2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee Brings Back the Trailhawk and Overland

 7 min read

2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overview: The Off-Road Trims Are Back

The 2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee returns the two trims off-road buyers missed most: the Trailhawk and the Overland. Both badges vanished from the lineup earlier in 2026. They left because each one shipped only with the 4xe plug-in hybrid, which Jeep dropped earlier this year. As a result, shoppers who wanted a Trail Rated Grand Cherokee had no factory option for a few months.

Now the wait ends. Jeep confirmed both trims for the 2027 model year, with production starting later this year. The refreshed Grand Cherokee already arrived for 2026, so the 2027 update centers on bringing capability back rather than redesigning the SUV. For overland-minded drivers, this matters because the Grand Cherokee has long bridged daily comfort and dirt-road ability better than almost any midsize SUV. If you compare it against rivals in our off-road SUV showdown, the value angle stands out fast.

“The Grand Cherokee is a cornerstone of the Jeep brand,” said Jeep brand CEO Bob Broderdorf in the company announcement. He called the Trailhawk a vehicle “engineered to be a leader in capability.” Below, we break down what each trim brings, the new engine under both hoods, and when to expect them at dealers.

2027 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Specs at a Glance

The Trailhawk carries the headline numbers, so start here. Every figure below comes from Jeep’s official 2027 announcement.

Grand Cherokee Trailhawk: Trail Rated Capability Returns

Jeep first introduced the Trailhawk trim in 2013, and it quickly became the most capable Grand Cherokee in showrooms. The 2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk keeps the same mission. Specifically, it earns the Trail Rated badge, which Jeep validates through traction, water fording, articulation, ground clearance, and maneuverability testing on routes like the Rubicon Trail.

Naturally, the hardware backs up the badge. You get a Quadra-Trac II 4×4 system with a two-speed transfer case, which gives you the low range needed for slow crawling. Selec-Terrain traction control adds a dedicated Rock mode. A rear electronic limited-slip differential helps put power down when one wheel lifts. For a closer look at how this gear works on the trail, our guide to the Jeep Trailhawk off-road kit covers similar components.

Protection runs deep too. Six high-strength steel skid plates shield the engine, transmission, transfer case, suspension parts, and fuel tank. Above them, an integrated TrailCam off-road camera shows a dynamic tire path and includes a rear camera washer for muddy days. Because clearance wins or loses a line, the Trailhawk also delivers 11.4 inches of it, a class-leading figure. Its 30.5-inch Goodyear Territory All-Terrain tires add bite without turning the ride harsh.

Finally, Trailhawk styling signals the intent. Red tow hooks bookend the truck, while a matte black, glare-resistant hood decal carries red Trailhawk lettering. Inside, Nappa leather in Global Black pairs with red accent stitching and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. If you want the most off-road-ready Grand Cherokee, this is your trim. See how it stacks up among Jeep’s lineup in our look at the best Jeep for off-roading.

Grand Cherokee Overland: Premium Off-Road, 25 Years Strong

The Overland reaches a milestone in 2027, since the badge turns 25 years old. From the start, this trim blended legitimate off-road hardware with the richest cabin in the lineup. The 2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland holds the same line, so you give up little capability while gaining comfort.

Underneath, the Overland runs the same Quadra-Trac II 4×4 system with a two-speed transfer case. It also carries class-exclusive Quadra-Lift air suspension, hill-descent control, and semi-active damping. A standard 360-degree surround-view camera with a washer helps you place the SUV on tight trails. These systems keep the Overland genuinely trail-worthy rather than merely rugged-looking.

Where the Overland pulls ahead is refinement. A more aggressive front end sets it apart, while 21-inch machine-faced wheels and a body-color roof lift the curb appeal. Inside, Nappa leather wears pronounced Overland embossing on the front seat backs. Front passengers get heated and ventilated seats, and rear passengers receive standard heated seats. An “An-Teak” Satin Chrome accent with a Liquid Chrome tracer finishes the premium look. For buyers who tow gear and still want a quiet highway cruiser, the Overland answers both needs.

Hurricane 4 Turbo: The New Engine Under Both Hoods

The biggest mechanical news sits up front. Both 2027 trims drop the old 4xe plug-in hybrid and instead run the 2.0-liter Hurricane 4 turbo engine paired with an eight-speed automatic. Together, they produce 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.

The headline trick is V6-level output from a smaller, lighter four-cylinder. To reach it, the Hurricane 4 Turbo uses Turbulent Jet Ignition, a combustion technology Jeep calls the industry’s first high-volume application. The payoff is a segment-leading 162 horsepower per liter. Peak torque also arrives low, at 3,000 rpm, so throttle response feels quicker than the old gas Trailhawk. Because the torque converter pairs with the eight-speed, low-speed control sharpens too, which matters when you crawl over rock or pick through ruts.

Capability does not cost you a trailer either. The Trailhawk holds a best-in-class 6,200-pound maximum towing rating, and a Trailer Tow Package comes standard. Before you load up, our guide on how to find towing capacity walks through the numbers you should check.

Grand Cherokee Trailhawk vs. Overland: Which One Fits You?

Both trims share the same engine, transfer case, and air suspension, so the choice comes down to priorities. The Trailhawk leans into the dirt, while the Overland leans into comfort. Neither one fully sacrifices the other side, though.

Pick the Trailhawk if trails top your list. Only it adds the rear electronic limited-slip differential, the 30.5-inch all-terrain tires, the six skid plates, and the TrailCam system. Those parts, plus 11.4 inches of clearance, make it the capability leader. Choose the Overland instead if pavement dominates your week. Its 21-inch wheels, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and surround-view camera deliver a plusher daily experience while still clearing most overland routes.

Price will likely separate them further, although Jeep has not released figures yet. Historically, the Overland sits above the Trailhawk on the window sticker because of its richer cabin. Most weekend explorers get the better hardware value from the Trailhawk. For families who want one premium SUV doing everything, the Overland earns its keep.

When the 2027 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Overland Arrive

Jeep builds both trims at the Detroit Assembly Complex – Mack plant in Michigan. Production starts later this year, and the company expects dealer arrivals in the same window. So the months-long gap in off-road Grand Cherokees should close before 2026 ends.

Still, pricing remains the open question. Jeep says it will share figures and additional details closer to launch. Until then, expect the Trailhawk to slot in as the capability flagship and the Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland to anchor the premium end. Meanwhile, the full breakdown sits on the official Stellantis media site. We will update this article once Jeep confirms MSRP.

An Owner’s Take on the Overland’s Return

I have owned two Grand Cherokees over the years, both in Overland trim, so this return lands close to home. What kept me in the Overland was the balance. It handled school runs and grocery hauls during the week, then aired up its suspension and climbed forest-service roads on the weekend. Few midsize SUVs pull the same double shift without complaint.

The 2027 changes look like a smart course correction rather than a reinvention. Tying the Trailhawk and Overland to the 4xe hybrid limited their reach, and dropping them left a real hole. Bringing both back with the Hurricane 4 Turbo widens the audience again. For longtime Grand Cherokee fans, the formula stays familiar: serious 4×4 hardware wrapped in a cabin you want to live with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Jeep discontinue the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk?

Jeep dropped the Trailhawk and Overland earlier in 2026, when it discontinued the 4xe plug-in hybrid those trims relied on. Both return for the 2027 model year with the Hurricane 4 Turbo engine instead.

What is special about the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk?

The Trailhawk is the most capable Grand Cherokee. It earns the Trail Rated badge and adds a rear electronic limited-slip differential, 30.5-inch all-terrain tires, six skid plates, a TrailCam camera, and 11.4 inches of best-in-class ground clearance.

What is the Overland package on a Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The Overland is the premium off-road trim. It combines Quadra-Lift air suspension and a two-speed transfer case with Nappa leather, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, 21-inch wheels, and a 360-degree surround-view camera.

What engine does the 2027 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk use?

Specifically, it uses the 2.0-liter Hurricane 4 Turbo with an eight-speed automatic. The combination makes 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, with peak torque at 3,000 rpm for quicker low-speed response.

What is the towing capacity of the 2027 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk?

The Trailhawk holds a best-in-class maximum towing rating of 6,200 pounds. A Trailer Tow Package comes standard, so it pulls trailers and gear without extra options.

When will the 2027 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Overland be available?

Jeep starts building both at its Detroit Assembly Complex – Mack plant later this year, with dealer arrivals expected before the end of 2026. Pricing details will follow closer to launch.