Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 15k Mile Review

[@MrKozanitis]

I am the happy owner of a 2016 JGC Overland, Trail Rated. Bought it in Atlanta, GA, in March 2016, specially ordered to my specs and in March, 2017, I transported it to Greece, where it is to this day; I use it there and in Europe (mostly Italy) from end--April to mid-October, when I return to the States ( the Jeep remains garaged in Greece). I, too, do a fair amount of serious off-roading (60% off, rest city and highway). I've on it about 16,000 miles with maintenance as directed by the owner's manual; here I pay as the Warranty etc on it is not covered by the US-based warranty. Only recalls are. Anyway, no issues at all, but one minor only: at about 7,000 miles I noticed a rather unsightly wear and tear to the leather seat by my left thigh, where I slide in and out of the seat. Yes, I, too, take care of the leather with the appropriate compound/cream. No other issues, whatsoever! Except, naturally, of some scratches and bumps as I do take it off-roading to places where only goats can go! Would I buy it again? You bet your collective boopies I would! Love it!

[@maverick_trail]

My experience is quite different. Went from a 2016 GC Limited with 20" wheels to a '21 GC Trailhawk and the ride is much smoother in the Trailhawk. The seats are more plush and the controls work better in the Trailhawk. The wind noise at highways speeds is not bad at all. The lane departure warnings are useless - a flashing icon just isn't enough (my GMC Canyon has much better lane departure warning). 5 years with the first GC I had zero issues (outside of recalls). Sounds like your expectations may have been too high with the Trailhawk.

[@djp1234]

The only reason I considered Jeep was because they're the only ones that offer a DIESEL off-road SUV. And it's not overpriced like the Land Rovers.

[@indieelement]

DJPelio The video comes of a tad negative. But my hope was to show people some things they might not of thought about before buying. I didn’t want to spend time talking about what a great engine it has or how awesome it is off-road people already know that. Agreed, diesel option is great but man are they scarce. 800 new/used Grand Cherokees for sale within 150 miles of me and only 20 diesels!

[@m1st3rf]

Hey I screwed my license plate on with some adhesive backed foam and that fixed a rattle that I had! Thought this might help

[@CK2957]

I do the same thing with the air suspension any time I park somewhere or even park at home. It is all looks but I like it. Always leave it in offroad 1 or 2. Wish it would stay that way

[@SimonStrother]

I test drove an ecodiesel GC before I bought my VW Touareg tdi. I liked it because it felt very spacious, even more so than the Touareg. The Touareg though just has a better drive and ride for me though. I will say though its much easier to get a good deal on a GC and there's plenty of options for engines. The jeep in my opinion has slightly more comfy seats even though I think my Touareg has more adjustments. The Jeep also has a tougher look but the Treg looks more subdued which isnt a bad thing either. I definitely agree with you on the ride quality. I also own an 06 Touareg with air suspension and its much softer than the jeep is. Even on coil springs, this new Touareg somehow manages to ride softer and handle better at the same time.

[@MrBigblue7]

You should have said the best GC for you. I have no problem with my sunroof and I use it off-road and can't stand seats that aren't leather. I'm also only 5'11" so I fit in it well. As compared to the Forerunner it's clear you haven't spent any time in one or compared them off-road. The Trailhawk does it all well.

[@gdwinco]

Nice review. For your usage, mainly city/highway I definitely wouldn't have picked the GC TrailHawk. One of my co-workers did a similar feature compare and came up with Trailhawk based on features/cost. The upper end Summit and High Altitude have a non-removable lower fascia (below bumper). This gives them better aerodynamics at the expense of off-road capability. You would probably get slightly better ride/noise and better gas mileage. I found the stock Goodyear tires to be sub-par in snow/ice. I replaced with Falken Wildpeaks but any 3PMSF rated tire should be an improvement. I had a 2014 GC Overland TrailRated 6 cylinder. I currently have a 2018 Trailhawk with the V8. If you aren't focused on fuel economy the V8 is very nice to drive.

[@causeoflava]

I have a 2017 JGC trail hawk, I really enjoy the car and the loaded equipment. But one thing I hate is the infotainment system, they updated it with apple car play in 2018. I really wish I could pay to upgrade to a newer Uconnect system (you can do it on your own but I have maxcare and don't want to mess with that). I have rattling issues by the sunroof(will take it in after the virus) and panels getting loose by the trunk. Overall I enjoy the car and in 2025 (warranty expires), I will buy a 2019 head unit and replace it in my GC. Really the poor Uconnect system is why I struggle with the car. Other FCA cars had the updated one in 2016-2017.

[@maxamillion4255]

I owned a 2005 GC Rocky Mountain edition with the 3.7l for 5 years and was an amazing SUV. Looking to buy another GC soon and your video was very helpful.It did have adjustable pedals, sunroof and leather heated seats. Turned on a dime.

[@LeeHedgesSDVC]

We're considering a GrChTrailHawk V6 especially for towing our 1965 Airstream 22-footer. What are your thoughts with the V6 when towing?

[@user-cj7dv2kc6d]

Agree steering wheel is lacking a little on adjustability. Rough ride? Loud? No.. not in my experience. Maybe it's your ko2s. No blind spots? Minus the massive a pillar. Stock ride height is stupid? Not sure what you are saying there. Ride height is right. But we all have our own opinions. :)

[@REAVER781]

I JUST bought a used 2017 GC Trailhawk with 30k miles on it after someone totaled out my 07 Nissan Xterra X (Base Model). THAT was a rough ride, even after putting new Bilstein's on it at 155k miles. And noise, holy hell that Xterra squeaked and rattled. Since Nissan no longer makes the Xterra, I wanted something newer and roughly the same drive. The Trailhawk is superbly quiet by comparison. Engine power from the V6 feels about the same as the Xterra V6, but my Xterra was a manual, so I'm getting used to the automatic. The Xterra was a body on frame design, it drove like a rugged truck would. I like the air suspension on the Trailhawk, as it has that stiffer "truck" ride to it. I just need to get some KO2s on it and I feel it'll ride just like my X did.

[@indieelement]

Robert Davenport I had a 2011 Xterra. Loved it but you are right, much different experience to drive. If they came out with a new one though, I’d be first in line to test drive one!

[@REAVER781]

@@indieelement AGREED!!! The Xterra was amazing in the snow, and I'm in Colorado

[@af22raptor23503]

I love the Sting GRAY! I have a 2020 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Hemi V8 that I took Delivery of in Feb!

[@indieelement]

When its clean there are very few colors that I like better!

[@af22raptor23503]

@@indieelement I live in Central FL and the Pollen has been REALLY BAD and the Orange/Yellow and Sting Gray DON't Go together very well! :( That being said a little dirt or mud from crossing a creek like I did a week after I took delivery of my Trailhawk did look GREAT! I was at a Jeep ONLY Event and I got allot of weird looks from people for taking a Brand New Grand Cherokee with a Temp Tag on a Level 3 and 4 Trails but that is what the Trailhawk is build for! I wanted to Test it NOT Destroy IT and I had Lots of FUN without any Damage!

[@elinoorani18]

How is it terms of performance? I’m thinking about getting one (and I know it aint a sports car) but i feel like since its a V8 it is the next closest to the srt?? Howz it feel? Thanks

[@af22raptor23503]

@@elinoorani18 The 5.7L Hemi is very Sporty and when you go into Sport Mode the Grand Cherokee Takes off the line with AUTHORITY!!! I keep filling the gas tank with 93 from BJs Club it works GREAT on the Hemi. I have taken the Trailhawk on our interstate a few times to Stretch the Ponies Legs and the Jump from 55-80 is VERY Quick Even in Normal mode and I am still getting 21 miles to the gallon. I have been able to go as high as 25 miles to the gallon on a 260 miles round trip that was mostly interstate trying and I Keep it at 70-80 MPH with Active Cruise Control. If you are going to get a Grand Cherokee GET the HEMI you will NOT be DISAPPOINTED!

[@celestesqueenyt8621]

Hello, I had the same issue with seats. I own a 2018 trailhawk. What I have noticed, when I would wash and detail.... Once you put the leather seat cleaner and conditioner it will wear your seats faster than normal. It sounds crazy but I've been driving grand Cherokee since 2005 and this discovery came through a lot of trial and error. Pleeeaaasssseeee.... Just try this. Stop using chemicals on the seats, use regular baby sensitive wipes only.... That's it! You will preserve your leather!!! Good ole baby wipes only nothing else. I dealt with the rattling too. I took mine to dealership and they found under carriage loose. Yes back tag made noise too but after I tightened never heard again. I'm at 60,000 and about to trade ok n for exact same truck!!! That's how much I lovvvvveeeeee this truck! It has gotten better with time.

[@mauriciocastro7505]

Wow, I followed previous videos, and I'm surprised to see how did you change your opinion. In your 1st video the car was very comfortable and now it's a rough ride.

[@indieelement]

Mauricio Castro Well a couple of things. First off, I went from a Kia Soul to a Ford Mustang to a Jeep Rubicon to this. So compared to those, it was comfortable. Once I bought the Ram HD, going from that to the Trailhawk every few days was like going from a mattress to a sleeping bag haha. Im being a little exaggerated, but it is noticeably rougher. I also changed out tires which may have made the ride harsher (definitely louder!) I was finally able to get the steering wheel sorted so its a bit better, but I think for me the leather seats after break in and on long trips are a tad too firm.

[@Driven-t1u1r]

Great info on the comparison. My wife was considering this car but I think all your points really made us think twice on the Grand Cherokee. Thank you

[@jakec2009]

Hit a deer with mine at 4500 miles 😫. Fixed and running great at 8000. Thanks for the review

[@opticalcanine]

"bought a trailhawk but I don't go offroad so the features are useless"..... Uhh okay guy

[@r3d_ti3_guy]

24k mikes on my ‘19 GC 5.7L Trailhawk. 18mpg combined on stock tires.

[@volodymyrprosov6134]

Sunroof issues?

[@r3d_ti3_guy]

Volodymyr Prosov none at this time or to date. I don’t use the sunroof much though.

[@volodymyrprosov6134]

r3d_ti3_guy thank you 🙏 And your eco mode mostly on or off?

[@shiftintohigh5564]

Sting Grey!! Use wide painters tape to mask off windshield / Mirror to see if that’s what it is. I put rubber self sticking insulation on the lic plate back. Check owners manual, not sure they recommend leather cleaner, but yeah, I use it. Yes, I had a car with lane avoidance, long trips was comforting. A new GC...maybe the Grand Wagoneer??? You also are not paying for a Range Rover. Interesting comments. They make a Laredo with All Weather Trails package. .

[@indieelement]

shift intohigh hmmm, I hadn’t thought license plate!

[@shiftintohigh5564]

indieelement 👍👍 I agree it’s annoying! Lol

[@williamrumsey6717]

This review is spot on! I have a 2016 GC overland and the seating positioning portion was absolutely correct.

[@bowtech1020]

I currently own a 2004 grand cherokee overland with131,000 on it... And I've driven a wk2 hemi and I was not impressed... The wj seats are so comfortable and held up very well.. In fact the truck has been very good to me in 16 years of owning it.. And the 4.7 high output is amazing. Allthou I am looking at maybe a trailhawk I just don't know I'm worried about realibility

[@dieselmutt8865]

In your demonstration your hands are not at 10 and 2 but rather at 11 and 1 which raises your hands by that much. 10 and 2 would be just above the center cross section which is also where you see hand bolsters molded into steering wheels. 9 and 3 would be straight across that center section.

[@cdkx655]

"The Jeep Grand Cherokee looks old... anyway I'd get a 4runner." The current gen 4runner is even more dated than the grand cherokee, outside looks great, inside looks like 2003. The 4runner, with its 5-speed transmission that can probably get you to 60 mph in less than a minute as long as the wind cooperates. Its v6 engine that gets worse mileage than just about every modern v8. Don't get me wrong, I love the 4runner, but if the complaint about the grand cherokee is that it needs an update then the 4runner is about the worst comparison there is.

[@andres94303]

As someone who has a 15 TRD Pro, I 100% agree.

[@GS-re9iv]

Not sure on your reasoning on a 4Runner. The Jeep GC is much better on the road than a Toyota 4Runner, in my experience it’s not even close. It’s debatable which one is better off road, safe to say no other SUV can touch either one in the price range, and both can do far more than the vast majority of drivers will ever try, but then you don't really 4 wheel, so why get the Trailhawk in the first place? Toyota’s are more reliable, the 4Runner is a bit bigger and has a higher payload, though not like a full size SUV (especially when it comes to towing). A Range Rover may be nicer and be very capable off road, but I have a hard time believing someone would take such an expensive car on a serious trail or risk getting the paint job pinstriped, but then as you mentioned you don’t really off road, so it may be a viable option. I have a 2017 GC Trailhawk, have had zero issues or rattles after 30,000 miles, and do take it off road on some hair raising trails (the GC Trailhawk can do more than I can), as well as use it as a daily driver and I’m very happy with and impressed by the car.

[@bctravelers4163]

Just an FYI on the Tilt Wheel, It not going low enough is a a design flaw, it goes that high so it is out of the way when getting in/out of the vehicle.

[@billfrigo7602]

Damn this is the first review I’ve heard about a rough ride on these, especially with the air suspension.

[@indieelement]

Well air suspension for comfort on say a Cadillac is different than air suspension for height adjustment. Have you ever ridden in a mini-truck? Haha. Ride quality is obviously subjective, I’ve owned somewhere around 40 vehicles and I think this is in the lower half for comfort. In fact, while owning this we often drove our Ram 2500 pickup because it was more comfortable on long trips. It also pailed in comfort compared to the TRD Pro 4Runner we owned afterwards. As for other reviews, most of the online reviewers early on called it a firm ride, with Edmunds going so far as to call it disappointing. And a google search will uncover several forum posts regarding a rougher than expected ride. Is it terrible, no. But on rough midwest roads it wasn’t as comfortable as my other cars or as I had hoped. Still a lot of car for the money and the 2022 has my attention!

[@JigZor]

One thing I used in a car with subs in the truck, was a dense foam stuck to the back side of the license plate to dampen it. Can also add a rubber grommet to the two screws for more dampening.Can you add very mild locktite to the jack?

[@indieelement]

Jack Morris I actually added some foam to the back of the license plate, great tip! Unfortunately, I isolated the primary and very loud rattle to the sunroof. I “fixed” it after quite a bit of inspection and headliner jockeying by pulling down aggressively on the middle of the track on one side. Its been a week and no rattle.

[@димакруглов-м8э]

@@indieelement Grand Cherokee reliable and durable car? I chose between Grand and Tahoe! That your opinion?

[@ryanjcoon1]

Do you still own Trailhawk? How did it perform later miles? Does the ride height stay or reset after shutting off?

[@indieelement]

I do not. I traded it off after about 18 months. Nothing wrong with it just decided to go back to a Wrangler (poor decision) If I recall, the ride height stays after shutting off, but if you have at high setting it will lower at around 5 or 10 mph. I bought a kit that replaced the arms on the suspension sensors that made it think it was sitting at normal height when it was actually in off road 2. Definitely worked very well and let it sit higher all the time.

[@ryanjcoon1]

@@indieelement do you know where I can find those arms to keep truck up a little?

[@ryanjcoon1]

@@indieelement would you mind sharing where I could find the kit to keep in higher setting?

[@indieelement]

@@ryanjcoon1 I used airlinksgc.com/. There are others if you just google search airlinks, but back when I got mine they were the only company making them

[@ryanjcoon1]

@@indieelement thank you!!

[@thepinkdiamonds8370]

Way over due on a ground up refresh. Jeep has to start to refresh its product lines much sooner.

[@indieelement]

The Pink Diamonds I heard that its going to stay as is for a 2021 model year. Its a nice platform but it’s tired!

[@lucasfu580]

Ground clearance is definitely more important than the locker, if all the wheels can touch the ground, why would you need the AWD or lockers? Also, Grand Cherokee is a true SUV, 4runner is more like a truck and a lot dated. Technology wise...... are there technologies in Toyota?

[@kayakgoalie]

Who replaces their wipers at 16k? Puzzled as to why that was even mentioned?

[@indieelement]

kayakgoalie I’m puzzled why it puzzled you enough to comment. I had to rewatch my video as I candidly didn’t catch I said it haha. While I assume you weren’t looking for an answer, here is one anyway. Most U.S drivers change out every wiper blades every 8-12 months (you might not, I personally am annoyed by streaks and usually change around 6) At an average miles driven of 12 - 15k miles a year, 16k would be over a year for most drivers ;)

[@iARIRO]

I added a piece of Kleenex under the bottom of the license plate a week after I bought mine to remove the rattles

[@dopey3511]

I rarely drive a 10/2. I’m a city driver so i don’t know why you talk so much about your driving preference. You don’t off road sir and the GC is much bigger the Cherokee. Outback has no power compared to what you are in. I feel like you are all over the place. You mentioned a KIA. Jeep is always a Jeep. Maybe you should go into the Q5 or those other AWD cross or suv platforms.

[@OffTheGridbadlands]

Check the cage that holds down your air suspension tank. Two screws were loose on mine that caused a rattle. Also, get some tape foam tape and put that on your license plate. My interior is silent now.

[@celestesqueenyt8621]

Had same issue...

[@overspray6057]

Good vid. What bothers me is the steering wheel height. That's crazy. I googled that comment and couldn't find any comments? It's hard to really tell in the vid but it does look ridiculously high. Is this fault just on the TH? What about the Limited, is that the same? TIA

[@indieelement]

I’d be surprised if the interior function differed much between models. I will admit to some bonehead tendencies on my end. It occurred to me during an interior detail after this video that my seating position had the wheel telescoped all the way out. Basic geometry, as I put the wheel closer to the dash, the angle stayed the same and the wheel went down. So its still high, but I’ve adjusted my seat position and I am happier. Again, if it had adjustable pedals I could get it near perfect!

[@anthonyappleton8113]

I have a 2019 Jeep GC Trailhawk with 10k+ miles. I'm having issues with my Auto start stop. It works maybe 2 or 3 times, and then it has to charge for 2 or 3 weeks before it will work again. When it works properly my MPG is about 22 MPG, now that it is not working, my MPG has dropped to 15 MPG. It has been to the dealership 3 times and scheduled for a 4th one. I think I got a Lemon. What kind of MPG is everyone else getting? Nice vehicle overall and very sporty. Tony

[@causeoflava]

Depends for me. When im in Midtown in my city, i average around 15-16mpg but in the suburbs, 19mpg. v6 2017 trailhawk

[@sakispsinakis]

I turn off auto start/stop. I wish mine stopped working. No way you are seeing such a difference. Not even 1mpg difference. I drive like a man so it's at 16MPG. A granny in the highway would do 22MPG. 0-60 should take 7 sec. Not 2 minutes and speed is at 80 not 50. And yes I use waze.

[@garrystein4952]

bypass it

[@phillipemmerson351]

The seats are wearing cause of the cleaning product most likely my friend has this same Jeep and he has 90,000+ and his seats have no wear at all and he is a 300 pound guy. Just odd his is wearing already.

[@indieelement]

I don’t use harsh cleaning products on the seats. All my vehicles I use Griots products and haven’t had any issues. I primarily use the conditioner more than a cleaner. My Silverado seats at 75k and Xterra seats at 70k looked brand new using those products which is why I noted the seat wear in the video.

[@andylin6494]

Great video. I thinking about buying a used one. How many miles would be too many miles?

[@indieelement]

Andrew I’m not an overall expert on Grand Cherokees, but I’ll share what I do when shopping used. Go to something like Cars.com and do a broad search for the car you are looking for. In the case of a GC, you can go back as far as 2011 and see basically the same vehicle as a 2019. How many high mileage are on the road? If you see a ton of 100k+ still for sale and visibly in good shape that’s an indicator that a higher mileage used is ok. Not scientific but its one factor you can use in a decision. I recently did this when looking at used Honda Elements, apparently those are cockroaches and live forever haha

[@djp1234]

My trailhawk has 20k miles. The only rattle I have is the plastic bar that's in the middle of the panoramic sunroof. And it only rattles when on a rough road.

[@kayakgoalie]

DJPelio My only rattle is the garage door opener, that I have clipped to the visor. Perhaps I should move to the integrated universal opener?

[@indieelement]

Found the rattle today, its in the sunroof mechanism. Hopefully we’ll get some dealer warranty love!

[@abefromtheave]

Well dude u got a Trailhawk of course the ride is rough 😂 Get a Limited or a Summit you would change your tune 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@indieelement]

Haha. Well the Summit has the same suspension as a Trailhawk, and smaller sidewall tires so the ride would be the same or worse. I have a TRD Pro 4Runner now and its a Cadillac compared to the Jeep - so it’s possible to have solid off road performance and a comfortable ride.

[@debatebore1057]

@@indieelement You have a 4Runner now? Im deciding between a GC Trailhawk/Overland and a 4Runner. Surprised to hear you characterize the 4Runner as a Cadillac compared to Trailhawk. Ive owned Chrysler sedans my whole life and they are rattle/vibration traps and I absolutely hate it. This is why I've not yet chose to go with the GC models, yet, despite all of their amenities.

[@Soulith88]

@@indieelement How are you liking the TRD 4Runner compared to the Jeep Grand Cherokee in terms of the drivability, features, size, engine, transmission, off-road capabilities? PS. You should make a video review on your Toyota.

[@LouiA1]

Not sure about the watch.... There is no way that you are 6’1” - unless you have freaky long legs.

[@louieluis8840]

Most problem occur around 80k miles

[@indieelement]

LG C if thats the case they’ll be the second owners problems. I like the Cherokee but some strong contenders for replacement in the next two years with the new Defender, Bronco and 6th gen 4runner!

[@OrthodoxFishingDAD]

my Overland has a better steering wheel.. and my seats are also better ! LOL.. nit my problem!

[@indieelement]

The Overlands and Summits do both have much plusher seats.

[@805gregg]

You spend too much time talking about what you are going to talk about, just get on with it

[@indieelement]

Thanks for the feedback!