The 2027 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is a hybrid that wades through two feet of water
Jeep’s new Trailhawk pairs a 210-hp turbo hybrid with a two-speed transfer unit, a locking rear axle and steel skid plates, then rates it to ford 24 inches of water. It costs $44,625 with destination.
Specs, price and timing checked against Jeep's Sept. 30, 2026, release on Oct. 4, 2026. Fuel economy is Jeep's estimate, not an EPA rating.
Most compact SUVs treat a deep puddle as a reason to take the long way round. The 2027 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is rated to ford 24 inches of water, and Jeep says it is the only SUV in its class with a fording rating that deep. It is also a hybrid, which makes it the rare off-roader that could save fuel on the way to getting stuck.
The Trailhawk wears Jeep’s Trail Rated badge, and Jeep tested it at Sand Hollow for slickrock and sand, and at Moab to dial in articulation, clearance and traction.
The hardware
The headline part is a class-exclusive two-speed power transfer unit, standard on the Trailhawk, with a 2.92 low range and a 37.5:1 crawl ratio. It works with Jeep’s Active Drive II four-wheel-drive system, which adds a Lock Mode, and an electronic locking rear axle. Jeep says that combination lets the Trailhawk climb steep, loose and rocky surfaces without the driver riding the brakes.
Underneath, steel skid plates protect the front axle, wiring and fuel tank, and a separate plate guards the hybrid battery. That last one is very reassuring when the trail has opinions.
The suspension gets a 1-inch lift and its own spring and damper tuning. The result is 9 inches of ground clearance and a 45-point improvement on the Ramp Travel Index over other Cherokee models. Ramp Travel Index is the standard test for axle articulation, which is a scientific way of measuring how well a car can keep its feet on the ground while doing yoga.
The numbers
- Approach angle: 28.8 degrees.
- Breakover angle: 21.9 degrees.
- Departure angle: 31.8 degrees.
- Water fording: 24 inches.
- Ground clearance: 9 inches.
- Tires: Nexen Rodian ATX all-terrains, 245/65R17.
- Powertrain: 1.6-liter turbo hybrid, 210 hp.
- Fuel economy: an estimated 31 mpg combined.
- Towing: 3,500 pounds with the trailering package.
Selec-Terrain is standard, with five modes, and both bumpers get red tow hooks. Jeep calls those class-exclusive too, which suggests nobody else in the class expects to need towing out.
Inside
The cabin gets Mantis Green upholstery with red stitching, a Black Spun Aluminum shift dial and a Radical Red bezel around it, the same touch Jeep uses on some of its most capable trims, including the Wrangler Rubicon. A 10.25-inch digital cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen are standard on every Cherokee.
Price and timing
The 2027 Cherokee Trailhawk starts at $44,625, including a $1,995 destination charge. Orders are open now, and production starts later this year at Stellantis’ Toluca Assembly Complex in Mexico.
Our take
On paper, this is a proper off-road kit in a compact hybrid: a real low range, a locker and armor in the right places. The 31 mpg is still an estimate, so we will wait for the EPA. The 24 inches of water we are happy to take on trust, from the shore.
