Overland with the Jeep Cherokee KL?

There may be larger rigs for exploring, but great performance can come in smaller packages.

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“…Once you hit the trail with a Cherokee Trailhawk, chances are you’ll be impressed by what this crossover can do, and how much gas you saved to get there…”

Words by Mathieu Godin @math_godin

With the popularity of crossover vehicles, Jeep didn’t miss out on the chance to offer some models for the more adventurous crowd. In fact, they managed to design a series of models with some real off-roading capabilities, including the Trail Rated Renegade, Compass, Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee, which all adorn the company’s popular Trailhawk trim.

Trail Rated?

Since 2004, Jeep has been placing Trail Rated badges on its trail-worthy 4WDs to communicate its legendary 4x4 capabilities. While all Jeep Wranglers are Trail Rated regardless if they wear the badge or not, the branding helps differentiate other models that are specifically-tuned for off-roading over models that should remain on the tarmac and the occasional dirt road.

According to Jeep, a Trail Rated badge is not given but earned. To deserve this honor, a Jeep needs to pass a few tests. While the exact testing criteria are unknown (it’s held in Jeep’s secret Bat Cave), completing the Rubicon trail in California is not a prerequisite. However, it is one of Jeep’s known testing grounds.

In fact, to get their Trail Rated status, we know they are tested under five categories including traction, water fording, maneuverability, articulation, and ground clearance. One thing is for sure, Jeep’s Trail Rated 4WDs were not only designed to take you to the mall or grocery store. Yet, will they all perform equally on the trail? No. However, you can play in the dirt with them right from the factory and have some fun.

The New Jeep Cherokee KL

Not everyone was a fan when the Cherokee was re-introduced for 2014. Some would say “what is that thing? It’s not a real Jeep” (and they still do). While I didn’t like its original design, it was redesigned in 2019 and I like its new profile. Plus, the KL has since proven it can hold its own pretty well on the trail. Of course, it’s not as capable as a Wrangler Rubicon, no matter how much you modify it, but it can still follow its big brother down some of the trail­s.

With a ground clearance of 8.7,” an approach angle of 29.9 degrees, a departure angle of 32.2 degrees, and a breakover angle of 22.9 degrees, it’s a good start. Since the Cherokee Trailhawk comes with Jeep’s Active Drive Lock, you get a 4WD system with low-range, Hill Descent Control (Hill Start Assist is standard on the Cherokee), Selec-Speed Control, and a driver-selectable mechanical rear locker. Moreover, Jeep’s Select-Terrain Traction Management System provides four modes including Auto, Sport, Snow, Sand/Mud and Rock.

The Cherokee Trailhawk has some pretty good off-road chops right from the factory and actually, it’s quite impressive off-road. It doesn’t have much wheel travel, but Jeep’s Select-Terrain Traction Management System and the rear locker compensate for it. You just need to pick your line, steer where you want to go and trust the Traction Management System, even if you have a wheel or two in the air.

For Soft to Medium-Core Overland Duties

When I was browsing for a new daily driver with overland capabilities, I had my eyes set on the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2. As much as I preferred its look and size over the Cherokee, I couldn’t help but see the potential of its smaller counterpart. The Cherokee is the only one available under the Trailhawk trim that comes with a driver-selectable rear locker.

Plus, when I found out about a special rebate applicable to brand-new Cherokee Trailhawks that were equipped with the V6, I jumped on it and traded in my 2006 Nissan Pathfinder, which required too much TLC. So, I decided to give the Cherokee Trailhawk a try as I was curious about its potential as an overlander.

It may not come with the same expedition vibe as a fully-outfitted Wrangler, 4Runner, or any other popular overland vehicle and it may not be as robust as a body-on-frame rig with live axles, but for some overland travelers, it’s a good compromise. Sometimes, long-distant traveling on the pavement and dirt roads will take precedence over hard-core off-roading. Yet, once you hit the trail with a Cherokee Trailhawk, chances are you’ll be impressed by what this crossover can do, and how much gas you saved to get there.

The Cherokee’s real weakness is its modest ground clearance at 8.7 inches, but this is an easy fix as you can easily lift it an extra two inches. So, with the 10.8 inches of clearance, it’s at the same height as the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk.

I’m not a fan of the 9-speed automatic transmission as it hesitates to select a proper gear sometimes when you need it. For instance, you might experience a delay before the kick down while passing another vehicle. I also found it can be a little harsh when changing gears in low-range. I had the transmission “flashed” at the dealership, and there was apparently nothing wrong with it. It looks like these are just little annoyances that owners will have to live with. However, outside these of conditions, the transmission works just fine.

There’s not a lot of aftermarket support for the new Cherokee, but there are a few options for lifts that will give you between one to three inches of extra clearance. Once lifted, some owners even fit 32-inch tires with minor fender trimming for even more ground clearance. I didn’t want to overbuild my Cherokee as it would just destroy everything that made it a good choice in the first place. This includes long-distant comfort, better fuel economy, and good off-roading capability.

So far, my only modifications have been MFC-Offroad’s two-inch lift kit, a set of Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S in the size 245/70R/17 (30.5-inch), and Mopar’s rock rails. The Cherokee Trailhawk already comes with skid plates and front and back recovery points.

What’s the Payload and How Much Can it Tow?

The Cherokee is not a typical family-size SUV. While the Cherokee Trailhawk has the best-off-road capabilities in its category, it has one of the smallest cargo areas. Nonetheless, I’m still able to fit all my gear, as well as a fridge/freezer.

If you’re considering towing a trailer, the Cherokee’s V6 3.2L can tow up to 4,500 lb (2,041 kg) when equipped with the Trailer Tow Group. The Cherokee has a payload capacity of 1,000 lb (454 kg) and if you’re an RV owner, you’ll love the driveline neutral switch, which allows you to hitch it behind your RV.

Conclusion

I’ve been on a few overland trips since I purchased this new vehicle and for the most part, I can say I’m impressed. It’s now at 15,213 km (9,453 mi), and so far, I only had to visit my dealership for regular maintenance. While sometimes I might daydream about the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk or the Wrangler JL, the Cherokee Trailhawk is a versatile crossover, and I love it for that.

My 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk (V6 3.2L)

Favourite Modifications:

Some Favourite Overland Gear: