The 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk has been named “Four Wheeler of the Year” by Four Wheeler magazine.
“The 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk marks the 13th time a Jeep vehicle has earned the prestigious title, Four Wheeler of the Year,” said Four Wheeler Editor Christian Hazel. “From our first competition won by the 1974 Jeep Cherokee to the 2013 Jeep Wrangler Moab Edition, the 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk joins the ranks of other off-road-capable Jeep vehicles earning the Four Wheeler of the Year award. The team of seasoned judges appreciated Cherokee Trailhawk’s cutting-edge technology, fresh styling, and luxurious interior amenities packed in a vehicle designed for the 21st century that still maintains true off-road capability.”
2015 Jeep Cherokee TrailhawkFour Wheeler’s jurors conduct a variety of tests over more than 1,000 miles on a variety of terrain, including pavement, gravel, dirt, sand, rocks, mud and snow at elevations ranging from sea level to more than 9,000 feet.
The 2015 Jeep Cherokee has a nine-speed automatic transmission, fuel ratings of up to 31 miles per gallon (mpg) highway and more than 70 advanced safety and security features.
Cherokee is available in four different models in the United States: Cherokee Sport, Cherokee Latitude, Cherokee Limited and the award-winning Cherokee Trailhawk.
The Trailhawk boasts an approach angle of 29.8 degrees, a departure angle of 32.1 degrees and breakover angle of 23.3 degrees. Running ground clearance is 8.7 inches.
The 2015 Jeep Cherokee debuts engine stop-start (ESS) technology, an emission-lowering and fuel-saving feature on 2015 Jeep Cherokee models powered by the 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 engine.
ESS technology increases fuel efficiency by shutting the engine off when the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Amenities (radio, gauges, heating or air conditioning, etc.) continue to operate, making the operation transparent to the driver. The engine restarts automatically when the driver releases the brake, allowing seamless acceleration.
Starter and battery systems have been upgraded to complement the ESS technology for heavy-duty operation on models equipped with the feature. This includes a high-durability starter housed in a stronger case, heavy-duty flywheel teeth and a more robust starter solenoid. The new battery features 700 amps with absorbed glass mat (AGM) technology.
System voltage is continually monitored through a battery sensor. If the battery’s charge is reduced, the vehicle will discontinue stop-start until the battery is recharged to an acceptable level. Stop-start is activated automatically and requires no input from the driver. A system disable switch is located on the dash if the operator wishes to suspend the feature.
The 2015 Jeep Cherokee powered by the 2.4-liter MultiAir2 engine is now a Partial Zero Emission Engine (PZEV) in the 14 states that have adopted California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations. This entails a revised fuel tank, new fuel filler neck, new air cleaner, new engine downpipe, modified vapor purge canister and new fuel cap.
