When it comes to tackling rough terrain, there’s no better SUV than the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. Built for drivers who seek strong acceleration and easy handling, here’s what to expect from the powerful Trackhawk.
What Has Changed From 2017?
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is an all-new model that’s just recently hit the market. Although the supercharged Trackhawk model looks similar to the regular Grand Cherokee, it packs an extra level of performance. You’ll also notice the Trackhawk’s race-inspired styling.
New Features for 2018
Like the rest of the lineup, the Trackhawk version benefits from an updated infotainment system.
Trim Packages
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk only comes in a single trim. While prices start at roughly $87,000, adding options will cause its total cost to approach $100,000. The good news is that you will be rewarded with an impressive list of standard equipment. Jeep’s revised Uconnect infotainment system performs better than ever. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enable you to easily integrate your smartphone. Powered by a 506-watt amplifier, the SUV’s 10-speaker sound system keeps you entertained while on the road. Meanwhile, heated and ventilated sport seats provide year-round comfort. Available as an option, the rear DVD system is a perfect match for the drivers who have young children.
Although the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is designed to deliver the thrills, it’s still a more than capable family hauler. You can take full advantage of its advanced safety technologies. While a backup camera helps you to navigate around parking lots, blind-spot monitoring comes in handy when changing lanes on the highway. Forward collision warning and lane-keep assist are also found on the new Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.
Specifications
Fuel Economy
If you’re looking for a SUV that’s great on gas, the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk will leave you a bit disappointed. It’s rated by the EPA to return around 11 mpg in the city and up to 17 mpg on the open highway. When taking long road trips, be prepared to make frequent stops at the gas station. Furthermore, you must also factor in the Trackhawk model’s premium fuel requirement.
Horsepower
Under the hood of the new Grand Cherokee Trackhawk sits a supercharged 6.2-liter, Hellcat V8 engine. This is the same monstrous engine available in the Dodge Challenger coupe. A staggering output of 707 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque makes it the most potent engine ever put into a factory-built SUV. An eight-speed automatic transmission and a full-time AWD system come standard. To promote more responsive handling on the road, Jeep equipped the Trackhawk model with an adaptive suspension. When you aren’t out enjoying the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk’s insane performance capabilities, you can use it to haul stuff. A 7,200-pound maximum towing capacity makes the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk an exciting alternative to a pickup truck.
Crash Rating
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk provides excellent crash protection. It earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It also received a good rating from the IIHS for its roof strength and side impact protection.
How It Stacks Up to the Competition
2018 Bentley Bentayga
The Bentley Bentayga is also a high-output SUV that will appeal to performance junkies. However, its $232,000 starting price makes the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk look like a bargain. The cost to maintain the Bentayga will also be more expensive. In terms of acceleration times, both of these muscular SUVs can hit 60 mph in around 3.5 seconds. Although the Bentayga is more luxurious on the inside, it does not handle as well as the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.
2018 Porsche Cayenne Turbo
From a performance standpoint, the new Porsche Cayenne Turbo proves to be a direct competitor to the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. Although the 550-horsepower Cayenne Turbo is fast and powerful, it’s a touch slower to 60 mph than the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. It also demands an extra $38,000.
Audi SQ5
The Audi SQ5 is definitely a fun crossover SUV. However, it can’t come close to matching the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk’s level of performance. Although the Audi SQ5 is stylish, its exterior doesn’t grab your attention like the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. On the bright side, the Audi SQ5 does deliver much better fuel economy.
Pros/Cons
Pros
The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is a great replacement for a high-performance sports sedan such as the Dodge Charger Hellcat. It delivers a thrilling driving experience without forcing you to give up any comfort.
Your entire family will appreciate the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk’s spacious cabin. When winter weather begins to take its toll, the SUV’s advanced AWD system will enable you to remain on the road. Jeep’s quick-shifting automatic transmission always keeps the SUV in the optimum gear. Although the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk may not have the agility of an exotic sports car, it handles well enough for you to have fun on twisty roads.
Fortunately, you can still look forward to experiencing a relaxing ride on the highway. The ability to tow heavy loads makes this electrifying SUV even more satisfying to own. Safety is yet another strong point for the new Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.
Cons
Despite being such a highly recommended performance vehicle, the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk does have a few drawbacks. Its below-average fuel economy can’t be overlooked. This is an especially important concern for the folks who plan to drive their Trackhawk on an everyday basis.
The SUV’s steep price tag is also bound to turn away some people. It’s roughly $57,000 more expensive than the base Grand Cherokee. A lot of consumers simply can’t afford the extra expense.
While the Trackhawk model has a powerful appearance, onlookers may mistake it for the regular Grand Cherokee. Equipping the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk with a vented hood would have given it an even meaner attitude. Furthermore, some owners consider the SUV’s stock exhaust note to be a bit too subtle for such a powerful vehicle.