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Cars, one could argue, are simply tools meant to get you from point A to point B. In my opinion, however, an automobile should inspire you toward something extra: make you want to dress better, get more out of life or be a better a driver. The 2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is this kind of vehicle, one that practically yells at you to go off-road and find adventure. It may be more toned down than the maxed-out Rubicon, but you also don’t feel too guilty for underutilizing its extreme capabilities as you wait for the perfect weekend to do just that. Able to cross vast forests and deserts comfortably while not shaming you during your boring grocery runs is the SUV sweet spot; that’s the Trailhawk’s forte.
The Trailhawk is the most rugged of the seven Cherokee trims; its base price is around $24,000. The example Jeep handed over to me had a sticker of nearly $39,000, which included an upgraded 3.2-liter V6 (from the 2.4-liter in-line four-cylinder), heated and ventilated seats, 17-inch black-painted aluminum wheels, a power-lift gate, blind spot detection and upgraded U-Connect infotainment with an 8.4-inch screen and wi-fi connectivity.
To earn the Trailhawk badge, a vehicle must meet Jeep’s high standards for ground clearance, water fording, traction and more; the vehicle must prove itself on the grueling 17-mile Rubicon trail, which is essentially an off-road Nurburgring. Jeep then adjusts the vehicle’s livery to match its kick-ass performance. Case in point: flat black paint on the top of the hood, red tow hooks, the black wheels and, of course, the Boy Scout merit badge at the base of the A-pillar that lets everyone know this thing is “trail rated.”
2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Specs
Engine: 3.2-liter V6
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic transmission
Horsepower: 271 horsepower
Torque: 239 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 6.9 seconds
MPG: 19/26 city/highway
MSRP: $30,995