Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 (06-10) - Review

Review by Ben Wall on
Last Updated: 12 February 2009
Jeep's high performance version of the Grand Cherokee, badged SRT-8, is produced in very limited numbers, making it a rare 4x4. With a hugely powerful V8 engine along with heavily modified suspension and steering, it's thunderously quick with 0-62mph coming up in just five seconds. However, it loses all of the regular Grand Cherokee's impressive off-road capability. That may make it seem rather pointless to most potential buyers, but the fact that it can out accelerate a Porsche Cayenne Turbo S - for half the price - ought to tempt some. But considering the sky-high running costs, it seems a pointless extravagance.
3.5 out of 5

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3.5 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£44,399

Used price range:

£10,177 - £24,162

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Stormingly fast, great V8 engine, understated looks

No off-road ability, incredibly thirsty, expensive running costs, interior lacks sophistication

Jeep's high performance version of the Grand Cherokee, badged SRT-8, is produced in very limited numbers, making it a rare 4x4. With a hugely powerful V8 engine along with heavily modified suspension and steering, it's thunderously quick with 0-62mph coming up in just five seconds. However, it loses all of the regular Grand Cherokee's impressive off-road capability. That may make it seem rather pointless to most potential buyers, but the fact that it can out accelerate a Porsche Cayenne Turbo S - for half the price - ought to tempt some. But considering the sky-high running costs, it seems a pointless extravagance.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    5 out of 5

    "While the Grand Cherokee isn't lacking in performance, especially the 5.7-litre V8 model, the SRT-8..."

  • Handling

    3.5 out of 5

    "The SRT-8 is very different from standard Grand Cherokee. While it's still technically a four-wheel..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    3 out of 5

    "The low profile tyres cause imperfections in the road surface to jar noisily, but it soaks up larger..."

  • Practicality

    3.5 out of 5

    "There’s room for five adults over short distances, though the rear passengers may feel the squeeze..."

  • Equipment

    4.5 out of 5

    "The SRT-8 is well equipped, as you'd expect given the price tag. Its standard specification includes..."

  • Behind the wheel

    3 out of 5

    "You'd expect the high performance version of the Grand Cherokee to feel more special inside, but..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    2 out of 5

    "It's no surprise that running costs are incredibly high for the SRT-8. It sits in the highest road..."

  • Green credentials

    0.5 out of 5

    "With its large 6.1-litre V8 petrol engine and a fuel consumption figure of just 18mpg, it's no..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    4 out of 5

    "The SRT-8 has the same safety equipment fitted to the rest of the range. This includes airbags,..."

  • Reliability

    4 out of 5

    "Being built to survive the rigours of the off-roading, and running a servicing schedule that..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    1 out of 5

    "Numbers of the SRT-8 are very limited as Jeep only plans to bring 50 into the UK a year. This means..."

  • Buying used

    2 out of 5

    "The fact that there are so few about limits the choice, and you'll almost certainly need to travel..."

  • Selling

    2 out of 5

    "Finding a private buyer will be tough. You'll almost certainly need to trade it in when you want to..."

Gallery

  • Interior Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 (06-10)
  • Exterior Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 (06-10)
  • Exterior Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 (06-10)
  • Exterior Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 (06-10)

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