Trailhawk

[3Jeeping]

I’ve had my high tide for about a year. Prior to that I had a JK and XJ. Recently I’ve been considering selling my high tide for a 2020-2021 grand Cherokee trailhawk. I’m on the fence as I really love the wrangler, but the trailhawk in some ways would make more sense for me right now - easier accessibility for my older mom and young son, more affordable, better daily driver potentially (currently I have 2 vehicles and I’m thinking about selling them both for the gc ) similar off-road capability for the light stuff I do etc. However I know I would miss the top off doors off fun, unique wrangler vibe, wrangler community and I’m sure many other things. Does anyone have any experience with a gc trailhawk? Anyone made a similar move and regretted it or was pleased with the outcome? Thanks!

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[Punkn89]

I have a 21 summit V8, along with a gladiator. I find myself driving the summit way more. Different purposes. Definitely stick with the wk2, not the newer model. Good luck on your decision!

 

[Camaroboi13]

2017 wk2 with 2.5” lift and 33s. I do miss the smoother ride but it was plagued by electrical problems and I traded it for the JTOD in 2022. Only had 47k miles on it but it went through 3 water pumps and a ton of electrical stuff.

 

[Deleted User 38384]

...However I know I would miss the top off doors off fun...

Fun fact, you can still take the doors off, it's just a little more complicated to do so. Also to get you a moonroof or sunroof or whatever they are so that you can enjoy that semi top off vibe.

 

[DonH63]

I have a 2021 GC Trailhawk with the 5.7L V8. It is my daily driver and is way better than my 2023 JLU for that, is much easier to get in and out of, handles better, gets much better mileage than my 392 JLU, has been very reliable, yadda yadda yadda. It is my third GC and is the most off-road capable off the floor, though not as good as my previous GC's that I lifted (mildly) and otherwise modified (air lockers in the 1997 were a big help). The adjustable suspension helps a lot, and I appreciate the Quadradrive full-time 4WD system, especially here where we can go from dry to wet to a foot of snow in a few miles to and from work.

None of them can touch the Wrangler for more serious off-roading; I would have had to do a lot more mods (including body trimming and such) for that. The GC handled a lot of trails, but was a bit scarier in spots, and flat-out does not have the clearance and articulation for the lines on even some of the "moderate" rated trails. So it really depends on what kind of off-roading you do.

No more Jeep waves or ducks, though, if you go the exclusively-GC route... It's still a Jeep, so we won't ignore you, just ridicule you mercilessly.

If you want to keep good trail capability, I'd look seriously at keeping the Wrangler, selling the other car, and getting the GC for your daily driver. Last year when I bought the Wrangler was the first time (in nearly 50 years of driving) I've had a dedicated trail rig in addition to a daily driver, and I can't believe I waited so long. Right tool for the job and all that jazz. Because the JLU is my trail rig, it sees fewer miles, so I get a break on insurance for it (every little bit helps). And with a family (though now just my wife and I) knowing if I break the JLU on the trail, or the 1-day mod turns into a two-week job, that I've still got a daily driver backup buys a lot of peace of mind.

FWIWFM - Don

 

[Mudduck]

come on man! be different! Get the Renegade Trailhawk and slap the 4" lift kit on it! They have winch bumpers and all for that ugly lil bastard.

 

[Kracka]

We had a 2021 Renegade Trailhawk (my wife wasn't afraid to bomb that little thing anywhere or over/through anything!) and still have a 2019 Cherokee Trailhawk; they're incredibly capable vehicles. The Cherokee will eventually get traded in for a Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, most likely, due to age/miles and desire for a little larger interior. They'll all handle plenty of fun trails and tackle challenging terrain (Jeep BOH trails, for example).

Fun fact, the Cherokee Trailhawk is the only Trailhawk model with a true mechanical rear locker (it also has a 2-speed transfer case). The GC Trailhawk has a 2-speed transfer case as well, but only an e-locker in the rear. I do find it odd that the GC is the only Trailhawk model without rear tow hooks...

 

[DonH63]

I do find it odd that the GC is the only Trailhawk model without rear tow hooks...

Yah, two up front, never go back!

 

[Heimkehr]

Does anyone have any experience with a gc trailhawk?

My brother owns a sano WK2 Trailhawk with the 5.7L Hemi. It's been dead reliable for him and he loves it. The design blends luxury and capability fairly well. The two-row power glass sunroof in the GC isn't too far removed from the sliding fabric sunroof in the JLU, either.

Changing the oil & filter sans ramps is as easy as using the air suspension feature to raise the vehicle.

I don't like the front seats in his WK2, but such things are subjective. Lord help the owner that has to self-fund any repairs to the complex mechanical or electronic systems in that vehicle, though.

 

[Camaroboi13]

Lord help the owner that has to self-fund any repairs to the complex mechanical or electronic systems in that vehicle, though.

This is why I got rid of mine.

 

[G13]

I had 2017 Summit V8 QuadraDrive. Excellent for road trip, quiet, more space everywhere inside. No problem for three years except liftgate chime gone in 6 months, and dealer replaced, but messed metal clips on interior panels, and only way to get them was to order whole panels.

I felt GC was a little front heavy (my other car is Miata), and I was getting bored and sleepy in commutes. Switched to 2020 JLUR and enjoying it even a shortest drive. Easier to see for parking. My daughter loves getting in and out since 6 years old, my wife not so (still stock height), but daughter prefers Wrangler more than wife’s BMW.

If I have to do GC again, I would go for Trailhawk, but I will get bored again for sure. All the power and straight line speed doesn’t do any for me while I still have Miata. Fast enough and nimble is more important for me.

 

[JLRyder]

You have to respect a company that is willing to build a trail hawk (or even better track hawk) knowing that demand (aka why? Why not!) might not be the reason for doing so. Harold’s to DCs old days IMO when they created weird things like the prowler, pt looser, and the 300 (back when it was cool and new). Back then, no other company was really doing that on that scale…it was cool.

 

[JPAloha]

In the process of looking for a new home for our 2017 GC Trailhawk Hemi. Wonderful vehicle, a much more sensible daily driver than the 2 door Rubicon I’m replacing it with. Fully loaded with every bell and whistle, easier to get in and out of, handles better, faster, smoother, etc. , etc. If anyone is looking for one, let me know.

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