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2027 Grand Cherokee Trims: Now With Trailhawk

2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee in Red Hot paint on a South Dakota road, at Beadle's Chrysler Center

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.

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.

2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk climbing a muddy trail, at Beadle's Chrysler Center

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
Laredo3.6L V6 (now V6-only)Quadra-Trac IValue-minded families
Limited / Reserve2.0L TurboQuadra-Trac I + Selec-TerrainComfort and features
Trailhawk (new)2.0L TurboQuadra-Trac IIOff-road capability
Summit2.0L TurboQuadra-Drive IITop-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.

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.

  1. Decide on two rows or three: if you need a third row, you are in the L body, which rules out the Trailhawk.
  2. Be honest about off-road use: if you truly leave the gravel, the Trailhawk earns its keep; if not, save the money.
  3. Pick your engine: the V6 Laredo is simple and capable; the 2.0L turbo on Limited and up adds power and torque.
  4. Set your comfort line: Limited Reserve gets you Nappa leather; the Summit adds ventilated seats, air suspension, and premium audio.
  5. Check what is on the lot: stop in and drive the trims you are between — the right one usually becomes obvious behind the wheel.

Which 2027 Trim Is Right for You?

If You Want Look At Why
Value and simplicityLaredoV6, Quadra-Trac I, well-equipped base
Real off-road capabilityTrailhawkQuadra-Trac II, 11.4″ clearance, all-terrain tires
A third rowGrand Cherokee LSeats 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.

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.

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.

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.

About the Author

Lexy TabbertBeadle'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.

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2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 in the snow on a South Dakota gravel road, at Beadle's Chrysler Center

2027 Grand Cherokee in a South Dakota Winter (Now With Trailhawk)

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.

2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee in Red Hot exterior paint, at Beadle's Chrysler Center

What's New for the 2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

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.

2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4x4 in the snow in South Dakota, at Beadle's Chrysler Center

The 2027 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Is Back - and Built for SD Winters

For a couple of years the most capable Grand Cherokee you could park in the yard was the Summit — a beautiful truck, but built for comfort more than for breaking your own trail. That changes for 2027, because the off-road Trailhawk is back. And out here, the interesting part is not rock-crawling in Moab. It is what a Trail Rated Grand Cherokee does on a drifted gravel road at fifteen below. So here is the honest version, from people who sell and service these in Bowdle: the returning 2027 Trailhawk is a two-row, turbocharged, low-range 4x4 with real skid plates and all-terrain tires. That is a lot of hardware — and most of it earns its keep in a South Dakota winter long before it ever sees a trailhead. 2. TOP CTA Search Grand Cherokee Inventory Get Pre-Qualified 3. TABLE OF CONTENTS On This Page What the Trailhawk brings back for 2027 Why that hardware matters on gravel and snow Trailhawk capability at a glance Trailhawk or Summit - which fits your family? How to use the Trailhawk on a bad morning 4. CONTENT SECTIONS What the Trailhawk Brings Back for 2027 The 2027 Trailhawk returns as a purpose-built, two-row Grand Cherokee with genuine off-road hardware — not an appearance package. It is the most capable version of the two-row lineup, and everything on it is built to do a job. Under the hood is the 2.0L Hurricane turbo four, making 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque paired to the eight-speed automatic. It runs Quadra-Trac II, which adds a true low range, and it rides on the available Quadra-Lift air suspension that lifts it to as much as 11.4 inches of ground clearance. Add three underbody skid plates, all-terrain tires, red tow hooks front and rear, and a Trail Rated badge, and you have a factory-built off-road SUV. Inside, it comes standard with Nappa leather, so none of that capability costs you comfort. MSRP lands around $53,030, and it still tows up to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped. Two-row only The Trailhawk is offered on the two-row Grand Cherokee only — there is no three-row Grand Cherokee L Trailhawk. If you need the third row, you are looking at the Laredo, Limited, or Summit L instead. If you want maximum capability in a five-seat family SUV, the Trailhawk is the one. Why That Hardware Matters on Gravel and Snow The same equipment that makes the Trailhawk trail-capable is exactly what you want on an unplowed section line. Off-road gear and winter gravel gear are largely the same list. Low range gives you slow, controlled power when you are crawling out of a snowed-in approach or easing down an icy grade. Up to 11.4 inches of clearance keeps you above the packed ridge between the ruts so you do not high-center in a drift. All-terrain tires bite loose gravel and slush far better than a highway tire, and the skid plates protect the underside from the frozen chunks and washboard that beat up a normal crossover. You are not buying the Trailhawk to conquer a mountain — you are buying it because a hard central South Dakota winter asks for the same things a trail does, and this truck already has them. 5. IMAGE BREAK Trailhawk Capability at a Glance Here is the short version of what makes the 2027 Trailhawk different from the rest of the two-row lineup. Feature 2027 Trailhawk Why It Helps Out Here Engine 2.0L Hurricane turbo, 324 hp / 332 lb-ft Strong low-end pull for gravel and towing 4x4 system Quadra-Trac II with low range Slow, controlled power in deep snow and mud Ground clearance Up to 11.4″ (Quadra-Lift air) Clears the packed ridge between ruts Approach / breakover / departure 36.0 / 24.4 / 30.3 degrees Handles steep approaches and ditches without scraping Protection and grip Three skid plates, all-terrain tires, red tow hooks Guards the underbody, bites loose surfaces Interior / towing Standard Nappa leather; tows up to 6,200 lbs Comfort and capability in one truck If you want the full winter breakdown of how these 4x4 systems behave on ice and drifts, our South Dakota winter guide walks through it in plain terms. 5c. HOW-TO How to Use the Trailhawk on a Bad Morning The Trailhawk gives you more tools than any other Grand Cherokee. A few simple moves get the most out of them before you leave the driveway. Select Snow mode from Selec-Terrain for normal slick roads — it eases throttle so you spin the tires less on ice. Raise the air suspension when a road has not been plowed, so the extra clearance keeps you off the packed ridge in the middle. Drop into low range only when you truly need slow, deliberate power — a snowed-in approach or a steep, icy grade. Clear the sensors: brush snow off the grille, camera, and radar so the safety systems and cruise read the road correctly. Leave room and slow down: the Trailhawk helps you go anywhere; only good tires and distance help you stop. 5b. QUICK OVERVIEW TABLE Trailhawk or Summit - Which Fits Your Family? Consideration Trailhawk Summit Built for Off-road and rough-weather capability Top-end comfort and luxury features Tires All-terrain Street-focused Underbody protection Three skid plates, tow hooks Standard Seating Five (two-row only) Five, or six/seven in Summit L Worth it if: you break your own trail on unplowed gravel, want the most rugged five-seat Grand Cherokee, and like that the all-terrain grip and skid plates come from the factory. Skip it if: you mostly drive plowed roads and highway, want the plushest ride and top luxury features, or need a third row — then the Summit or a Summit L is the better call. 6. KEY TAKEAWAYS Key Takeaways The off-road Trailhawk returns for 2027 as a two-row, Trail Rated Grand Cherokee — real hardware, not a look. It pairs the 324-hp 2.0L Hurricane turbo with Quadra-Trac II low range, up to 11.4 inches of clearance, three skid plates, and all-terrain tires. That off-road gear doubles as winter gear — it is exactly what an unplowed South Dakota gravel road asks for. Standard Nappa leather means you get the capability without giving up comfort; MSRP is around $53,030 and it tows up to 6,200 pounds. 7. FAQ Frequently Asked Questions Is the 2027 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk available with a third row? No. The Trailhawk is offered on the two-row Grand Cherokee only and seats five. If you need a third row, look at the Grand Cherokee L in Laredo, Limited, or Summit — there is no L Trailhawk. What engine does the 2027 Trailhawk have? It uses the 2.0L Hurricane turbocharged four making 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic. Properly equipped, it tows up to 6,200 pounds. Do I really need Trailhawk capability for a South Dakota winter? Not for plowed roads and highway — a Laredo or Limited with 4x4 handles those well. The Trailhawk earns its keep if you regularly drive unplowed gravel and drifted section lines, where the low range, extra clearance, and all-terrain tires all pay off. How much does the 2027 Trailhawk cost? MSRP starts around $53,030 before options, and it comes standard with Nappa leather. The best way to get a real number for the configuration you want is to reach out to us at Beadle's Chrysler Center — we will walk you through what is available. 8. CONCLUSION My Take on the Returning Trailhawk I was glad to see the Trailhawk come back, and not for the reasons the brochures lead with. Most families around here are never going to point one at a rock ledge. What they are going to do is drive to town before the plow, haul a trailer down a washboard gravel road, and get through a winter that does not care how nice your driveway looks. The Trailhawk is built for exactly that kind of life. When someone asks me whether to go Trailhawk or Summit, I ask what their roads look like. If they spend real time on unplowed gravel and want the toughest five-seat Grand Cherokee, the Trailhawk is the honest answer — and the standard Nappa leather means they are not roughing it inside. If they want the plushest ride, top-end features, or a third row, I steer them to the Summit or a Summit L instead. If you want the full rundown on trims, engines, and what is new this year, our 2027 Grand Cherokee guide covers it. And if you want to see how a Trailhawk stacks up against the usual off-road crowd, we put together a Trailhawk versus 4Runner and Bronco comparison. Either way, stop by Beadle's Chrysler Center in Bowdle and we will show you one in person. 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.