I am a 99 XJ owner. And I also own a stupid 2015 Dodge Journey. The dealership wants to look at it tomorrow to see if they can make me a deal on it that would make me want to buy a car. And honestly there isn't anything there that I am jumping up and down for. But, I do have a friend who owns 2 Grand Cherokees, and my parents own an overland version of the GC. So I guess I am looking into the possibility. Now....I am liking what I see in the trailhawk version of the GC....but is it really worth the huge price tag?

Anyone here own a 2018 or 2019 GC? Or a GC Trailhawk?

Oh....and I am moving to Denver in 2 years and would LOVE to get back into trail riding.

 

If your looking to trail ride your 99 XJ is a far better vehicle than any new Cherokee.

 

Of course it is. And it is being given to my son to continue to modify while in the Air Force. But mama wants a new mama wagon and I would rather see something that can touch a mild trail than a traverse. So starting to look at the Grand Cherokees.....apparently there are 10 trim levels that I have to get up to speed on before tomorrow. LOL

 

A 4 door Wrangler would be a better option.

 

Yeah, from what I've read the "Trailhawk" is just a name with not much in ability to rough it anymore than an ordinary GC. For that, you'll want a "Rubicon."

The Trailhawk has a 1" raised suspension with 17" all-terrain tires and close fitting bumpers to improve approach angles and 8.75 ground clearance. It has a 2L turbo, 9 speed transmission, and 2wd economy option that disconnects the rear axle for fuel savings. Today's GC is all about plush comfort and ride quality on the highway.

 

Mama will love a Grand Cherokee compared to an XJ.

New? I don't like the new stuff. Only cuz it's new and more complicated than I like.

I got my wife a 98 Grand Cherokee and she loves it compared to her 88 XJ.

 

I've done so many popular Colorado and Utah trails in stock (rented) SUV's over the years it's not funny. Even did Black Bear Pass in a 00 (rented) Chevy Blazer. Unless you're looking to do extreme trails, you don't REALLY need more than a regular 4x4. But these days a lot of SUVs' 4x4 systems are really watered down and weak. So in that regard, yes the Trailhawk would be better ...but look to see if it's a "Trail Rated" model. Where a lot of newer SUVs fall short is their low ride height and terrible approach angle and lot of automatic traction features that work great on the road, but can work against a guy off-road. The "Trail Rated" model has features which would make it better on the trails.

Grand Cherokee Overlands were locked front/center/rear up until about 2012 (then they dropped the front locking diff). Quite a machine. So if you want to find a better trail machine, look for one of those.