Image Credit: Stellantis.Jeep is restoring some much-needed off-road credibility to the Grand Cherokee lineup for 2027. After dropping the Trailhawk and Overland 4×4 variants for the 2026 model year, the automaker has confirmed both trims are returning later this year with updated powertrains and familiar trail-focused hardware.The disappearance of the models earlier this year raised eyebrows among Jeep enthusiasts, especially since the Trailhawk had become the most capable version of the standard two-row Grand Cherokee. Their removal coincided with the discontinuation of the plug-in hybrid 4xe powertrain that had previously been standard on both trims.Now Jeep says the off-road-focused SUVs are coming back before the end of 2026, giving the Grand Cherokee lineup a proper trail-ready identity once again.AdvertisementAdvertisementFor a brand built around rugged capability, the return of Trailhawk and Overland feels less like an expansion and more like a correction.Trailhawk Returns As The Most Capable Grand CherokeeImage Credit: Stellantis.Jeep says the 2027 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk will once again sit at the top of the lineup in terms of off-road capability. The model now uses Stellantis' turbocharged 2.0-liter Hurricane 4 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.The setup produces 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, giving the SUV noticeably more low-end response than previous gasoline-powered Trailhawks. Jeep says the turbocharged four-cylinder's torque delivery improves crawling performance in technical off-road conditions.The hardware list remains serious. Trailhawk comes standard with Jeep's Quadra-Trac II four-wheel-drive system, a two-speed transfer case, Selec-Terrain traction management with Rock mode, and the Quadra-Lift air suspension system with semi-active damping.AdvertisementAdvertisementBuyers also get a rear electronic limited-slip differential, 30.5-inch all-terrain tires, six steel skid plates, and Jeep's integrated TrailCam off-road camera system.According to Jeep, the SUV delivers best-in-class ground clearance at 11.4 inches along with approach, breakover, and departure angles of 36, 24.4, and 30.3 degrees, respectively.Overland Continues To Blend Luxury And CapabilityImage Credit: Stellantis.The Overland trim returns with a slightly different mission. While still highly capable off-road, the Overland leans more heavily into premium comfort and long-distance refinement.Jeep positions it as the "do-everything" Grand Cherokee, combining upscale interior materials with genuine trail ability. The 2027 Overland receives unique exterior styling elements including black-painted lower bodywork, bright tow hooks, and 21-inch machine-faced wheels.AdvertisementAdvertisementInside, the cabin gains Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and satin chrome trim accents designed specifically for the Overland model.Capability remains a major focus despite the added luxury. Overland retains the Quadra-Trac II four-wheel-drive system, two-speed transfer case, Quadra-Lift air suspension, hill-descent control, and semi-active dampers. A 360-degree camera system with washer functionality is now standard as well.The Grand Cherokee's Engine Strategy Is ChangingThe return of these trims also highlights Jeep's move away from the longtime Pentastar V6 across much of the Grand Cherokee lineup.Jeep confirmed that the naturally aspirated V6 will remain available only on base Laredo and Laredo X trims for both the standard Grand Cherokee and three-row Grand Cherokee L. Higher trims now move to the turbocharged Hurricane four-cylinder platform instead.AdvertisementAdvertisementThat transition reflects the industry push toward smaller-displacement turbocharged engines for improved efficiency and emissions performance while maintaining competitive power output.For enthusiasts, however, the main story is simply that Jeep did not abandon the Trailhawk formula entirely.Jeep Needed These Models BackThe Grand Cherokee remains one of Jeep's most important vehicles globally, but removing the Trailhawk and Overland left the lineup feeling strangely incomplete for a brand that markets itself around off-road authenticity.Trailhawk in particular has become an important halo trim for Jeep over the past decade. It signals capability in a way few competitors can genuinely match, especially in the midsize SUV segment where many "off-road" packages amount to little more than appearance upgrades.AdvertisementAdvertisementBy bringing both trims back quickly, Jeep appears to recognize that capability still matters deeply to buyers shopping the brand.Production for the 2027 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Overland begins later this year at Stellantis' Detroit Assembly Complex in Michigan. Pricing details are expected closer to launch.If you want more stories like this, follow Guessing Headlights on Yahoo so you don't miss what's coming next.
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