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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.