Jeep just revealed its updated 2017 Grand Cherokee look with two fresh trim levels: the Trailhawk and Summit.

These specials are the most hardcore off-road, and most soft-core luxury, variants of the broad GC lineup.  They introduce a new shape for the seven-slot grille that is slimmer than before, and integrates new bumpers and a few other tweaks. New LED fogs in the Summit model are great SRT-inspired elements.  The new mid-nose below the grille drops the smiling accent crease in favor of a chunkier, body-color pair of cheekbones below each headlamp.

As before, LED DRLs are not standard but highly recommended to get the wide, mean shine on the roads.

The Trailhawk is probably the more exciting of the two, thanks to its functional improvements off-road together with its unique look.  Trailhawk includes all the best off-road tech as standard, including the QuadraDrive II 4×4 system, electronic LSDs and an enhanced air-ride system with broader options for lifting up the truck.  Improved attack angles in the Trailhawk’s most intense modes will make this GC even more unstoppable — and comes in V6 or V8 forms.

2017 Summit and Trailhawk vs 2015 Overland

2015 Jeep GC Overland (for comparison)

The Summit is a more refined take on the best-selling model in the Jeep range.  Bodycolor trims all around, a fresh take on the grille with some satin-silver inner meshwork and multispoke alloys are definitely classy. The Summit looks less chrome-tastic than the previous Overland models near the top of the Grand Cherokee price lists.  Those tallies run from just $30k to near $60k and up for the SRT variant.

Adding to the 196,000 units sold in 2015 might be tough!  That is a ton of premium SUVs.  The 2017 tweaks are a nice shot-in-the-arm for this refined, ultra-rigid and nice-driving machine — and will sate the thirst of both wild and mild Jeepers alike.

2017 JEEP Grand Cherokee Trailhawk

JEEP® GRAND CHEROKEE: EVEN MORE CAPABILITY AND LUXURY FOR THE MOST-AWARDED SUV EVER

Jeep Brand Introduces New 2017 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Summit Models at the New York International Auto Show

• New Trailhawk model expands Jeep® Grand Cherokee lineup with most capable version ever produced
• Grand Cherokee Summit models boast new, even more luxurious hand-crafted leather interior, new appearance and added standard premium features
• Both new Grand Cherokee models arrive in Jeep showrooms in late summer

March 23, 2016 , New York – Already the most awarded SUV ever, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is about to become even more capable and even more luxurious.

At the New York International Auto Show today, the Jeep brand expanded its Grand Cherokee lineup with the introduction of a new Trailhawk model – the most capable factory-produced Grand Cherokee ever. The brand also introduced the 2017 Grand Cherokee Summit, bringing a new exterior appearance, a plush new interior and even more standard premium features to consumers looking for the ultimate premium full-size SUV.

“With our new Trailhawk and Summit models, Jeep Grand Cherokee becomes even more capable and more luxurious,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global. “Our Cherokee and Renegade Trailhawk models are among our fastest selling and most sought-after models, and we are following that successful formula to provide consumers even more legendary Jeep 4×4 capability for Grand Cherokee – the most awarded SUV ever.

“Our new Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit is in direct response to consumers who continue to ask for even more luxury, craftsmanship and standard premium features in a full-size SUV packed with capability,” Manley added.

In 2015, Jeep Grand Cherokee sales rose 7 percent to 195,598 units in the U.S.

The new Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Summit models arrive in Jeep showrooms in late summer.

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
The Jeep brand introduced the “Trailhawk” name on the Grand Cherokee concept vehicle that first appeared at the 2012 Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. The idea was to deliver a unique and more rugged appearance, with a host of functional features that resulted in an increased level of off-road 4×4 capability.

The “Trailhawk” name moved to production with the introduction of the all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee, as the most capable of four models (Sport, Latitude, Limited and Trailhawk), and continued with the all-new 2015 Renegade. It joins the Grand Cherokee lineup as a sixth model for 2017 (Laredo, Limited, Overland, Summit, SRT and Trailhawk).

Grand Cherokee Trailhawk models are equipped with a host of standard off-road capability features, including Jeep’s Quadra-Drive II 4×4 system with rear Electronic Limited Slip Differential (ELSD) for all powertrains, a unique version of Grand Cherokee’s Quadra-Lift air suspension – developed for Trailhawk – that offers improved articulation and total suspension travel, as well as Selec-Speed Control with Hill Ascent Control. Skid plates and a Trailhawk-specific anti-glare hood decal are also standard.

Approach angles on the Jeep Grand Cherokee are 29.8 degrees or 36.1 degrees when the lower front fascia is removed for severe off-roading, while the breakover angle is 27.1 degrees and the departure angle is 22.8 degrees. Grand Cherokee Trailhawk models offer up to 10.8 inches of ground clearance.

The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk exterior features a front fascia and seven-slot Jeep grille that debuted on the 2016 Grand Cherokee 75^th Anniversary edition, Trailhawk-signature red tow hooks in the front and rear, standard rugged 18-inch or optional 20-inch Goodyear Adventure off-road tires with Kevlar reinforcement, new Trailhawk and Trail Rated badges with red accents, mirror caps and a roof rack with Neutral Gray accents, and optional Mopar rock rails for added protection.

Inside, Trailhawk models feature a unique black interior with leather and suede performance seats for comfort and control, red accent stitching, brushed Piano Black appliques, gun-metal finish on all painted interior parts, a Trailhawk badge on the Jeep steering wheel, and red accent stitching on the seats, doors and console. A standard 8.4-inch Uconnect touch screen includes updated off-road pages showing wheel articulation and other vehicle 4×4 capability features, such as suspension height and 4×4 and Selec-Terrain modes.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk models are available in Redline Red, Billet Silver, Bright White, Rhino, Granite Crystal, Velvet Red and Diamond Black Crystal exterior paints.

 

2017 JEEP Grand Cherokee Summit

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit
Packed with standard premium amenities, the new 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit is the most luxurious vehicle in the full-size SUV segment.

The Grand Cherokee Summit’s exterior boasts a new look with an updated front fascia, grille and LED fog lamps, with new 20-inch polished aluminum wheels.

A stunning new full-wrap Laguna leather interior in Indigo and Ski Gray is one of four color schemes. The full leather interior boasts a Nappa leather-wrapped dashboard, center console and door panels, and Laguna leather seats with edge welting.

Other Summit interior colors are Black, Brown and Dark Sienna Brown. All Summit models come equipped with a suede premium headliner, lighted door sill, acoustic windshield and full side glass, Active Noise Cancellation, premium Berber carpet mats and a Harmon/Kardon 19-speaker, 825 watt amp audio system with three subwoofers.

An array of technological and other features are also standard on the 2017 Grand Cherokee Summit, including auto-folding power mirrors, headlamp washers, Blind Spot Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control and, for the first time, Lane Departure Warning and Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist.

Jeep’s Quadra-Drive II 4×4 system with ELSD is standard on all Summit models, as is Grand Cherokee’s Quadra-Lift air suspension and Selec-Speed Control.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit models are available in Light Brown Stone, True Blue, Bright White, Ivory Pearl, Granite Crystal, Velvet Red, Diamond Black Crystal and Luxury Brown exterior paints.

Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most awarded SUV ever and the vehicle that has long defined what a premium SUV should be. The Grand Cherokee Summit models receive added features, as well as a Summit California Edition appearance package that further enhances Summit’s premium exterior aesthetics.

Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers best-in-class 30 miles per gallon (mpg) highway courtesy of an available 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine and standard eight-speed transmission. The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 boasts an unmatched driving range of more than 730 miles.

Legendary Jeep capability comes courtesy of three available 4×4 systems, Jeep’s Quadra-Lift air suspension system and class-leading Selec-Terrain traction management system. Grand Cherokee boasts best-in-class towing of 7,400 pounds and a crawl ratio of 44.1:1.

A refined exterior design — complete with available bi-xenon headlamps with signature LED daytime running lamps (DRL) — provides a premium appearance. Interior luxury is achieved with premium amenities, including Natura leather, exotic open-pore wood trim and unique color offerings.