee model name in favor of “Liberty” during the Mercedes-Benz years of Chrysler’s ownership, this new Jeep Cherokee is now based upon an Alfa Romeo platform—the same one underpinning the new Dodge Dart. Don’t let that throw you though, as the Trailhawk package with which our test Jeep Cherokee is fitted provides all of the legendary off road capability you’ve come to expect from Jeep. The base powerplant is a 2.4-liter, 184-horsepower, inline four-cylinder engine capable of delivering 171 ft-lbs of torque. The optional engine is a 271-horsepower, 3.2-liter V6 making 239 ft-lbs of torque. A nine speed automatic transmission comes standard, regardless of the engine choice. While front-wheel drive is also offered, Trailhawk models are sold exclusively with four-wheel drive. Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system is also fitted, providing pre-sets for snow, sand, mud, and rocks in the Trailhawk version of the Cherokee. Available features include tow hooks, skid plates, and a rear-locking differential to enhance the Trailhawk Cherokee’s off road capabilities. Safety features include forward collision warning with automatic brake intervention, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert.