While the first generation SRT was somewhat of a brute, this new one is even more so. Okay, I exaggerate. Let’s put it this way: the 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT is every bit as much of a brute, but it’s now under control. The eight-speed transmission works perfectly with the big engine and its huge output; the suspension feels refined, the steering sharp, the brakes massively responsive. The details that bothered me in the Overland were forgotten when the opportunity emerged to step on the gas and experience the SRT at full chat. The engine absolutely roars through the gears, which don’t seem to drop one rpm as it blasts eagerly through them. Total control. My word, this is an awesome ride!
But it’s not all straight-line thrills (even though the SRT is now equipped with the entertaining Launch Control). No, the SRT guys didn’t pick Austin just for its available boulders and river beds; race aficionados will know it’s the location of the new Circuit of the Americas (COTA) Formula One racetrack, which we duly visited to put the Grand Cherokee SRT through its paces.
   2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Click image to enlarge |
I was only able to do two laps, although they were preceded with a warm-up lap in a Challenger SRT driven by Ralph Gilles himself (I was late for the minivans, and was offered this as an alternative…).
Suffice it to say that the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is a thrilling ride on a big race track like the Circuit of the Americas. Two long straightaways, numerous corners both sharp and sweeping, changes in elevation, the SRT behaved flawlessly. This is a vehicle you have to look at if you’re in the market for a genuinely high-performance SUV. It’ll even match the 3,266 kg/7,200 lb towing capacity of the EcoDiesel and 5.7L V8.
 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Click image to enlarge |
But there’s a difference, however, between being luxurious and being a luxury brand, and likewise being high-performance and a being a luxury high-performance brand. Jeep isn’t a luxury brand but apparently wants to compete with the likes of BMW and Mercedes. On the other hand, Jeep is one of the most recognizable brands in the world and I believe it’s held in high regard, at least, within its traditional domain.
So, will luxury buyers – or typical Jeep buyers, for that matter – look at a $60,000–$70,000-plus Grand Cherokee? The company says their Summit includes about $17,000 worth of items that are optional in vehicles like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz M-Class. So in that sense, there’s value. But still, it’s a real shame that the EcoDiesel is only available with the highest Grand Cherokee trim levels, placing it out of the reach of most buyers.
However, the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a lot going for it, and with all of its engines, 4×4 systems, trim levels and options, it will still appeal to a wide spectrum of SUV buyers.
Pricing 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Laredo V6: $39,995
Limited V6: $46,995
Limited V8: $49,145
Overland V8: $57,145
Overland V6: $54,995
Overland EcoDiesel: $62,140
Summit V8: $62,145
Summit V6: $59,995
Summit EcoDiesel: $67,140
SRT: $62,995
Crash test results
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
