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Trailhawk options discussion

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6K views 10 replies 9 participants last post by  Rmvw01 
#1 ·
While I impatiently wait for my Trailhawk to be built, I thought I’d have a little fun going through all the options with my thoughts.And maybe this might actually help someone figure out their options!

Trailhawk Options

Stand-alone Options:

Uconnect® 8.4AN AM/FM/BT/ACCESS/NAV $795
The only upgrade here is the Navigation, so is it worth $800?It does come with the live traffic (free for a year), and is more featured then if you get the Nav installed by the dealer.Compared to a BMW I looked at, where the Nav was almost $2lk, this is not too bad! I got it for nothing else then it’s required to get:

9 Amplified Speakers with Subwoofer $345
A little research came up with good reviews for this, and for a fairly reasonable $345 this is a good option for those who want something just good enough for a true audiophile, without spending thousands on a 3rd party install.Reviews I read point out that the sub adds a little low end, but is not going to give you that car shaking low end boom.Note that you need to add the NAV option to get this.

Single Disc Remote CD Player $195
Remember getting your first car without cassette?Well this car has aux in, USB and CF inputs for external music.I use my audiophile quality FiiO X3 to play all my music, so I will only use the aux in.I can’t remember the last time I played a CD, and supposedly the CD option goes in the center console and takes up a lot of room.But if you live by CD’s then by all means…

ParkView(TM) Rear Back-up Camera $395
This is available in some of the packages and was not a stand-alone option until recently.I guess with the new mandate for these it is being offered on its own they put it in.My last car (a Mitsubishi) did not come with a backup camera and I was able to get one that plugged directly into my Nav for $150.I guess you could do the same here, but then you have to route the wires yourself and take apart the dash.$400 is a lot, but does help in safely and will pay for it the first time you don’t accidently back into something!Make sure to uncheck this if you have a package that has it.As of today if you don’t it will double charge you.

Black Hood Decal $150
Aesthetic decision.Personally I think the car looks worse with it, and would not want it if it was free.But if you like it enough to justify the $150…

Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof $1395
Some people love sunroofs, and can’t live without them.If that is you then the only question is whether the $1400 is worth it.Myself, I don’t like them, so I didn’t get it.

3.2-Liter V6 24-Valve VVT Engine $1495
EVERY single review I have read of this car points out how bad and underpowered the V4 engine is.And especially for the Trailhawk, where you need more power for snow, off-roading etc...,I could not imagine getting the Trailhawk without the v6 engine.Personally I think this should be included in the base Trailhawk (but then the base price would look $1.5k more expensive).The v4 only gets a mile or two better mpg anyway.I think this is a no brainier.If you can’t afford this, then you probably should be looking at a different car.

Packages:
Note about the packages:One of the bad things about the rest of the packages, is that many of the features overlap each other.This is a little bit of scam because you don’t get reimbursed if you have the same item in 2 or 3 of the packages you are getting.I notated the overlaps.

Trailer Tow Group $495
- 7 and 4 Pin Wiring Harness
- Class III Receiver Hitch
- Trailhawk Off-Road Accessory Kit (Cold)
- Trailer Tow Wiring Harness
- 3.517 Final Drive Ratio (Unavailable with some configurations
I used to own a boat, don’t anymore but still have a motorcycle trailer.I think this package is the biggest bargain here.It would cost $500 to put all of this in aftermarket, and there is one VERY important caveat.You MUST get it installed at the factory to tow the max 4500lbs (because it modifies the engine some too).Even if you buy the same exact components and install them afterward it will only tow a max of 2000lbs, a HUGE difference (my old 2003 Jeep Liberty was the same way).Obviously if you are never going to tow anything, there is no need, but if you think you even MIGHT want to tow something in the future, get it!Will probably keep its value for resale anyway, so it’s not wasted even if you don’t use it.

Cold Weather Group $795
- Exterior Mirrors with Heating Element (Tech)
- Heated Front Seats (Leather)
- Heated Steering Wheel (Leather)
- Trailhawk Off-Road Accessory Kit (Tow)
- Power Heated Mirrors
- Remote Start System (Comfort)
- Windshield Wiper De-Icer
- Engine Block Heater $100 extra (Requires cold weather group so I put it here)
If you live in Alaska this is required (along with the block heater).In the north of the CONUS, then it’s a good option.South, no so much.I live in Northern VA.It would be nice, but I already get 4 of the items in other packages, including the biggie of heated seats.So I can scrape my side-view mirrors for the few times we get ice and snow.

Leather Interior Group $1,295
- Heated Front Seats (Cold)
- Heated Steering Wheel (Cold)
- Power 4-Way Driver Lumbar Adjust (Comfort)
- Power 8-Way Driver Seat (Comfort)
- Leather-Trimmed Bucket Seats
Leather seats are always expensive.I like them because you can just wipe spills off easily, and the Trailhawk leather seats look really nice.You do have to be a bit more careful with leather, especially if you are going to do things like fold down the front seat and carry 8’ 2x4’s like I do.You do get the heating and the power adjustments, which make the $1300 far more palatable.I splurged on this one.

Comfort / Convenience Group $1,895
- A/C Auto Temperature Control with Dual Zone Control
- Automatic Headlamps
- Humidity Sensor
- ParkView(TM) Rear Back-up Camera (Tech, Stand-alone)
- Passive Entry / Keyless Go(TM)
- Power 4-Way Driver Lumbar Adjust (Leather)
- Power 8-Way Driver Seat (Leather)
- Power Liftgate
- Premium Air Filter
- Remote Proximity Keyless Entry
- Remote Start System (Cold)
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror w/ Microphone
- Security Alarm
- Tonneau Cover
- Universal Garage Door Opener
A lot of stuff packed into this, and a hefty price tag to boot.To me this is what moves the car into feeling like a ‘luxury’ car.If that’s something that appeals to you and you don’t mind the cost, by all means.But none of this is actually necessary to enjoy the car.Myself, I am too used to the Proximity Keyless Entry and auto AC so I went with it, but it is definitely a splurge.Note that if you would have picked up the backup camera separately (which I would have) then that drops everything else to $1500.Have no idea what the ‘Humidity Sensor’ does though!

Technology Group $2,195
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go
- Advanced Brake Assist
- Automatic High Beam Headlamp Control
- Blind Spot and Cross Path Detection
- Exterior Mirrors with Turn Signals
- Exterior Mirrors with Courtesy Lamps
- Exterior Mirrors with Heating Element (Cold)
- Forward Collision Warning with Crash Mitigation
- LaneSense(TM) Lane Departure Warning
- Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist
- ParkView(TM) Rear Back-up Camera (Comfort, Stand-alone)
- Power Multi-Function Mirrors with Manual Fold-Away
- Rain Sensitive Windshield Wipers
I know people will disagree with me, but I think this package is a total waste of money, and I will tell you why:
A recent independent study showed that brake assist as well as blind spot, lane departure and collision warnings all do not add any appreciable safety factor - in other words they do not really help in preventing you from having collisions (like say anti-lock brakes do).So I see no need for them at this price.
The car comes with cruise control that works just fine.
If you live in cold weather and actually need the heated side-view mirrors, you are probably getting the Cold Weather package anyway.
For Heaven sake, LEARN TO PARALLEL PARK.It’s really very easy, and with a backup camera (which most people will be getting) it’s easier still.
And lastly everyone I have ever known with rain sensing wipers hated them and turned them off.
So that leaves, for me at least, the auto high beams as the only thing I would even want.Not for $2200!
 
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#2 ·
asterix2012....I have to say you have summarized very well! Having just got my new ordered TH delivered I am very happy with the packages that I got..no sun roof, while I like the openness the double unit created within the cabin you can not open the front panel or the bubble noise wil drive you insane. No need for the disk player, did not go with the sub woofer, stock radio syatem is very good. Have to say while pricey the tech package does come in handy, the adaptive cruise control works well but is a little on the jumpy side when it decides it is time to accelerate. The v-6 in Sport is a fast little vehicle. Great car that I am sure you will be very happy with.
 
#3 ·
A great rundown of the features and rational. I went with everything except the hood decal (reminds me of a school bus) and the sunroof. I've had a sunroof on several vehicles and found I didn't use it. I recently bought a convertible and that is what I call a sunroof! I use that all the time when the weather is half decent (it even has a neck warmer, mmmm). My Trailhawk will be used mainly in the winter and occasionally in the summer so the sunroof wasn't required.
I'm afraid I'm a technology geek so heart took over from brain when it came to the other packages, beside I justify everything by saying I live in Canada! :)
 
#4 ·
Good summary and discussion. A note on the tow package: if someone is not planning on regularly towing a heavy trailer, then a post factory install may be preferable. Post factory install avoids the factory installed higher final drive ratio. I personally prefer the lower RPMs of a lower FDR in a daily (non-towing) driver. The 3.2L has the extra cooling capacity and battery upgrade, and hitch kits can handle the higher tongue weights. Sport mode is available to help with short/heavy/infrequent hauls if required with a 3.2L Trailhawk. My post install hitch will mostly be used for a bike rack - higher FDR not needed for that!!!

YMMV.

Desert Hiker
 
#6 ·
My trailhawk does not have the windshield wiper deicers however i have the cold weather package i.e. Heated seats, mirrors and steering wheel. Is this something seperate?

Sent from my iPad using JeepGarage

Should be a gold/yellow color grid where the wipers park.
 
#8 · (Edited)
Ordered our T-hawk V6 with Cold Weather, Trailer Tow and Comfort Convenience pkgs. Somehow, I feel they should throw in extra Remotes, and an extra offroad kit. Of course I don't expect that to happen. :):)
 
#10 ·
The deal breaker for the wife was getting a heated steering wheel (cold weather group). I was surprised when shopping to find how few vehicles offer this.
 
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