Like most Jeep models, the 2020 Jeep Cherokee comes in a multitude of trims. In fact, the Cherokee comes in no fewer than ten different variants. Each model comes with its own style and unique features, but the Cherokee Trailhawk Elite is the most jam-packed model available. Starting at $38,195, this 4-wheel drive only trim is sporty, powerful, and ideal for those who enjoy both practicality and off-roading. The coolest thing about the Trailhawk Elite is that it looks cool in the city, yet it also packs power in the wilderness. If you’re a driver who works during the week and loves camping out on the weekends, this trim is a great option for you.
With so many trim options, you may be wondering what’s so special about the Cherokee’s highest trim. You’ll be surprised to know that there are many perks to buying this top-tier model. From its visual appeal to its abundant safety features, it’s the best way to go if you want a Jeep Cherokee. Words without facts aren’t that impressive though, so let’s take a closer look at what makes the Trailhawk Elite so unique.
What’s It Made Of?
The Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Elite comes with a 3.2-liter V6 engine that’s matched with a 9-speed automatic transmission and 4-wheel drive. It has standard off-road suspension and anti-lock 4-wheel-disc brakes. The Trailhawk Elite also has the standard Trailhawk red tow hooks, underbody skid plates, and all-terrain tires. But these are only a few of its important mechanical features.
The Trailhawk Elite can tow up to 4,500 pounds, making it a handy little towing SUV if necessary. Just make sure you don’t go too wild and try towing a loaded horse trailer or something. Keep it minimal and get yourself a truck if you need to tow something heavy.
The Trailhawk Elite can also be equipped with an optional 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine. This offers both more torque and improved fuel economy. However, if you are looking for a tow vehicle, choosing the diesel will limit you to trailers of 4,000 pounds or less.
Overall, the 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Elite is a powerful vehicle. It’s not the strongest one out there, but it gets stuff done. It’s important to note that its V6 engine is a stop and start engine (ESS), which helps drivers save money on fuel. Some people aren’t a fan of ESS, and that’s okay. Don’t let that deter you because you can disable ESS by simply pushing the disable button on your console.
The Aesthetic
The exterior aesthetic is one of the Trailhawk Elie’s greatest highlights. You get eight different color options, including Diamond Black Crystal Pearl-Coat, Granite Crystal Metallic Clear-Coat, Billet Silver Metallic Clear-Coat, Hydro Blue Pearl-Coat, Velvet Red Pearl-Coat, Olive Green Pearl-Coat, Light Brownstone Pearl-Coat, and the free-of-cost Bright White Clear-Coat option. Probably the most appealing color options are Diamond Black, Hydro Blue, Velvet Red, and Olive Green.
You can add Mopar rock rails to soup up the Trailhawk Elite’s already sporty look. This pairs nicely with the standard lower side trim. The Elite also comes with 17-inch painted diamond-cut aluminum wheels, and you can even get these same wheels in black. Both wheels look spiffy though, as the standard wheels are a nice darker gray color. Further, this trim’s standard P245/65R17 OWL all-terrain tires will keep you going no matter where you choose to drive.
The interior is simple but appealing. It comes with premium leather bucket seats with red trim, a standard Uconnect 4 touchscreen entertainment system with available navigation, and black paneling. The seats also include the word “Trailhawk” embedded on the driver and front passenger seats. Finally, if you like to feel the wind as you drive, you can opt-in for a full power sunroof. It’s not the same experience as the whole missing doors and top thing available on the Jeep Wrangler, but it’s a nice compromise.
The Tech Side
There’s plenty of advanced safety features on the Trailhawk Elite. These include blind-spot monitoring with cross-path detection, full-speed forward collision warning with active braking, lane departure warning, and park assist to help you get into and out of tricky parking spaces. There are also multiple airbags, including front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, knee-bolster airbags, and advanced multistage front airbags. If safety is a concern, you can count on the Trailhawk Elite to pull through.
Additionally, if you want even more safety, you can add the Technology Group package. This includes non-essential, yet handy features such as adaptive cruise control, advanced brake assist, automatic high-beam headlamp control, rain-sensitive windshield wipers, and side distance warning. These are quite a few additions for the price, and the package is definitely worth it if you like a teched-up vehicle.
How Does The Trailhawk Elite Compare With The Trailhawk?
The Regular 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk starts at $34,755, which is roughly $4,000 less than the Elite trim. So, what’s included in that $4,000 extra dollars? How “elite” is this trim compared to its standard version? These are great questions. Let’s take a closer look.
Well, it turns out that these trims are very similar, but there are slight differences. The Trailhawk Elite comes standard with heated seats and a heated steering wheel, a Tonneau cover, and a hands-free power liftgate – all of which the regular Trailhawk does not have. Additionally, the Elite trim has many more seating features, including power-adjustable front driver and passenger seats, red interior stitching, and ventilated front seats. The Elite also comes standard with the superior Alpine sound system. It’s definitely the elite trim.
The exteriors are almost identical, with a few slight discrepancies. For example, the Trailhawk Elite comes with a windshield de-icer and mirror memory, whereas the regular Trailhawk does not. The Trailhawk Elite also comes with remote start and a security system, but the regular Trailhawk lacks these features. You can add certain features to the regular Trailhawk, but if you want all these extra add-ons, it’s best to just purchase a Trailhawk Elite. You’ll save the most money that way.
Both Trailhawks come in the same colors, with the same sized engines, and the same transmissions. The main differences lie in a few extra safety features and some convenient tech aspects. Overall, these vehicles are almost identical to look at from the outside, but the Trailhawk Elite will be far more comfortable and convenient to live with.
Final Thoughts?
The 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Elite is a great buy. It comes with a strong engine, medium towing capabilities, tons of safety and tech features, and a sporty look to boot. If you’re going to purchase a 2020 Jeep Cherokee, the Trailhawk Elite is your best bet. Higher trims do cost more, but the relatively small price difference, when compared to the base 2020 Trailhawk, makes the 2020 Trailhawk Elite worth the buy. You might as well take the plunge and reap those extra benefits for your next adventure.
