Grand Cherokee vs Explorer, Traverse & Highlander for SD Families

If you have ever headed to town before the plow has been through, you already know the question that matters out here: will this SUV get you down an unplowed, drifted-over section line at fifteen below? The Grand Cherokee has always answered that well — and for 2027 it has a new headliner for winter, because the Trailhawk is back. The returning 2027 Trailhawk brings Quadra-Trac II, up to 11.4 inches of ground clearance, and factory all-terrain tires — the most winter-ready Grand Cherokee you can order. But here is the honest part: every 2027 Grand Cherokee still handles a plains winter well. This guide covers what the Trailhawk adds, and why the rest of the lineup is still plenty for most families around Bowdle. 2. TOP CTA Search Grand Cherokee Inventory Get Pre-Qualified 3. TABLE OF CONTENTS On This Page Why the Trailhawk is the new winter headliner Does every 2027 trim still handle winter? Which 4x4 system comes on which trim? How much does the Trailhawk's clearance help? How to set it up for a snowy drive 4. CONTENT SECTIONS Why the Returning Trailhawk Is the New Winter Headliner For 2027 the Trailhawk is the most winter-ready Grand Cherokee you can buy, because it pairs the Quadra-Trac II four-wheel-drive system with up to 11.4 inches of ground clearance and factory all-terrain tires. That combination is built for exactly the mornings we get out here. Quadra-Trac II adds a low range for slow, deliberate crawling through deep stuff, and the two-row Trailhawk rides on all-terrain tires straight from the factory — the single biggest traction upgrade you can make on snow and ice. Add three skid plates, red tow hooks, and generous approach, breakover, and departure angles of 36.0, 24.4, and 30.3 degrees, and you have a Grand Cherokee that shrugs off a drifted gravel road. It is a two-row only trim; the Grand Cherokee L does not offer it. The all-terrain tires do a lot of the work The Trailhawk's factory all-terrain tires already bite better in snow than the highway tires on other trims. If you buy any other Grand Cherokee, a dedicated set of winter tires closes most of that gap — it is still the best upgrade you can make for stopping and steering on ice. Does Every 2027 Trim Still Handle a Plains Winter? Yes. The Trailhawk grabs the headlines, but every 2027 Grand Cherokee is a true four-wheel-drive SUV — not a light car-based crossover — and that is what makes the whole lineup good in snow. The Laredo runs Quadra-Trac I for set-and-forget full-time traction, the Limited adds Selec-Terrain with a selectable Snow mode, and the Summit steps up to Quadra-Drive II with a low range and a limited-slip rear differential. All of them get power to whichever wheels have grip and stay composed when one side hits ice. Nothing about the new Trailhawk changes that — our full winter deep-dive still applies, so if you want the complete rundown on 4x4 systems, drive modes, and clearance, our 2026 winter guide still applies as background and remains just as relevant for the 2027 lineup. 5. IMAGE BREAK Which 4x4 System Comes on Which Trim? Every 2027 trim can be had with four-wheel drive; the system just gets more capable as you move up, and the returning Trailhawk now sits at the off-road end of the table. Here is how they line up for a winter buyer. Trim 4x4 System What It Adds for Winter Laredo Quadra-Trac I Automatic full-time 4x4 — set-and-forget traction Limited Quadra-Trac I + Selec-Terrain Adds a Snow drive mode you can select for conditions Trailhawk Quadra-Trac II Low range, all-terrain tires, and up to 11.4″ clearance Summit Quadra-Drive II Low range and a limited-slip rear diff for the deepest stuff For most winter driving around Bowdle, the Laredo's Quadra-Trac I is genuinely enough. The Trailhawk is the pick if you want the most capable winter setup on the lot; the Summit's Quadra-Drive II is aimed more at luxury buyers who still want serious hardware. Our 2027 trim guide breaks down the rest of what each step gets you. How Much Does the Trailhawk's Clearance Help in Winter? More than most people expect. In deep or drifted snow, ground clearance is what keeps you from high-centering on the packed ridge between the tire tracks — and the Trailhawk gives you the most of it. A standard Grand Cherokee starts at 8.4 inches of clearance, and models with the available Quadra-Lift air suspension can raise up to 10.9 inches. The 2027 Trailhawk goes further, up to 11.4 inches. That extra height is genuinely useful when a road has not been plowed and the middle is piled higher than the ruts. If you routinely break your own trail down a section line, the Trailhawk earns its keep; if you mostly drive plowed roads and highways, the standard clearance handles winter fine. 5c. HOW-TO How to Set Up Your Grand Cherokee for a Snowy Drive A few simple steps get the most out of any 2027 Grand Cherokee before you pull out of the driveway on a bad morning. Select Snow mode if your trim has Selec-Terrain — it softens throttle response so you spin the wheels less on ice. Use low range on the Trailhawk or Summit: for deep, unbroken snow, the low range gives you slow, controlled crawling power. Clear the sensors: brush snow off the front grille, camera, and radar area so the safety systems and cruise work correctly. Warm the cabin and glass: use the heated seats, heated wheel, and defrost so you are not distracted by fogged glass. Leave room and slow down: 4x4 helps you go; only good tires and distance help you stop. 5b. QUICK OVERVIEW TABLE Is the Trailhawk Worth It for Winter? Consideration Other 2027 Trims 2027 Trailhawk Ground clearance 8.4″ up to 10.9″ Up to 11.4″ Factory tires Highway tires All-terrain tires 4x4 hardware Quadra-Trac I / II Quadra-Trac II + skid plates Worth it if: you regularly break your own trail on unplowed gravel, deal with big drifts, or want the most capable winter Grand Cherokee straight off the lot. Skip it if: you mostly drive plowed roads and highways, want a third row (the L has no Trailhawk), or would rather put winter tires on a Laredo and call it good. 6. KEY TAKEAWAYS Key Takeaways The returning 2027 Trailhawk is the most winter-ready Grand Cherokee: Quadra-Trac II, up to 11.4 inches of clearance, and factory all-terrain tires. Every 2027 trim still handles a plains winter well — they are all true 4x4, not car-based AWD. The Laredo's Quadra-Trac I is genuinely enough for most South Dakota winters. The Trailhawk is two-row only; if you need a third row, the Grand Cherokee L does not offer it. On any non-Trailhawk trim, winter tires are still the single best upgrade for ice. 7. FAQ Frequently Asked Questions Is the 2027 Trailhawk worth it just for winter driving? It is the most capable winter Grand Cherokee, thanks to Quadra-Trac II, up to 11.4 inches of clearance, and factory all-terrain tires. If you break your own trail on unplowed gravel, it is worth it. If you mostly drive plowed roads, a Laredo with winter tires handles a normal South Dakota winter just fine. Do I still need winter tires on a 2027 Grand Cherokee? On the Laredo, Limited, and Summit, yes — a dedicated set of winter tires is the single best upgrade for stopping and steering on ice. The Trailhawk comes on all-terrain tires from the factory, which already bite better in snow, though a full winter tire is still the strongest choice for pure ice. Can I get the Trailhawk in the three-row Grand Cherokee L? No. The 2027 Trailhawk is a two-row only trim. If you want a third row, the Grand Cherokee L is offered in Laredo, Limited, and Summit — all true 4x4 and very good in winter — just not in the Trailhawk. Does the Laredo still handle snow well now that it is V6-only for 2027? Yes. The engine change does not affect the 4x4 hardware — the 2027 Laredo still uses Quadra-Trac I full-time four-wheel drive, which is genuinely enough for most winter driving around here. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 makes 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft, plenty for a family SUV in the snow. 8. CONCLUSION My Take on the 2027 Grand Cherokee in Winter The winter question comes up in almost every Grand Cherokee conversation we have on the lot, and for 2027 I finally get to point at the Trailhawk when someone wants the most capable version. The all-terrain tires and the extra clearance make a real difference on the mornings the county has not gotten to yet — it is the one I would grab if I lived at the end of a long, drifted section line. That said, I am honest with families about it: most people around here do not need the Trailhawk. A Laredo with 4x4 and a good set of winter tires gets you through a normal South Dakota winter without any drama, and if you want the third row, the L is still an excellent snow vehicle. The Trailhawk is a great new option, not a requirement. If you want the full rundown on trims, engines, and towing, our 2027 Grand Cherokee guide covers it. And if you are anywhere near Bowdle, stop by Beadle's Chrysler Center — we are happy to walk you through the 4x4 systems on the lot and help you find the right one before the snow flies. 9. BOTTOM CTA Search Grand Cherokee Inventory Get Pre-Qualified Contact Beadle's Chrysler Center 10. ABOUT THE AUTHOR About the Author Lexy Tabbert — Beadle's Chrysler Center, Bowdle, SD Lexy Tabbert is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Beadle's Chrysler Center in Bowdle, South Dakota. She covers Ram, Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler vehicles — helping families, ranchers, and ag operators across the region find the right truck and configuration for their needs. Learn more about Lexy.

Every model year brings a few tweaks, and most of them are not worth losing sleep over. The 2027 Grand Cherokee is a little different — the changes this year actually matter to how you shop, especially the engine you get on the entry trim and the off-road model that comes back to the lineup. So it is worth a quick, honest walkthrough. Here is what is new for the 2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee, from people who sell and service them in Bowdle: the Trailhawk returns, the color palette gets refreshed, the Laredo goes V6-only, and the packages get reshuffled. None of it is drastic, but a couple of pieces could change which trim is right for you. 2. TOP CTA Search Grand Cherokee Inventory Get Pre-Qualified 3. TABLE OF CONTENTS On This Page The Trailhawk returns for 2027 A refreshed color palette The Laredo goes V6-only 2026 versus 2027 at a glance How to pick the right 2027 for you 4. CONTENT SECTIONS The Trailhawk Returns for 2027 The biggest news is the return of the off-road Trailhawk, offered on the two-row Grand Cherokee only. It is a genuine capability trim, not an appearance package. The 2027 Trailhawk runs the 2.0L Hurricane turbo four with 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, adds Quadra-Trac II with a true low range, and rides on the available Quadra-Lift air suspension for up to 11.4 inches of ground clearance. It brings three skid plates, all-terrain tires, red tow hooks, a Trail Rated badge, and standard Nappa leather inside. Out here, the value is not rock-crawling — it is that all of that hardware is exactly what an unplowed gravel road wants in January. Our full Trailhawk breakdown covers what it can do. About the Overland You may see the Overland named as returning for 2027. Treat it as newly announced — it is not something you can order or find in stock right now. When it is truly available, we will have the real details. For today, the Trailhawk is the headline addition you can actually shop. A Refreshed Color Palette The 2027 lineup swaps in several new exterior colors and retires a handful of older ones. If a specific shade matters to you, this is the year to pay attention. New for 2027 are Ghost, High Gloss Black, Red Hot in a Pearl Coat finish, and Sting-Gray in a Clear Coat. On the way out are Baltic Grey, Diamond Black Crystal, Silver Zynith, and Velvet Red. Carryover favorites like Bright White remain, so most buyers will still find a color they like — it is just a slightly different mix than last year. If color is high on your list, our 2027 color guide walks through the full palette and which shades hide dust and snow-salt best. 5. IMAGE BREAK The Laredo Goes V6-Only For 2027, the entry-level Laredo drops the available 2.0L turbo four and comes with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 only. It is the change most likely to affect an actual buying decision. The Pentastar V6 makes 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and it is a proven, smooth engine that handles family duty and up to 6,200 pounds of towing when properly equipped. But if you specifically wanted the turbo four's extra torque on a Laredo, that combination goes away for 2027 — you would step up to the Limited or higher to get the 2.0L Hurricane. For a lot of shoppers the V6 is exactly right; the point is simply to know it is the only Laredo engine now, so there are no surprises when you compare trims. 5b. QUICK OVERVIEW / CHANGE TABLE 2026 Versus 2027 at a Glance Area 2026 2027 Off-road trim No Trailhawk Trailhawk returns (two-row only) Laredo engine V6 standard, 2.0T available V6 only New colors Prior palette Adds Ghost, High Gloss Black, Red Hot, Sting-Gray Dropped colors Baltic Grey, Diamond Black Crystal, Silver Zynith, Velvet Red Retired for 2027 Special editions 85th Anniversary offered 85th Anniversary gone; packages restructured Worth waiting for 2027 if: you want the returning Trailhawk, one of the new colors, or simply the newest model year. Fine with a 2026 if: you want a 2.0T Laredo, prefer a retiring color, or like the pricing on what is on the lot today. 5c. HOW-TO How to Pick the Right 2027 for You With the changes this year, a few simple questions get you to the right trim quickly. Start with your roads: lots of unplowed gravel points you toward the Trailhawk; mostly plowed roads and highway keeps you in a Laredo or Limited. Decide on the engine: the V6 Laredo covers most families; if you want the turbo four's torque, plan on a Limited or higher. Count your seats: need a third row and the Grand Cherokee L is your body style — and note the Trailhawk is two-row only. Pick your color early: if you want a new shade like Red Hot or Ghost, tell us so we can track one down. Compare against a 2026: ask us what is on the lot now so you can weigh a current-year deal against waiting. 6. KEY TAKEAWAYS Key Takeaways The off-road Trailhawk returns for 2027 on the two-row Grand Cherokee — the headline change you can actually shop. The color palette is refreshed: Ghost, High Gloss Black, Red Hot, and Sting-Gray come in; Baltic Grey, Diamond Black Crystal, Silver Zynith, and Velvet Red go out. The Laredo becomes V6-only — step up to the Limited or higher if you want the 2.0L Hurricane turbo. The Overland is only newly announced, not orderable, and the 2026-only 85th Anniversary edition is gone. 7. FAQ Frequently Asked Questions What is the biggest change for the 2027 Grand Cherokee? The return of the off-road Trailhawk on the two-row Grand Cherokee. It brings Quadra-Trac II low range, up to 11.4 inches of clearance, skid plates, and all-terrain tires. The Laredo also becomes V6-only, which is the other change most likely to affect your choice. Can I still get a turbo four on the 2027 Laredo? No. For 2027 the Laredo comes with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 only. If you want the 2.0L Hurricane turbo four, you will need to step up to the Limited or a higher trim. Which colors are new for 2027, and which went away? New for 2027 are Ghost, High Gloss Black, Red Hot (Pearl Coat), and Sting-Gray (Clear Coat). Retired are Baltic Grey, Diamond Black Crystal, Silver Zynith, and Velvet Red. Carryover colors like Bright White remain. Is the Overland available for 2027? It has only been newly announced. It is not something you can order or find in stock right now. When it is genuinely available, reach out and we will share the real details. For today, the Trailhawk is the new trim you can actually shop. 8. CONCLUSION My Take on the 2027 Changes Most model-year updates barely come up on the lot, but two of these do. The Trailhawk coming back is genuinely good news for folks around here who spend real time on gravel, and the Laredo going V6-only is the kind of detail I make sure people know before they get their heart set on a turbo four at the entry price. When someone asks me if they should wait for a 2027, my honest answer depends on what they want. If it is the Trailhawk or one of the new colors, waiting makes sense. If they wanted a 2.0T Laredo or they see a 2026 on the lot that fits, there is nothing wrong with buying now — the truck itself is still excellent either way. For the full trim-by-trim rundown, our 2027 Grand Cherokee guide lays it out. And if you are weighing a current model against next year's, we wrote an honest buy now or wait guide too. Either way, stop by Beadle's Chrysler Center in Bowdle and we will help you sort it out. 9. BOTTOM CTA Search Grand Cherokee Inventory Get Pre-Qualified Contact Beadle's Chrysler Center 10. ABOUT THE AUTHOR About the Author Lexy Tabbert — Beadle's Chrysler Center, Bowdle, SD Lexy Tabbert is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Beadle's Chrysler Center in Bowdle, South Dakota. She covers Ram, Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler vehicles — helping families, ranchers, and ag operators across the region find the right truck and configuration for their needs. Learn more about Lexy.

If you shopped a Grand Cherokee in 2026, the 2027 lineup is worth a second look — because a couple of real things changed. The Trailhawk is back, and the Laredo's engine picture is simpler than it was. This is not a year where only the badge on the fender moved. Here is the honest walkthrough of the 2027 trims — Laredo, Limited and Limited Reserve, the returning Trailhawk, and Summit — with what each one is really for, what changed from last year, and how to pick the one that fits a South Dakota family without paying for things you will never use. 2. TOP CTA Search Grand Cherokee Inventory Get Pre-Qualified 3. TABLE OF CONTENTS On This Page What actually changed for 2027 Laredo and Limited: the everyday trims Trailhawk: the new off-road trim Summit and the L body How to pick your 2027 trim 4. CONTENT SECTIONS What Actually Changed for 2027 Two changes matter most: the Trailhawk returns as a genuine off-road trim, and the Laredo becomes V6-only. Everything else in the lineup carries forward familiar. The returning Trailhawk is two-row only, built around off-road hardware — Quadra-Trac II, up to 11.4 inches of ground clearance, three skid plates, all-terrain tires, and red tow hooks — with standard Nappa leather inside and pricing that slots around the low-$50s. The Laredo, meanwhile, drops the 2.0L turbo four and now comes exclusively with the 3.6L Pentastar V6, so the entry trim is simpler to order and easy to explain. The Limited, Limited Reserve, and Summit continue on much as before. Still good background reading Most of the trim philosophy carried over from last year. If you want the deeper walkthrough of how the ladder is built, our 2026 trim guide is still useful background and holds up well for 2027 — just add the Trailhawk and remember the Laredo is now V6-only. Laredo and Limited: the Everyday Trims For most families, the Laredo and Limited are where the shopping really happens — they cover the core of what a Grand Cherokee is for without stretching the budget. The 2027 Laredo comes with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 (293 horsepower, 260 lb-ft) and Quadra-Trac I four-wheel drive — a straightforward, well-equipped starting point now that the 2.0T is gone from this trim. Step up to the Limited and you gain the 2.0L Hurricane turbo four (324 horsepower, 332 lb-ft), Selec-Terrain drive modes with a Snow setting, and a 12.3-inch Uconnect screen. The Limited Reserve builds on that with Nappa leather for a more finished cabin. All three tow up to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped, so you are not giving up capability by staying in the middle of the range. 5. IMAGE BREAK Trailhawk: the New Off-Road Trim The Trailhawk is the genuinely new addition for 2027, and it fills a gap the lineup has had for a while: a Grand Cherokee built to go off-pavement without giving up the on-road comfort families expect. It runs the 2.0L Hurricane turbo four with Quadra-Trac II four-wheel drive, adds up to 11.4 inches of ground clearance, three skid plates, factory all-terrain tires, and red tow hooks, and comes with standard Nappa leather so the inside still feels premium. Pricing slots around the low-$50s. One important note: the Trailhawk is two-row only — the three-row Grand Cherokee L is not offered in this trim. Trim Engine 4x4 System Best For Laredo 3.6L V6 (now V6-only) Quadra-Trac I Value-minded families Limited / Reserve 2.0L Turbo Quadra-Trac I + Selec-Terrain Comfort and features Trailhawk (new) 2.0L Turbo Quadra-Trac II Off-road capability Summit 2.0L Turbo Quadra-Drive II Top-end luxury Summit and the Three-Row L The Summit is the top of the range, and the Grand Cherokee L is the body style to pick if you need a third row. Neither changed much for 2027, but they are worth understanding before you decide. The Summit pairs the 2.0L turbo four with Quadra-Drive II — a low range and a limited-slip rear differential — and loads up on comfort: Palermo leather, ventilated seats, air suspension, a surround-view camera, and a 19-speaker audio system. The Grand Cherokee L stretches the body to 204.9 inches and seats six or seven with a usable third row, and it is offered in Laredo, Limited, and Summit. There is no Trailhawk on the L, so if you want both the off-road hardware and a third row, you will have to choose one. For most three-row families, that is an easy call — the seats matter more than the skid plates. 5c. HOW-TO How to Pick Your 2027 Grand Cherokee Trim A few honest questions will narrow the 2027 lineup down to the right trim faster than a spec sheet will. Decide on two rows or three: if you need a third row, you are in the L body, which rules out the Trailhawk. Be honest about off-road use: if you truly leave the gravel, the Trailhawk earns its keep; if not, save the money. Pick your engine: the V6 Laredo is simple and capable; the 2.0L turbo on Limited and up adds power and torque. Set your comfort line: Limited Reserve gets you Nappa leather; the Summit adds ventilated seats, air suspension, and premium audio. Check what is on the lot: stop in and drive the trims you are between — the right one usually becomes obvious behind the wheel. 5b. QUICK OVERVIEW TABLE Which 2027 Trim Is Right for You? If You Want Look At Why Value and simplicity Laredo V6, Quadra-Trac I, well-equipped base Real off-road capability Trailhawk Quadra-Trac II, 11.4″ clearance, all-terrain tires A third row Grand Cherokee L Seats 6 or 7; no Trailhawk offered Worth it if: you actually use what you are paying for — the Trailhawk's off-road hardware, the Summit's luxury, or the L's third row all pay off when they match how you drive. Skip it if: you are buying a feature "just in case" — most South Dakota families are happiest and best-served in a Laredo or Limited with 4x4. 6. KEY TAKEAWAYS Key Takeaways The 2027 lineup adds a returning Trailhawk — two-row only, off-road hardware, standard Nappa leather, priced around the low-$50s. The 2027 Laredo is now V6-only; it dropped the 2.0L turbo, which simplifies the entry trim. Limited and Limited Reserve remain the sweet spot for most families, with the 2.0L turbo and Selec-Terrain. The Summit stays the top luxury trim with Quadra-Drive II, air suspension, and premium features. The L body still comes in Laredo, Limited, and Summit — there is no Trailhawk on the three-row L. 7. FAQ Frequently Asked Questions What is new in the 2027 Grand Cherokee lineup versus 2026? The two biggest changes are the returning Trailhawk — a two-row off-road trim with Quadra-Trac II, up to 11.4 inches of clearance, skid plates, and all-terrain tires — and the Laredo becoming V6-only, dropping the 2.0L turbo. The Limited, Limited Reserve, and Summit carry over largely unchanged. Does the 2027 Laredo still offer the turbo engine? No. For 2027 the Laredo is V6-only — it comes exclusively with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 (293 horsepower, 260 lb-ft). If you want the 2.0L Hurricane turbo four, you will find it on the Limited and above. How much does the 2027 Trailhawk cost? The Trailhawk slots around the low-$50s and comes standard with Nappa leather. Exact pricing depends on options and current incentives, so the best way to get a real number is to ask us for a build on what is available at Beadle's Chrysler Center. Can I get the Trailhawk in the three-row Grand Cherokee L? No. The 2027 Trailhawk is a two-row only trim. The three-row Grand Cherokee L is offered in Laredo, Limited, and Summit, so if you need a third row you will choose from those rather than the Trailhawk. 8. CONCLUSION My Take on the 2027 Trims The Trailhawk coming back is the part I am most excited to show people, because for a few years I had customers who wanted a Grand Cherokee that could really leave the road, and I did not have a factory answer for them. Now I do — and it still rides like a Grand Cherokee, which is the whole point. But I will tell you the same thing I tell everyone on the lot: most families do not need to climb the ladder as far as they think. The Laredo is a genuinely good vehicle, the Limited is where a lot of folks land, and unless you are truly going off-pavement or truly want the Summit's luxury, you can buy in the middle and be very happy. Buy the trim that matches how you actually drive, not the one that looks best on paper. If you want the full rundown on engines, towing, and features, our 2027 Grand Cherokee guide covers it. And if you are anywhere near Bowdle, stop by Beadle's Chrysler Center — we will walk you through the trims side by side and help you land on the right one. 9. BOTTOM CTA Search Grand Cherokee Inventory Get Pre-Qualified Contact Beadle's Chrysler Center 10. ABOUT THE AUTHOR About the Author Lexy Tabbert — Beadle's Chrysler Center, Bowdle, SD Lexy Tabbert is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Beadle's Chrysler Center in Bowdle, South Dakota. She covers Ram, Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler vehicles — helping families, ranchers, and ag operators across the region find the right truck and configuration for their needs. Learn more about Lexy.