[Superjoe]

My dealership in Las Vegas just got their first Trailhawk in and I literally drove it the first second it was available. As they parked it after the post delivery inspection I jumped in the seat before they even turned it off.

This one in particular didn't really have too many options so I'm waiting for another one to come in that is loaded (but unfortunately has the brown interior, not sure about that).

I won't touch too much on driving dynamics because the drive was only around the block (no gas) and I currently drive a 2011 Grand Sport Corvette. The difference will obviously take a lot of getting used to. I will say that the V6 is an absolute minimum, at least for me. Can't imagine having less power. Again, I drive a 'vette, but I'm actually not a speed demon and content to putt around.

The transmission the couple of times that I gave it 30-40% throttle really jumped around before getting going. It may not have the latest update, it may need to learn but I will definitely need a better drive to know.

I also didn't get to drive it on the freeway which is a must to judge the tires. They seemed audible at 45mph so I want to make sure it isn't a screamer on the highway.

Okay, here's what I DID get to check out, lol. I went over the interior with a fine-toothed comb and pushed every button and pulled every lever. I love it. All of the storage and adjustments to the seats are really excellent. Sliding the rear seats, folding them, folding the front seat, was all very easy. Certainly could do almost all of it with one hand.

One thing I will point out because it was the only thing that surprised me is this: a lot of pictures and reviews are showing the awesome storage compartment under the floor in the back. Looks great right? Well that is where your spare tire goes so it's up to you, but that isn't realistic for me. Just sayin' because I assumed the tire was underneath the car like most trucks.

Didn't get to test the headroom because this one didn't have a sunroof. I'm 5'10" and I felt like I had a lot in the front. In the rear I was certainly comfortable (lots of legroom too) but if the room comes much lower back there from the sunroof I may end up touching.

Any questions?

 

[Snohawk]

I am 6 feet tall. Our Trailhawk has the sunroof my Wife's decision about a vehicle is all about the Sunroof. The Journey's was too small. She wanted an Edge because it was big! I said look at the pictures the Cherokee's is big lets wait. The sunroof does not have any effect on headroom. I think the Cherokee has an amazing amount of room when sitting in the back seat. They did a really good job on the interior design. Especially the adjustable back seat. I told her no way would I let her buy an Escape because I was not comfortable riding in the front passenger seat.

 

[Superjoe]

I'm glad to hear that because I'd really like to have the sunroof.

 

[JonJones]

Nice, thanks for posting! It's interesting that you thought the transmission was jumpy because I did the same thing and thought it was really smooth.

Of course, I drive a Ridgeline and not a sports car, so we're probably looking for different things.

 

[Superjoe]

Well, it was really only jumpy when I goosed the throttle a little bit. It is just noticeable when it is stepping down 3 or 4 gears or whatever. It did seem very smooth when just cruising.

 

[dawhitesTH]

thanks for the heads up. looks like the first upgrade are the tires. i'm gonna switch em out to Toyo open country at2 right away due to its quietness, price, tread warranty, and personal experience.

 

[14T-Hawk]

One think to keep in mind when evaluating the ride and any tire noise is to confirm that tire pressure is correct. The shipping pressure is always higher than what's recommended. The shipping pressure of the tires on my Trailhawk was 40-42PSI, well above the recommended 32-33PSI.

 

[dawhitesTH]

^very true. most people aren't aware of that. whenever my 2012 JK goes into service and do a 5 tire rotation, they always air it up over 40. ride is a little stiffer but my tire's sweet spot is at 30 psi. good thing i keep my tire deflator/viair 400p compressor inside my jeep at all times.

 

[Superjoe]

One think to keep in mind when evaluating the ride and any tire noise is to confirm that tire pressure is correct. The shipping pressure is always higher than what's recommended. The shipping pressure of the tires on my Trailhawk was 40-42PSI, well above the recommended 32-33PSI.

Interesting point. I wasn't looking for it specifically but I remember the PSI being around 40 today when I drove a second one. However, this time I got to take it on the freeway and the tire noise (if that is indeed what it was) was no worse at 70 than it was at 40 so it's not a problem to me. The car is pretty quiet overall, not silent, but if you have your radio on at pretty much any volume that is all you're going to hear.

This second vehicle was great. Had every option except the tech package. Sunroof is great, headroom was not a problem. Sitting in the back I had to project my head/neck upwards to touch the ceiling, which I did. I'm 5'10" so people 6'+ may have an issue. But remember, the back seats recline. At least I'm pretty sure, it's the one thing that I forgot to check.

Transmission was great this time around, zero complaints. Engine, well I never gave it more than maybe 40% throttle. It isn't going to tear tires up, but it moves good enough on the freeway.

My totally subject verdict is this: I would have the car in my driveway right now if it didn't have the brown interior. Although it is very dark and looks good, I gotta have black. Loved the ride

 

[fwh32720]

I just picked one up tonight and they had 3 of the tires up to 45 and one to 49. Brought them down to the high thirties and will check pressure again in the morning when they are cold. Does everyone just use the recommended 33?

 

[Hudsonhawk]

I just picked one up tonight and they had 3 of the tires up to 45 and one to 49. Brought them down to the high thirties and will check pressure again in the morning when they are cold. Does everyone just use the recommended 33?

That is what I run and it has not adversly affected my fuel economy.

 

[fwh32720]

That is what I run and it has not adversly affected my fuel economy.

Meaning 33?

 

[cobra7]

Mine are at 35 right now as I anticipate our weather will be turning colder soon, which should bring them down closer to 33-34 psi.

They were at 39-40 psi when I brought it home from the dealer. Always have to adjust the pressures on a new car.

 

[Hudsonhawk]

Meaning 33?

Yes, 33psi.