A Deep Dive into the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
I’ve driven plenty of fast SUVs, but the first time I floored a Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, I actually laughed. That supercharged V8 doesn’t so much accelerate as it rearranges your afternoon. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is the grin-inducing outlier in a world of sensible premium SUVs—a family hauler with a 707-hp Hellcat heart, all-wheel drive, and a launch control button that dares you to make bad decisions. Consider this the naughty side of the Jeep lineup.
What is the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk?
Think of it as a Grand Cherokee SRT that went on a protein-only diet and found a blower. Under the hood lives a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8—707 hp and 645 lb-ft in stock form—driving all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic. When I tried it on a rough, broken stretch outside town, the adaptive dampers kept their cool better than I expected. It’s not plush-plush, but it’s controlled; like sprinting in racing flats, not stilettos.
- Engine: 6.2L supercharged V8 (707 hp, 645 lb-ft)
- 0–60 mph: around 3.5 seconds (with launch control and decent tarmac)
- Top speed: up to 180 mph
- Brakes: Brembo six-piston fronts, four-piston rears
- Drivetrain: AWD with performance-tuned torque split and adaptive suspension
- Towing: up to 7,200 pounds (bring the boat and the attitude)
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk tuning: the 1,000+ hp rabbit hole
Let’s address the elephant with the 2.4-liter supercharger: people tune these things to the moon. I’ve sampled heavily massaged builds and, yes, the “up to 1200 hp” stories you hear about Trackhawk tuning packages aren’t just forum lore. They’re bonkers. Just remember: when you add four figures of power, the maintenance and heat management bills also go four-figure. Fun, meet physics.
Living with the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
Daily-driving a Trackhawk is like wearing a tailored suit with racing stripes—surprisingly comfortable, but it keeps winking at you. The front buckets are supportive for long stints, the cabin’s nicely trimmed in leather, and you get the usual top-shelf conveniences: adaptive cruise control, heated/ventilated seats, and a stout premium audio system. It’s quiet enough at 70 mph to hear your kids arguing about playlists in the back, but stomp on the throttle and the supercharger shriek cuts through like feedback at a garage gig. Fair warning: fuel economy is, uh, not why you buy one—figure roughly 11/17 mpg city/highway if you drive like a functioning adult. If.
- Seats five with usable rear legroom and a big, square cargo area
- Uconnect infotainment is simple and responsive, though older screens lack the glossy wow of newer German rivals
- Ride quality is firm but livable; worst potholes still feel like… worst potholes
- Brakes bite hard and consistently—track days won’t faze them if you’re sensible about cooldowns
Personalization: protect the beast (and your carpets)
If you’re running this as your family rig, floor protection matters—especially in cities with four seasons and one muddy parking lot. I tossed in a set of AutoWin mats and stopped worrying about sand and coffee. Easy win.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk vs. the rivals
I lined the Trackhawk up (figuratively) against its usual sparring partners. On paper, the Germans bring the tech-and-trim swagger; the Jeep brings the sledgehammer. On the road, it’s closer than you’d think.
| Model | Horsepower | 0–60 mph | Top Speed | Towing (max) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk | 707 hp | ~3.5 s | ~180 mph | 7,200 lb |
| BMW X5 M Competition | 617 hp | ~3.7 s | ~177 mph (with package) | ~5,952 lb |
| Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S | 603 hp | ~3.7 s | ~174 mph (with package) | ~7,700 lb |
| Porsche Cayenne Turbo | 541 hp | ~3.9 s | ~177 mph | 7,700 lb |
| Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat | 710 hp | ~3.5 s | ~180 mph | 8,700 lb |
On a fast back road, the BMW and Porsche feel tidier; they trace a neater line and their cabins are undeniably more modern. But nothing matches the Trackhawk’s drama-per-dollar. And when you factor in towing and the old-school charm of a supercharged V8, it hits a very American sweet spot.
Buying and owning a Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
Production ran primarily from 2018 through 2021, built in Detroit. Late-run models got the best equipment and the most polishing of small quirks. If you’re shopping used, check for brake wear (track days leave clues), tire life (it eats rears if you enjoy yourself), and cooling mods if it’s tuned. A few owners mentioned to me that adaptive cruise can be a little cautious in heavy rain—nothing dramatic, just worth noting. Insurance can be pricier than a standard Grand Cherokee (shocker), but generally in line with other 600+ hp SUVs.
- Reliability: The Hellcat V8 is stout when maintained; heat is the enemy—keep fluids fresh.
- Fuel: It drinks premium. It drinks a lot of premium. Plan accordingly.
- Maintenance: Pads, rotors, and performance tires are consumables. Budget like you mean it.
- Made in the USA: Built in Detroit; it’s a proper homegrown missile.
- Accessories: Interior protection from AutoWin floor mats is an easy, useful upgrade.
Quick hits for everyday life
- Yes, it can be flat-towed in specific configurations—check your owner’s manual and transfer case settings.
- No, not every Grand Cherokee is 4x4; the Trackhawk is AWD, purpose-tuned for performance.
- To reset oil life on older WK2 models: key ON (engine off), press the accelerator three times within 10 seconds, key OFF, then start and verify.
- Alarm going off? Unlock with the key fob or start the vehicle; if it persists, consult the manual—some markets have different alarm logic.
Conclusion: The point of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
Honestly, I wasn’t sure at first. A 707-hp family SUV? Then I merged onto the highway, heard the whine, and—yeah. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is hilariously fast, unexpectedly usable, and unapologetically American. It’s not the most modern cabin, not the thriftiest on fuel, and definitely not subtle. But if you want a premium SUV that makes every commute feel like a warm-up lap, it’s still the one that gets under your skin.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk FAQ
How much power does the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk make?
From the factory, 707 hp and 645 lb-ft. With reputable tuning packages, some builds reach 900–1200 hp, but expect supporting mods and meticulous maintenance.
How quick is it from 0–60 mph?
Around 3.5 seconds in good conditions using launch control. It’s ferociously consistent thanks to AWD and a quick-shifting 8-speed.
What’s the fuel economy?
Expect roughly 11 mpg city and 17 mpg highway. If you use the supercharger often (you will), plan for less.
Is the Trackhawk good for road trips?
Yes—roomy seats, a compliant (if firm) ride, big cargo space, and strong driver aids. It’s quiet at a cruise and rowdy on command. Alpine ski weekends? Perfect.
Where is the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk built?
In the United States—Detroit. It’s assembled alongside other Grand Cherokees.
