Mud pluggin' Jeep

What we like:

Impressive off-road capability. Generously equipped. Rugged butch looks.

What we dislike:

Slow to overtake on the expressway and the transmission seems to drop a few IQs when hurried.

The interior is much improved over the Wrangler as well. Gone are the hard plastics that are now replaced with soft touch plastics all around. Both driver and passenger benefit from the comfort of the soft seats. The seats are made from a hybrid of leather and fabric to aid in washing off the weekend mud.

Built for the American physique, the rear cabin feels spacious even for three adults with no lack of legroom or headroom here. The boot is an ode to urban practicality and provides more than enough space for the family. It even folds completely flat to accommodate large bulky cargo easily.

While the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk seems more capable off-road than it is on-road, it is a compromise that most weekend off-road junkies will accept. Comfort is a stellar improvement over the Wrangler but it can still keep up with one on the trails. Besides the off-road equipment, it comes with lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control as standard which are expensive options on its competitors.

The Cherokee Trailhawk might not be for everyone but for the weekend adventurer, it is the perfect compromise between an off-road adventure and comfort for the family.

Credits: Story and Photos by Benjamin G. Kline