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Jeep Grand Cherokee STR8 2012 review

When grouped together, there are certain letters in the alphabet that conjure up images of motoring excitement and out-of-the-ordinary performance and handling. Various companies Ford, Holden and Subaru use FPV, HSV and STI respectively for super-tweaked versions of some of their models.

Not to be outdone, Chrysler Jeep uses three letters and a number – SRT8 – for its stove-hot offerings. SRT stands for Street and Racing Technology and the latest model to hit our shores under this banner is the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.

Value

Jeep’s new $76,000 Grand Cherokee SRT8 has sports-car-like performance, a generous standard-kit inventory and all the practicality of a big family SUV.

The new Jeep comes standard with an impressive array of goodies and some of the standout features include great-looking 20-inch alloy wheels shod with P295/45ZR20 Pirelli Scorpion Verde run-flat tyres and superb Brembo brakes. HID headlights and rain-sensing wipers make like safer and simpler.

While the Benz ML 63AMG and BMW’s X5 M might seem the new Jeep’s obvious competitors – given that you can buy two SRT8s and have a heap of change for the price of each of the German offerings. But image is everything in the car business and the big Germans are in a league of their own in that regard.

Technology

Basically it’s a Dodge Challenger (which doesn’t come here) in SUV clothing with a Jeep badge and the beefy brute comes armed with a 6.4-litre hemi V8  boasting 344 kW of power at 6250 rpm a hefty 624 Nm of torque that is on tap all the way from 2800 rpm to 6000 rpm.

The result is a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of five seconds and while people who fork out a $76,000 cheque for the big 2.3-tonne Jeep probably won’t be too concerned, the SUV’s claimed combined fuel-consumption figure is 14.1 litres/100km. That said, it is a 13 per cent improvement on its predecessor.

This has been achieved despite the bigger-capacity engine churning out 10 per cent more power and 10 per cent more torque than the old model. To help in the fuel-consumption department, the big Jeep SRT8 has a cylinder-deactivation system that shuts down four cylinders when relaxed driving is the order of the day.

The glorious-sounding Hemi V8 is mated with a five-speed automatic transmission and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters add to the fun. While the transmission does a perfectly adequate job, it is not one of the SRT8’s finest features. 

One excellent feature is Jeep’s so-called Selec-Trac system that, via a big console-mounted button, allows the driver to choose from five dynamic modes – auto, sport, tow, track and snow. Trailer-sway control is there for the person who wants to use the Grand Cherokee for towing.

Design

Inside you will find adaptive cruise control, Nappa leather and suede seats, satellite navigation, a powered fully adjustable steering column and keyless entry and “go”. Also on the standard-kit menu is a great-to-hold multifunction, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bilstein adaptive damping, fair-dinkum carbon-fibre interior highlights, a powered tailgate and polished-alloy pedals.

Safety

In the electronic driver aid and safety departments the hot 4WD Jeep boasts ABS brakes, brake-assist and override, active head restraints, roll mitigation, forward collision warning, a rear-vision camera, a limited-slip differential, stability and traction control, a full suite of airbags including one for the driver’s knees, blind-spot monitoring and an enhanced accident-response system.

Driving and verdict

During an extensive media-launch drive program that included time at Victoria’s Anglesea proving ground, the big Jeep Grand Cherokee proved itself to be a dynamic, great-handling, great-sounding performance car with stopping power as impressive as just about any car I’ve driven.

Pricing guides

$14,990
Based on 154 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months
Lowest Price
$6,999
Highest Price
$39,990

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
Laredo (4x4) 3.6L, PULP, 5 SP AUTO $14,520 – 19,140 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2012 Laredo (4x4) Pricing and Specs
Limited (4x4) 5.7L, PULP, 5 SP AUTO $18,590 – 23,540 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2012 Limited (4x4) Pricing and Specs
Limited 70th Anniversary (4x4) 5.7L, PULP, 5 SP AUTO $13,640 – 17,930 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2012 Limited 70th Anniversary (4x4) Pricing and Specs
Jet 3.6L, PULP, 5 SP AUTO $16,170 – 20,680 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2012 Jet Pricing and Specs
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.