Jeep brings polar opposite Grand Cherokees to New York
The Grand Cherokees Trailhawk and Summit bring two different angles -- off-road and luxury -- to one of Jeep's best-selling vehicles.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of Fiat Chrysler's most successful vehicles at the moment. So much so that even though this generation has been on sale since the 2011 model year, FCA isn't about to mess with success and roll out a whole new generation. But, at the 2016 New York International Auto Show, it's rolling out one new trim level and giving another a decent update.
Let's start with the update. The Grand Cherokee Summit has been the brand's most luxurious trim level, offering up high-end finishes inside and out. That's no different for 2017, especially on the outside, where updates are limited to a tweaked front end and a new 20-inch wheel design.
The interior, on the other hand, is where most of the Summit's changes lie. Jeep is now offering a lovely full leather interior, replete with a diamond-style design and welting on the edges. That plush feeling is complemented by Nappa leather-wrapped dashboard, console and door panel components. A suede headliner and premium Berber carpet mats round out the luxury look.
On the other side of the Grand Cherokee spectrum, we have the all-new Trailhawk. The badge, which started on the Cherokee and eventually moved to the Renegade, means you're picking up a model with some damn decent off-road prowess. Standard Trailhawk equipment includes off-road-specific air suspension, skid plates and a multi-mode 4x4 system.
It wouldn't be a Trailhawk without a litany of flashy kit, and the Grand Cherokee won't let you down in that regard. In addition to the Trailhawk's signature red tow hooks, the Grand Cherokee sports standard off-road tires, loads of badging and a roof rack. The interior keeps the motif alive with loads of red contrast stitching and a Trailhawk badge on the steering wheel.
Both models arrive in dealerships in late summer, and there's no word yet on pricing.
