2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4x4 Off-Road Test Drive&Walkaround Video w/ Head of Jeep Design

Mark Allen, the Head of Jeep Design, recently gave Autobytel a nice in-depth review on both the exterior design and the 4WD hardware that comes on the Trailhawk off-road model. The 2014 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 is an all-new vehicle from the ground up. The design of the Cherokee is unique from the rest of the SUVs in the Jeep line-up. Before the Cherokee there were 2 different styles: the Grand Cherokee which is very slick and muscular, then the Wrangler which features bold upright flat panels. The Cherokee is based more on aerodynamic load and pedestrian impact in its design. The windshield and front end are raked back.The design really starts with the horizontal line that extends all the way around the SUV. What this line does is separate the aerodynamic top from the functional bottom. Many people wonder about the lights, the main headlight is actually integrated into the bumper with the daytime running LED lights situated up top. The hood and signature 7-slot grille are made from one piece of stamped aluminum. The trapezoidal wheel arches harken back to the Jeep from the 1940's. The Trailhawk model is a bit of a different animal. It sits up higher, has a wider stance thanks to beefier tires, is equipped with skid plates and tow hooks.Only Jeeps are trail rated. It's a battery of tests that Jeep has put their vehicle through that includes water fording (how deep of water can the vehicle get through), approach angle (how steep a hill can the Jeep climb), departure angle (can the Jeep get over a certain obstacle height). The Trailrated badge is earned after significant testing by a 3rd party source. The Cherokee Trailhawk has a low-range gearbox with a locking rear axle. Also included are wider and meatier tires, front and rear skid plates, and more.The 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4x4 starts at $29,494http://www.autobytel.com/jeep/cherokee/2014/trailhawk-4x4/See More Car Videoshttp://www.autobytel.com/car-videos/Join Our Facebook Pagehttp://www.facebook.com/autobytel