WHAT IS IT?

The most off-road capable Grand Cherokee ever produced. It uses the basic body and the V6 diesel of the recently updated Grand but gets adjustable height air suspension, unique off-road-biased tyres and extra features to make it more capable in rough terrain.

The Grand Cherokee is trying to revive some of its former sales glory with an updated MY17 range, and the newly-arrived Trailhawk is key to those aspirations.

MAIN RIVALS

There’s a broad spread, from the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest to the Mitsubishi Pajero and Holden Trailblazer. You could also look at the Isuzu MU-X, Nissan Patrol, Volkswagen Touareg and even the soon-to-arrive Land Rover Discovery. Basically any large-ish SUV designed to go off-road.

THE WHEELS VERDICT

The revised Grand Cherokee is more of the same done incrementally better. As for the Trailhawk, it’s a worthy addition for those planning to head beyond the blacktop, with few compromises on regular roads.

MINUS: Diesel’s turbo lag; foot-operated park brake digs into left shin; lacklustre electric steering

THE WHEELS REVIEW

There’s nothing like playing to your strengths to reap results. For proof, take a look at AC/DC, McDonald’s, or even Ikea.

For Jeep, that strength is SUVs of the type with true off-road ability. And the Grand Cherokee is at the heart of the brand, a heart that has been torn recently courtesy of a dramatic local sales tumble.

The DNA – most of the look, even – is unchanged, right down to the chunky stance and old-gen Mercedes platform beneath, although a fresh face featuring the signature seven-slot grille adds sleekness to the bluff front end.

The Trailhawk design cues amount to bush bling; black trim replacing shiny chrome, red stitching inside, red tow hooks and matte stickers on the bonnet.

Despite the additional puncture resistance, the 265/60R18 Goodyears grip respectably, albeit with slightly lower limits than other Grand Cherokees.

It’s all about subtle tweaks inside; a more conventional gear selector replaces the stubby electric return-to-centre handle, while the 8.4-inch Uconnect screen now has more apps, including ‘off-road pages’, each providing details on drivetrain and suspension behaviour, depending on the scenario. Seating remains strictly for five.

So the Trailhawk is aimed at a specific niche and isn’t for those who rarely leave the suburbs. But the latest Grand Cherokee does suggest that sticking to your roots should pay off.

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Model: Engine: 2987cc dohc, 24v V6 turbo diesel Max power: 184kW @ 4000rpm Max torque: 570Nm @ 2000rpm Transmission: 8-speed auto Kerb weight: 2340kg 0-100km/h: 8.2sec Price: $74,000 On sale: Now