Vehicle: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 with Luxury Group and Panoramic sunroof
Price as tested: CDN$62985
Performance: When Jeep redesigned their iconic Grand Cherokee last year, we were impressed enough that we chose it over the exceptional VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne as our “luxury SUV of the year”. So how does SRT magic transform the already intrigued Jeep Grand Cherokee? We intended to find out.
Although the SRT has to weighting in at 2.5 tonnes of Detroit leather-lined of luxury, its heavily massaged 6.4 liter pushrod V8 is able to pump out 465 stallion, yet equally stunning 465 lb/ft of torque at driver’s disposal. Any of these American pushrod V8 has been famous for having excellent low-end torque, 465 lb/ft of torque continues to prove that fact. In fact, its able to haul the 2.5 tonnes of beast through the paces with ease. Mesh with the light electronic throttle, SRT takes off like a rocket. Although there have been many been lamented that, for a performance ute of this caliber, Jeep should stick with DOHC instead of OHV pushrod variety, its able to squeeze out more power through this sort of engine block without having increase the productivity cost. Mated with this rocketship is Jeep’s 6-speed manumatic with paddle shifters. Unlike so many American counterparts, Jeep has engineered the paddle shifters to kick in at any given gears. Which makes driving SRT more fun when dropping a gear before entering a corner. That said, 6th gears are more than enough to spaw out gears in my books. As there are both short and tall enough for peppy traffic light acceleration or comfortable highway cruising. All without having to mess with so many damn gears while hunting for the right ratio.
What is most impressive fact is how SRT-8 compares to its rivals.
Grand Cherokee SRT-8 has 465hp starting at $55195
X5 M has more hp, 555, starting at $98300
Cayenne S has 400hp starting at $73400
Cayenne Turbo has more hp, 500 to be exact, starting at $120000
Range Rover Sport has 375hp starting at $73200
While there are those which have more stallion, none of those offered the same bang-for-the-buck as SRT-8.
Handling: Grand Cherokee’s European heritage shines through when it first originated, as its based on the same architecture as the new Mercedes ML-Class. Its even more impressive after SRT tuned sports suspension with adjustable damping system. The result is a 2.5 tonnes of beast which handles like anything but a sports car. Select “track” mode, the whole suspension has been huckered down for pure driving pleasure which is sharp enough for any track event, even if the ride is a bit harsher than those of the more civilized “sport” on the same token. Compare both of these modes, I would choose “sport” as its suspension damping is aggressive enough for even the most demanding driving environment. The ride quality is more civilized and compliant than on the “track” setting. However, for 99% of driving needs. “Auto” has the best compromise between ride comfort and right handling at the right mix. As it automatically adjusts its damping characteristics through computer when it comes to driving environment. Regardless of modes, the steering provides excellent feel and feedback. It has one of the most precise steering rack in an ute, the other side of a Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Ride quality is supple and firm without feeling harsh. When pushed hard into twisties, its ESC is uninstrusive enough for high threshold. When its mixed with the excellent 4WD system, its able to save driver from rearing SRT’s ugly heads when things got boiled.
Brakes: Even if SRT costs 2.5 tonnes at its wrist, its braking performance remains as delicous as its abilities. The stopping distance is short, while pedal feels solid and confidence-inspiring. Unlike so many Chrysler brakes of the past, SRT’s enlarged brake discs provide excellent feel and feedback without having any fades, after a couple of harsh stops. Another forte is the ABS doesn’t act at the wrong time.
Interior: With the rear seats fold flat, it has a spacious 68.7 cubin feet of cargo space. When they are in upright position, it has 35.1 cubin feet. Combined with the low liftover and minimal side instrustions, SRT-8 has aced when it comes to luggage versatility. Add to the fact that the rear glass is able to open independently, which is a rarity these days. It really does proves Grand Cherokee’s attention-to-details are at its finest.
The same goes for its interior appointment. In the past, Chrysler’s interior is about as “good” as Rubbermaid when it comes to plastic. Gone is the cheapness, in with the classy plastic and leather materials. The SRT leather sports seats provide all the support at all the right places, without feeling confining. With the Panoramic sunroof, its able to open up the cabin nicely.
Conclusion: If there is only one pet peeve, its about how thristy SRT-8 is able to get when fully pushed it full its paces. We had an average of 22L/100km on the whole day of full throttle fun. Ouch. However, this is the last thing you should put in your mind when buying an SRT-8. That’s because its able to provide as much driving fun as driving a sports car without any of its utility. What it really takes the cake is how attractively priced when compares to its European rivals, all without having to carry the baggage of those “badges”. That’s exactly what I called bang-for-the-buck.
Competitions:
BMW X5/X6 M
Porsche Cayenne S/Turbo
Range Rover Sport
OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 5/5
Overall rating: 4.5/5