Are you looking to purchase a new Jeep Grand Cherokee? Do you need clarification about the trim levels? Well, don’t worry; we are here to help!
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the flagship Jeep model. It’s famous for its reliability, power, space, and offroading prowess. In addition, it has great parts availability, which makes it a complete package for most people.
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After all these years, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has racked up many followers. Jeep has introduced new trim levels in the vehicle line-up with this new popularity. Can’t decide? We are here to eliminate the confusion so you can make the right decision when buying a Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Jeep SRT vs. Jeep Trackhawk
When it comes down to the competition between the two, both deliver a strong punch. However, when you decide which is better for you, you’ll need to weigh all the pros and cons.
Performance and Mechanicals
This is the most significant difference, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is the clear winner in this category. Let’s go over the details below.
Engine
The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT has a naturally aspirated 6.4L Hemi V8 engine under the hood. It produces a respectable 475 horsepower and 470 lb. -ft of torque.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk has a 6.2L SuperCharged Hemi V8 engine. While it does have a lower capacity than the SRT, this engine produces a monstrous 707 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft of torque.
The SRT is no slouch on the track; it can go from 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 160mph. The Trackhawk beats the SRT in this regard. It can go from 0-60mph in less than three seconds with a top speed of 200mph!
Transmission
Both these trim levels contain a slightly different 8-speed automatic transmission. In the Trackhawk, the transmission is an 8HP95 instead of an 8HP70. That’s standard in the SRT.
This means the transmission can handle 700 lb.-ft of torque in the Trackhawk instead of 516 lb.-ft of torque as in the SRT.
Towing Capacity
You would think the Trackhawk might have a better towing capacity than the SRT. That’s not the case, both these performance trims have the same towing capacity of 7200 lbs.
Practicality
Because these trims are of the same vehicle, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, they have the exact dimensions. Both offer the same practicality. The Trackhawk and the SRT comfortably seat five people in the front two rows; however, if you equip it with the 3rd-row option both have 487 liters of cargo space.
When the 3rd row is not in use, there is 1328 liters of cargo space available. When you fold the 2nd and 3rd rows, the vehicle holds a massive 2395 liters of cargo space.
Fuel Economy
Because the Trackhawk and the SRT have different engines, they don’t share the same fuel economy figures.
In the city, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk gets 11 MPG. On the highway, it gets 17 MPG. It has a combined fuel economy of 13 MPG. The SRT has a slightly better fuel economy of 13 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway, with a combined fuel economy of 17 MPG.
Thus, if you want less power for day-to-day driving and more fuel economy, you should go for the Jeep SRT. If you don’t care about fuel economy, go for the Trackhawk.
Safety
Both these trims come standard with advanced safety features:
- Rearview Camera
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Keep Assist
- Tire Pressure Monitor
- Auto Emergency Braking
- Traction/Stability Control
Both these trim levels also come standard with all kinds of airbags to protect the occupants in the event of a crash. Some of these include:
- Driver Airbag
- Passenger Airbag
- Knee Airbag
- Front Head Airbag
- Rear Head Airbag
- Side Airbags
Comfort, Features, and Accessories
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is already a very comfortable vehicle to drive, but the SRT and Trackhawk have differences in this department.
Ride Quality and Drive
Though both these trims are based on the Grand Cherokee, the Trackhawk has a little harsher ride quality than the SRT. The reason for this is that the Trackhawk is focused on the performance side of the vehicle. It’s the souped-up version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Jeep had to do a lot of suspensions tweaking so the Grand Cherokee could handle the Hellcat’s 707 horsepower V8. This came at a slight cost to the vehicle’s comfort. The SRT is a little softer on the ride side. Owners have reported both vehicles to be very comfortable to drive.
Interior and Amenities
The SRT and Trackhawk come standard with many luxurious features. The only difference between the Trackhawk and the SRT is that the Trackhawk comes with Nappa Suede Performance Seats while the SRT comes with standard Leather Trim Seats.
Both these trims come standard with a heated leather steering wheel and heated leather seats. Both these trims also come with an 8-inch Infotainment display. It has the latest connectivity, like Android Auto and Apple Carplay. A sunroof is optional in both trims.
Price and Warranty
Now we get to the most critical part, which influences most people’s purchase, the price of the vehicle.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk was discontinued in 2021 with the onset of the new Grand Cherokee model. The Trackhawk was more expensive compared to the SRT before.
The SRT starts at around $71,000, and the Trackhawk is touching $90,000. The chances are that at this level, people don’t care too much about the price tag; for those people, the Trackhawk wins.
The warranty for both trim levels is the same.
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT vs Trackhawk: Which Beast Rules the Road in Speed and Handling?
When it comes to high-performance SUVs, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT and Trackhawk models stand out from the crowd. Packed with power, agility, and cutting-edge technology, these beasts are engineered to dominate the road.
Blistering Speed and Acceleration
When it comes to outright speed, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT and Trackhawk excel in their own right. The SRT model can launch from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds, providing an exhilarating burst of acceleration.
However, the Trackhawk takes speed to a whole new level, catapulting from 0 to 60 mph in a mind-boggling 3.5 seconds. With its supercharged engine and lightning-fast acceleration, the Trackhawk stands as one of the fastest SUVs on the market.
Agile Handling and Performance
While power is crucial, superior handling and performance ensure an engaging driving experience. The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT combines its brawny engine with a sport-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, and an advanced all-wheel-drive system. These features work in harmony to deliver precise cornering, responsive handling, and remarkable stability.
On the other hand, the Trackhawk further enhances its performance with an adaptive damping system, specialized launch control, and an advanced all-wheel-drive setup. These enhancements enable the Trackhawk to tackle corners with remarkable composure and provide an exhilarating driving experience.
Striking the Perfect Balance
Choosing between the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT and Trackhawk comes down to personal preference and individual priorities. If you crave unbridled speed, blistering acceleration, and the title of the fastest SUV, the Trackhawk is the clear winner. Its supercharged engine and lightning-fast performance will leave you breathless.
However, if you desire a well-rounded performance SUV that offers an optimal balance of power, handling, and versatility, the Grand Cherokee SRT is an exceptional choice. It combines thrilling performance with everyday practicality, making it an ideal option for those seeking a dynamic driving experience without compromising on comfort and luxury.
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FAQs
Is the Trackhawk more popular or the SRT?
This is a pretty interesting comparison because although one is famous, the other one sells better. The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is way more popular than the Trackhawk. The Trackhawk still has better sales figures. This is because people look for something with high horsepower. Ever since they were released, the Trackhawk has sold more units.
Are there any exterior differences between the SRT and the Trackhawk?
Most people can’t tell the difference between the two externally because they’re pretty much the same. Although, if you take a closer look, you’ll notice little differences that’ll help you differentiate between the two.
The wheels are the biggest giveaway. The SRT comes standard with 20-inch carbon split 5-spoke wheels, whereas the Trackhawk comes with 20-inch forged polished face wheels. The Trackhawk also comes with Bright Quak Exhaust Tips, a Supercharged badge, and a Trackhawk badge.
What year did Jeep Trackhawk come out?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk was first introduced in 2018 and It is a high-performance version of the Grand Cherokee SUV, featuring a 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful SUVs on the market.
What year did Jeep SRT come out?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT (Street & Racing Technology) was first introduced in 2006.
Conclusion
We hope that you have a clear understanding of the pros and cons of each Jeep model. For example, if you want a Jeep with lots of power and high speed, you can go for the Trackhawk.
If you want something with more comfort and style, then you can go for the SRT. You can go through all the features and decide which is better for you according to your needs. If neither one fits your criteria, you can just go for the standard Grand Cherokee.
