The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8: A High-Performance SUV with a Price to Pay

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a very nice SUV, but let's say you want more performance. Well, Jeep cranked up the power with the SRT8, and we borrowed this one for a very quick first look at this SRTA has big nostril vents on the hood, carbon fiber trim, a stitch leather dashboard, and grippy but hard Sports seats. But those are just distractions from the main attraction - that's a 6.4 L 470 horsepower V8.

The Grand Cherokee is pretty heavy, but with that much power, it's still pretty fast. Yeah, it's fast - there are big Brembo brakes, giant sticky tires that add a lot of grip too. The adjustable suspension also allows for various vehicle settings like the stability control threshold and changes the ride from stiff to stiffer. Jeeps are usually pretty good off-road, but this one might be an exception when it comes to towing heavy loads - in fact, we're not sure even the SRTA can handle a 5,000lb trailer without causing a line of traffic behind us.

However, there are downsides to owning such a high-performance SUV. The V8 shuts off cylinders to save fuel, but it's not all that smooth or happy when it does so. This is a very thirsty Jeep, not only because of the gas guzzling capabilities but also due to its sticker price - $66,000. That's cheaper than some German competition, but it still buys you a nice regular Grand Cherokee plus a Wrangler too.

Despite the downsides, there's no denying that this well-finished fast Grand Cherokee SRT8 has a certain appeal to it. The idea of owning such a high-performance SUV might not make sense for everyone, especially with its price tag and fuel consumption. Nevertheless, this SRT8 represents a notable step forward in terms of performance and power from Jeep.

The SRTA's exterior design is certainly eye-catching, with the big nostril vents on the hood giving it a distinctive look. The carbon fiber trim adds an element of sophistication to the interior, while the stitch leather dashboard provides comfort and style. The Sports seats are grippy but hard, providing support and control for drivers. These features might be impressive, but they're just secondary to the main event - that powerful 6.4 L V8 under the hood.

The performance capabilities of this SRTA are undeniable. With its 470 horsepower V8, it can accelerate quickly and provide a thrilling driving experience. The big Brembo brakes add stability and control, while the giant sticky tires provide grip on both pavement and off-road surfaces. These features combined create an SUV that's well-suited for those who crave speed and performance.

However, owning such a high-performance SUV comes with its own set of challenges. For one, it can be expensive to maintain and repair, especially when it comes to fuel consumption. The V8 shutting down cylinders to save gas might seem like a cost-effective measure, but it's not always smooth or happy to do so. This can make for an uncomfortable driving experience.

In conclusion, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is a well-finished fast SUV that offers impressive performance and power. While its high price tag and fuel consumption might be off-putting to some, this vehicle has undeniable appeal. Whether you're looking for a high-performance SUV or just want something that's both stylish and capable, this SRTA represents a notable step forward in terms of performance and design from Jeep.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enthe Jeep Grand Cherokee is a very nice SUV but let's say you want more performance well Jeep cranked up the power with the SRT8 we borrowed this one for a very quick first look this SRTA has big nostril vents on the hood carbon fiber trim a stitch leather dashboard and grippy but hard Sports seats but those are just distractions from the main attraction that's a 6.4 L 470 horsepower v8 the Grand Cherokee is pretty heavy but with that much power this is still pretty fast yeah it's fast there are big Brembo brakes giant sticky tires add a lot of grip too the adjustable suspension adjust various vehicle settings like the stability control threshold and changes the ride from stiff to stiffer Jeeps are usually pretty good off-road then again with this one maybe not the SRTA can to a 5,000lb trailer there sure won't be a line of traffic stacked up behind that trailer sure there are downsides the V8 shuts off cylinders to save fuel but it isn't all that smooth or happy when it does that even with that trick this is a very thirsty Jeep not only does it cost you at the pump but the sticker price of the Jeep we're driving is $66,000 that's cheaper than the German competition but also buys a nice regular Grand Cherokee plus a Wrangler too okay maybe the idea of a super high performance thirsty expensive SUV doesn't make a whole lot of sense still this well-finished fast Grand Cherokee SRT8 there's no denying that it has a certain appealthe Jeep Grand Cherokee is a very nice SUV but let's say you want more performance well Jeep cranked up the power with the SRT8 we borrowed this one for a very quick first look this SRTA has big nostril vents on the hood carbon fiber trim a stitch leather dashboard and grippy but hard Sports seats but those are just distractions from the main attraction that's a 6.4 L 470 horsepower v8 the Grand Cherokee is pretty heavy but with that much power this is still pretty fast yeah it's fast there are big Brembo brakes giant sticky tires add a lot of grip too the adjustable suspension adjust various vehicle settings like the stability control threshold and changes the ride from stiff to stiffer Jeeps are usually pretty good off-road then again with this one maybe not the SRTA can to a 5,000lb trailer there sure won't be a line of traffic stacked up behind that trailer sure there are downsides the V8 shuts off cylinders to save fuel but it isn't all that smooth or happy when it does that even with that trick this is a very thirsty Jeep not only does it cost you at the pump but the sticker price of the Jeep we're driving is $66,000 that's cheaper than the German competition but also buys a nice regular Grand Cherokee plus a Wrangler too okay maybe the idea of a super high performance thirsty expensive SUV doesn't make a whole lot of sense still this well-finished fast Grand Cherokee SRT8 there's no denying that it has a certain appealthe Jeep Grand Cherokee is a very nice SUV but let's say you want more performance well Jeep cranked up the power with the SRT8 we borrowed this one for a very quick first look this SRTA has big nostril vents on the hood carbon fiber trim a stitch leather dashboard and grippy but hard Sports seats but those are just distractions from the main attraction that's a 6.4 L 470 horsepower v8 the Grand Cherokee is pretty heavy but with that much power this is still pretty fast yeah it's fast there are big Brembo brakes giant sticky tires add a lot of grip too the adjustable suspension adjust various vehicle settings like the stability control threshold and changes the ride from stiff to stiffer Jeeps are usually pretty good off-road then again with this one maybe not the SRTA can to a 5,000lb trailer there sure won't be a line of traffic stacked up behind that trailer sure there are downsides the V8 shuts off cylinders to save fuel but it isn't all that smooth or happy when it does that even with that trick this is a very thirsty Jeep not only does it cost you at the pump but the sticker price of the Jeep we're driving is $66,000 that's cheaper than the German competition but also buys a nice regular Grand Cherokee plus a Wrangler too okay maybe the idea of a super high performance thirsty expensive SUV doesn't make a whole lot of sense still this well-finished fast Grand Cherokee SRT8 there's no denying that it has a certain appeal\n"