Jeep unveils 2 new versions of its Grand Cherokee SUV
Trailhawk model designed to go off road; Summit version is top of the line
Jeep, a brand whose sales have soared over the past five years, returned to the New York Auto Show to unveil two new versions of the model that kicked off its renaissance — the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Jeep unveiled Trailhawk and Summit versions of its Grand Cherokee SUV as the brand continues to celebrate its 75th anniversary.
“With our new Trailhawk and Summit models, Jeep Grand Cherokee becomes even more capable and more luxurious,” said Mike Manley, head of the Jeep brand.
Manley says the models will build on the success of the brand’s popular midsize SUV.
“Our Cherokee and Renegade Trailhawk models are among our fastest-selling and most soughtafter models, and we are following that successful formula to provide consumers even more legendary Jeep 4x4 capability for Grand Cherokee,” Manley said.
The Grand Cherokee is widely viewed as the first Jeep model to begin the brand’s resurgence. An early version of the redesigned Grand Cherokee was shown here in New York in spring 2009 on the cusp of Chrysler’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy and went on sale in 2010. At the time, Chrysler was just trying to prove to the world that it had some good products up its sleeve.
Since then, Jeep has replaced the Liberty with the Cherokee and has introduced the Renegade subcompact SUV.
Over the past two years, Jeep has evolved as a brand built solely in the United States to a brand with a manufacturing presence in Italy, China and Brazil.
Jeep had planned to reveal its replacement for the Compass and Patriot in New York this week but has postponed until later this year when production begins in Brazil.
The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk is designed to go off-road. Jeep has equipped it with a 4x4 system, an air-suspension, hillascent control that helps to guide the driver up steep climbs and skid plates to protect the underbelly of the vehicle.
The new 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit will become the top-of-the-line version of the Grand Cherokee. The Summit’s grille has been updated, and Jeep has added LED fog lamps and new 20-inch polished aluminum wheels.
The indigo-and-gray interior is leather, along with a leatherwrapped dashboard, center console and door panels.
The Summit also includes Jeep’s 4x4 system and air suspension.
“With our new Trailhawk and Summit models, Jeep Grand Cherokee becomes even more capable and more luxurious.”
Mike Manley, head of the Jeep brand