Overview

The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is the pinnacle of the American manufacturer’s off-roader range. This range-topping model is the company’s attempt to take on other premium performance 4x4s like the Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport, and Jeep has turned things up a notch in order to try and topple such distinguished competition. This is in fact the fastest and most powerful Jeep ever.

Gone is the previous model’s 6.1-litre V8 engine to be replaced by a new 6.4-litre V8 engine. It now produces 461bhp, up by 43bhp over its predecessor, and a substantial 624Nm of pulling power. This all equates to a 0-62mph time of 5 seconds and top speed of 160mph, not bad for a car that weighs more than two tonnes. The performance is incredibly impressive and terrifying in equal measures.

How quickly this car gets up to speed feels almost unnatural, especially considering its size. While this all bodes well for straight line performance, the Grand Cherokee SRT is shown up a little in the corners where it lacks the kind of composure of cars like the Cayenne or BMW X5. What it does have over its rivals is an air of exclusivity. With such small numbers, you’re sure to stand out compared to the more common Range Rover and Porsche models.

You will pay a high price for this, however. Despite Jeep’s claims of improved emissions and fuel economy, which are admittedly a little better than the previous car but let’s face it, a 6.4-litre V8 isn’t going to be great news for pandas, polar ice caps or anything that lives in a rainforest. Of course the kind of customer buying an SRT is unlikely to have any issues with the price of fuel or road tax and although it’s competitive compared to other cars in its class, claimed fuel economy of 20.1mpg and emissions of 328g/km means running costs are extremely high.

It’s not exactly subtle either. The styling and design is very American. The large front grille and bumper are rather brash while the huge wheel arches help give it an aggressive road presence. Can the SRT unsettle the established leaders in the high-performance off-roader world?

Read the full Parkers Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT review to find out.