Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is a high-performance SUV developed by Chrysler’s high-performance division, SRT (Street and Racing Technology), based on the fifth-generation Grand Cherokee. First debuted in 2012, the domestic version was brought in as an official CBU import through Jeep's official distribution network. As the culmination of SRT's philosophy of combining "track-ready performance with everyday road drivability", the Grand Cherokee SRT seamlessly blends Jeep’s rugged off-road DNA with supercar-rivalling on-road performance.

Model Overview

Positioned as a high-performance luxury SUV, the Grand Cherokee SRT serves as the flagship performance variant within the Grand Cherokee model line-up. Its main selling points centre on the potent power delivered by the 6.4-litre HEMI naturally-aspirated V8 engine, alongside a bespoke chassis and handling package tuned exclusively by SRT. The vehicle adopts a practical five-seater layout. Domestic pricing was set at approximately RM1,199,900 to RM1,204,900. Following the 2014 facelift, the nameplate was streamlined from "SRT8" to "SRT". In 2020, Jeep introduced a minor update to further optimise its power output.

Design Language

On the exterior, the Grand Cherokee SRT retains the classic silhouette of the Grand Cherokee while incorporating numerous performance-oriented design cues. The front fascia features a gloss black honeycomb grille framed by chrome surrounds, complemented by adaptive bi-xenon headlamps. The ride height is lowered by 1 inch (approximately 25.4 mm) compared to standard variants, which, together with dedicated front and rear bumpers, a tailgate spoiler, and 20-inch alloy wheels, gives the SUV a lower-slung, far more aggressive stance.

Inside, the cabin injects SRT’s motorsport flavour whilst preserving the Grand Cherokee’s premium executive feel. It features an SRT-exclusive three-spoke sports steering wheel integrated with paddle shifters and a heating function. The seats are upholstered in a combination of Nappa leather and perforated suede, offering superb lateral support and bolstering. The centre console adopts an aircraft-style "T-bar" gear selector. The 2020 facelift model added gloss black chrome trim and red contrast stitching to details such as the steering wheel.

Powertrain & Performance

Under the bonnet, the Grand Cherokee SRT is powered by Chrysler's iconic 6.4-litre HEMI naturally-aspirated V8 engine (codenamed 392). Following the 2020 update, maximum output was raised to 475 hp (354 kW) at 6,000 rpm, with a peak torque of 644 Nm (470 lb-ft) at 4,300 rpm. The engine incorporates MDS (Fuel Saver Technology) cylinder deactivation, which shuts down four cylinders under light loads to improve fuel efficiency. Power is sent to the wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters and manual mode. The 0-100 km/h sprint is dispatched in 4.3 to 4.8 seconds, on to a top speed of 257 km/h. Fuel tank capacity is rated at 93.5 litres. Additionally, the SUV boasts an impressive towing capacity of up to 3,265 kg (7,200 lbs).

Chassis & Handling

Underneath, the Grand Cherokee SRT rides on Jeep’s signature Quadra-Trac® Active on-demand full-time four-wheel-drive system, which continuously adjusts front-to-rear torque distribution in real time based on road conditions. In Track mode, up to 70% of engine torque is channelled to the rear axle, delivering rear-wheel-drive dynamic handling characteristics. The suspension employs an SRT-tuned Bilstein Adaptive Damping Suspension, adjusting damping stiffness on the fly according to drive modes and road surfaces. Stopping power is provided by a high-performance Brembo braking system—featuring six-piston callipers at the front and four-piston callipers at the rear. The 100-0 km/h braking distance is achieved in just 35 metres. Drivers can select from five drive modes: Auto, Sport, Track, Snow, and Tow.

Cabin & Features

In the cabin, the Grand Cherokee SRT comes equipped with an 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. The instrument cluster integrates a 7-inch configurable colour multi-info display, showing real-time performance telemetry including G-force meters, oil pressure, tyre pressure, and 0-60 mph acceleration timers. Standard comfort appointments include dual-zone automatic climate control, ventilated and heated front seats, heated rear seats, a panoramic sunroof, and an active noise cancellation system. In-car entertainment is delivered via a Harman/Kardon 825-watt premium surround sound system.

Safety & Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the Grand Cherokee SRT is equipped with 7 airbags. The body structure is constructed from high-strength steel to effectively direct collision impact forces away from the passenger cell. Key active safety systems include Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Blind-Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross-Path Detection. In addition, the vehicle is equipped as standard with a 360-degree surround-view camera, automated parking assist, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Hill Start Assist.

Market Performance & Evaluation

The Grand Cherokee SRT holds a distinct position in the global high-performance SUV segment. Its 6.4-litre naturally-aspirated V8 remains a standout rarity in an era dominated by turbocharging. Automotive reviews highlighted that the Grand Cherokee SRT offers a significant price advantage over rivals such as the BMW X5 M and Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 (both commanding starting prices above USD 100,000), while retaining Jeep’s exceptional off-road capability. The main trade-offs remain high fuel consumption and a relatively stiff ride setup. Following the SRT, Jeep introduced the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk in 2017 with a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 producing a massive 707 hp, raising the performance benchmark of the Grand Cherokee nameplate to new heights.