Over the last couple years, we’ve seen new vehicles like the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands and Subaru’s Wilderness lineup bring newfound levels of off-road capability and enthusiast appeal to the CUV segment.
What were once seen as practical, inexpensive sedan alternatives have evolved into some legitimately impressive and legitimately fun off-roaders while retaining the on-road refinement that mainstream crossover buyers are looking for.
Underrated Hero?
But the Bronco Sport and the ruggedized Subarus weren’t the first or the only CUVs to deliver real 4×4 capability in a car-based crossover. Jeep’s KL Cherokee Trailhawk has impressed off-road since 2014, and today we are convinced it’s one of the best CUV value options out there — new or used.
In fact, depending on your needs, the Cherokee Trailhawk could even be a worthy, and much more affordable alternative to “real 4x4s” like a Toyota 4Runner or even Jeep’s own Wrangler.
While some Jeep purists or diehard fans of the iconic XJ Cherokee of the ‘80s and ‘90s consider the partially Fiat-engineered KL Cherokee CUV to be blasphemy, in Trailhawk form it’s a vehicle that punches far above its weight.
We recently picked up a used 2020 Cherokee Trailhawk as a vehicle that would serve multiple purposes, first to be a typical suburban daily driver, second – to be towed behind an RV (thanks to the Trailhawk’s 4×4 system allowing it to be flat-towed as you would a Wrangler), and finally as a vehicle for light-duty off-roading and outdoor family adventures.
Trail Rated for Real?
The value proposition is definitely there. Earlier model pre-facelift Cherokee Trailhawks (with the squinty headlamps) can be found for as cheap as $14,000 or $15,000. Post-facelift 2019+ models like ours with reasonable mileage can be found in the low to mid $20,000s.
If you’re looking at brand new, the sticker price of a ‘23 Cherokee Trailhawk might seem high (low $40,000s) but they can often be hand with substantial discounts, especially since Jeep is currently phasing out the KL Cherokee after nearly a decade on the market.
So what all do you get with the Trailhawk model? Unlike some CUVs which are are marketed as adventurous, you get a lot more than just “rugged” styling and a slightly lifted stance.
It may not be a Wrangler, but the Cherokee Trailhawk is packed full of real-deal trail-rated hardware. Its gets the Active Drive II 4×4 system with a two-speed, low-range transfer case, and a genuine locking rear differential.
And as with most modern offerings, you get a number of terrain modes that dial in traction for sand, mud, snow and even rocky terrain. Plus hill ascent and descent control.
Then you get the other cool stuff. The red tow hooks, the extra skid plates, increased ride height and tires larger than what you find on your typical CUV.
Nomads for a Hawk
Speaking of tires, with the OE set on our 2020 model ready for replacement, we fitted a set of Nitto’s Nomad Grappler crossover-terrain tires, which are perfectly suited to the Trailhawk’s combination of off-road prowess and on-road manners.
To run a 245/65R17 tire on most modern CUVs you’d be going larger than stock and would probably need a lift or fender trimming to fit, but that’s the OE size on the Cherokee Trailhawk.
It’s just one more sign that the Trailhawk isn’t your typical crossover, and we like how the Nomad Grappler’s aggressive tread pattern compliments the Cherokee’s stance.
Another thing that’s set the Cherokee Trailhawk apart from most of its CUV counterparts is the availability of a naturally aspirated V6 engine. Ours is powered by a 3.2L version of the Stellantis Pentastar V6 that makes 271hp and 239 pound feet of torque.
It’s no stoplight scorcher, but the V6 makes more than enough power to have fun off-road and it actually has a pleasant note to it as the nine-speed ZF transmission goes through the gears, unlike the moaning four-cylinders and CVTs in many of its competitors. If you want improved low-end torque, you can also get one with a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder
Not Your Typical Crossover
All of this adds up to what we think is one of the best all-around small SUVs for the money. It’s fun, practical and very affordable for what it is. It lots of the hardware of much of the capability of a “real” Jeep with the value and refinement of an everyday crossover.
We mentioned that Jeep is in the process of phasing out the KL Cherokee, and for now it appears there’s no direct successor to come. The current Cherokee has always been very close to the slightly smaller Compass in overall size, so it seems Jeep may be consolidating these two CUVs into one.
So while we aren’t sure what’s to come in the future, we hope Jeep will continue to build and sell CUVs that are as capable as the Cherokee Trailhawk, no matter which nameplate they go with.
And for now, if you are looking for a used off-roader that’s more capable than your typical CUV but far cheaper than a Wrangler, 4Runner or even a Bronco Sport, we suggest giving the KL Cherokee Trailhawk a serious look. It might just be one of the biggest undiscovered gems of the off-road scene.
Keyword: KL Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk + Nitto Nomad Grappler: The Best-Kept Secret in the CUV World?