Quick Spin: Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
Does the Stallone of SUVs have the brains to match its brawn?
What is it?
It's Jeep's off-road capable Grand Cherokee that has a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 stuffed under the bonnet to transform it into Jeep's most powerful vehicle ever. It's the same engine used in the Chrysler 300 SRT8, albeit marginally detuned, so it's good for 344kW – that's more power than an FPV Falcon GT.
What does it say about me?
That you're buying a Jeep to take to the drag strip.
What doesn't it say about me?
That you're buying a Jeep to take it off-roading.
What colours does it come in?
There's only four to choose from – red, black, grey and silver.
If it were a celebrity, who would it be?
Sylvester Stallone. An American icon (with a hint of Italian influence) with plenty of muscle but a lack of precision.
Why would I buy it?
Because you want an SUV with attitude – something to help you stand out from the crowd. Plus the power – it's great, too.
Does it cost too much?
It's $10,000 more expensive than the Chrysler 300 SRT8 and $6000 more than the next most expensive Jeep, the 5.7-litre Grand Cherokee V8 Overland. But that's not bad when you consider the closest V8 petrol-powered SUV is the $83,490 LandCruiser GXL, which isn't exactly a direct competitor. Every other high-performance SUV is over $100k.
Will I get a deal?
Chrysler Group Australia is making a strong sales push across all its brands so it's worth asking the question.
Is it safe?
It's a fair question to ask how quickly it will stop given how fast it accelerates. Jeep claims the SRT8 can stop from 100km/h in 35 metres thanks to its Brembo braking system. And given its position at the top of the range it also comes with Forward Collision and Blind Spot warning systems, anti-lock brakes with “rough-road” detection and seven airbags.
Will it get me noticed?
It has a mean look about it that certainly turns heads. There's the lowered stance, LED daytime running lights, aggressive vents in the bonnet and 20-inch alloys. And if none of that turns heads then the exhaust note will.
How's the cabin ambience?
A massive improvement over Jeeps of old. There's still some hard plastics but also plenty of leather, including across the top of the dashboard, and leather/suede body-hugging sports seats.
What's the stereo like?
It's good but the engine's soundtrack is even better. It has a 40GB hard drive for storing music, as well as navigation, Bluetooth and nine speakers. It also comes with Jeep's UConnect voice control system for a variety of functions including the phone. But if it isn't good enough for you then you can upgrade to the optional 19-speaker 825-watt premium sound system for $1200.
Does it go?
Jeep claims the SRT8 will launch from zero to 100km/h in under five seconds, which is seriously quick for an SUV, or even a car for that matter. And if you keep your foot buried it will accelerate all the way to 255km/h.
Does it like corners?
The wheels are 10 inches wide and wrapped in Pirelli rubber, so they have plenty of grip. But there's no disguising this is a big car when the road gets twisty. There's more bodyroll in the bends than you get in a sedan which doesn't inspire a lot of confidence. It's good, but not on the same level as European SUVs.
Is it still capable off-road?
If by off-road you mean a gravel driveway, then yes, it's more than capable. But seriously ... it does still have the same off-road hardware as the regular Grand Cherokee – a Quadra-Trac on-demand four-wheel drive transfer case and limited slip diff – but it lacks the clearances. The ride height is up to 29mm lower, the approach, departure and breakover angles are all reduced. It also rides on run-flat tyres, which aren't ideal for taking into the bush.
Can I tow with it?
Yep, it has a maximum braked towing capacity of 2268kg.
What about service stations?
Would you believe it uses less fuel that a Toyota Prius? No, I didn't think so. With so much power and so much size it's hardly surprising it drinks petrol like it's going out of style. The claimed combined consumption is 14.1-litres per 100km, but around town expect your average to start with a two; we saw 20L/100km during our test.
Would you buy one?
If I wanted a fast four-wheel drive then it would be on the short list. There's something very likeable about the unique American character of the SRT8. But you need to be prepared to make regular stops at the servo. It might be worth waiting until later this year for the updated model to arrive that brings a new eight-speed auto which should improve the fuel economy. And acceleration!
What else should I consider?
If you love the engine but don't need an SUV then the Chrysler 300 SRT8 is worth considering, and it saves you plenty of money. If you want a fast SUV under $100k then take a look at the Audi Q5 3.0 TFSI ($74,100) or Volvo XC60 T6 R-Design ($78,490). But if you've got your heart set on a V8 SUV then there's the Infiniti FX50 S ($114,900), Mercedes-Benz ML500 ($119,400), BMW X5 xDrive50i ($134,500) and Range Rover Sport V8 Luxury ($139,400).
The Spin
“The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT features a unique combination of Jeep's legendary off-road capability and utility, merged with the renowned advanced performance engineering from Chrysler Group's Street and Racing Technology team.”
The Translation
We've stuffed a muscle car motor into an off-roader to cash in on the SUV boom.
The details:
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8
From $76,000 plus on road and dealer costs
6.4-litre V8 petrol, 344kW, 624Nm, 5-speed auto, 14.1L/100km.
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