New KL
- Thread starter Wiser
- Start date
Mighty.Mighty_XJ
New member
I know I don't, but I noticed that you also have a '91 XJ. Aside from the obvious bells and whistles, in your opinion - how do they compare?
Sorry barely saw this! My take on the new Cherokee KL is it would take a lot of upgrading to get it anywhere comparable to my 1991. Unfortunately, I didn’t buy the Trail Hawk(like the rubicon) edition so I can’t speak for that trim. My wife and I bought the Latitude edition. Basically it’s equipped with an all wheel drive system. It does not have a transfer case. The drivetrain is what’s called the ActiveDrive1 with the hammerhead 2.0L motor. Im getting about 26mpg. The AD1 is controlled by turning a knob to select the terrain or road surface you will be driving on. Basically all it does is change the shift points in the 9speed transmission. They’re starting to get some aftermarket support with lifts, armour and such. Only time will tell how people will be modding these jeeps. In the end, I bought the Jeep for my wife and newborn. I feel it does its job as far as a safe family car but comes nowhere close to the XJ.
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I have a friend with a old cj and his wife has the Trailhawk we went and did some easy trails a few weeks ago and I must say I was impressed the stock Trailhawk did very well. It certainly could use some ground clearance though.
The trailhawk is definitely impressive for what it is. Wish it came with solid axles and an actual engine/trans/transfercase
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Honest, it actually does have an engine, trans, and xfer xcase. :}
I recently bought a used 2014 trailhawk with the V6. My only complaints are the anemic headlights (fixed with an HID upgrade), and how aggressively it upshifts. It tries real hard to keep your rpm under 2k to maximize your mileage. Stomping on the pedal usually means waiting 1-2 seconds while it downshifts a few gears. Or you reach down and click it into sport mode which is far more fun to drive, or top the shifter over and force it down a gear or two before you gun it to pass. That 271 HP is kinda nice too. The remote start with heated leather seats and steering wheel are awesome in winter.
On-road, it handles very nice. Off-road, it's very capable although it feels way heavier than my MJ (5.5" lift on 32s) - which makes sense as it's over 1000 lbs heavier. I much prefer the MJ for blasting full speed through snow and mud.
Honestly, I wish I would’ve gotten the Trail Hawk version. The 4cyl is a dog with the 8 speed transmission.