Jeep Exec Feels ‘Sorry’ For Ford Explorer Timberline Owners

He believes the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk product is much more versatile.

Jim Morrison is Head of Jeep Brand North America and seems to be a very fun guy. He mocked Ford’s problems with the Bronco hard top and now he is aiming at the Ford Explorer Timberline.

Morrison stated that he felt sorry for Ford Explorer Timberline customers who were tricked. A tow hook can be painted red. This doesn’t necessarily mean the towhook would hold up at the right time.

This is not all. During the discussion, he pointed to a photo of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk climbing up an incline. He said that the Timberline would not be able climb as high.

“We design all Trail Rated elements from scratch… It’s not a marketing term. It’s capability that has been bred in. It’s not enough to put stickers on things. It’s built with amazing capability,” Morrison explained to Muscle Cars and Trucks.

The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk Trailhawk two-row won’t be available until late 2021 so we can only make a comparison with the Timberline on paper. The pair will not be able to go off-road together for several months yet.

The Grand Cherokee Trailhawk has equipment such as the Quadra Lift air suspension system that can provide ground clearance of up to 11.3 inches (28.7 cms). The Quadra-Drive II active transfer box with an electronically controlled, limited-slip differential at its back is also included. You can enjoy better suspension articulation thanks to the electronic swaybar disconnect.

There are three powertrains available. The Pentastar V6 has 293 horsepower (219 Kilowatts) and 260 lb-ft (348 Newton-meters). The 5.7-liter V8 produces 357 horsepower (266 kW) as well as 390 lb/ft (528 Nm). The 4xe has an electrically-assisted 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder with 375 HP (280 kW), and 470 Lb-ft (637Nm).

Explorer Timberline has 8.7 inches (22.1 cmimeters). This is due to a 0.8 inch (2.03 cmimeters), higher suspension than the stock model. All-wheel drive is available, as well as a Torsen limited slip rear differential.

Timberline only comes with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four cylinder producing 300 hp (223kW) and 311 lb-ft (442 Nm).