Jeep Cherokee Trail Carver is a more rugged Trailhawk

Wed, 06 Nov 2013

We briefly mentioned the Jeep Cherokee Trail Carver that was heading to SEMA last week when discussing the Mopar lineup set to be shown in Las Vegas. At the time, though, we weren't able to dive too deeply into details. But with SEMA in full swing, we were able to sneak over and grab some snaps of one of the first modified Cherokees we've seen. The Cherokee is, after all, kind of an unknown quantity in the modification department, being so new and featuring such a polarizing design. We were quite interested to see what Mopar could come up with.

Starting with the Trailhawk 4x4 and its 3.2-liter V6, the engine is fitted with a Mopar cold-air intake and a new exhaust, although it's not clear what sort of power boost has resulted. We'll admit, we were hoping Jeep and Mopar would get a bit more aggressive with the Cherokee's suspension (has anyone thrown a few-inch lift on the new Jeep yet?), but there's no mention of upgrades beyond the knobby, off-road tires. Those should do some good when the going gets rough, while rock rails are there to protect the Auburn Pearl paint on the body.

Speaking of that paint, it's complemented by an interesting graphics package in contrasting black and Crush Orange. The cabin sports Katzkin Amaretto leather seats, along with tech-friendly items like a wireless charging system for cellphones and wireless internet.

Take a look up top for the full gallery of live images from the SEMA Show floor, and then down below for a short press release on the Trail Carver.

Jeep Cherokee Trail Carver
Jeep Cherokee Trail Carver is for trail addicts seeking a vehicle with the capabilities to handle the rugged off-road while projecting a unique, customized and luxurious look on the streets.

Going to the next level of customization, the Mopar-modified Jeep Cherokee Trail Carver uses the Trailhawk 4x4 package powered by a 3.2-liter V-6 engine as a starting point. Its exterior is colored in Auburn Pearl paint, with low-gloss black and Granite Crystal with low-gloss clear touches.

Unique Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk hood and roof topographical graphics are bordered in Crush Orange, with matching orange tow hooks. Aggressive tires highlight the off-road flavor of the vehicle and rock rails protect this Jeep Cherokee from trail obstacles. The top of the modified Jeep Cherokee sports a Mopar concept roof basket design, with orange accent side panels wrapped in woven metallic fabric. A front wind deflector that includes the Mopar logo completes the design.

The inside is enhanced with Katzkin Amaretto leather seats, with colored leather on the center, ensuring a premium feel. Leather wrapping on the center console, storage door and armrest, and matching color stitching on the seats, offer even more appointments. The top and bottom of the steering wheel are leather, and painted trim provides highlights throughout the inside.

Other Mopar goodies include bright door-sill guards with the Jeep Cherokee logo, a wireless smartphone charger and WiFi. The Jeep Cargo Management Receiver System (JCMRS), a unique option that features a running bar along the left interior to which Mopar items may be mounted, is also utilized. The Mopar roadside emergency kit, Trailhawk bag and first-aid kit are mounted to the JCMRS. In the Jeep Performance Parts department, a Mopar cold-air intake and cat-back exhaust are put to work to achieve horsepower gains.

By Brandon Turkus