2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

Overview

In a world where nothing succeeds like excess (and with apologies to Mr. Wilde), the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is just enough. Under its hood is a 475-hp V-8 that partners with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. With launch control, the SRT can rip from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Aggressive bodywork, a sport-tuned suspension, and robust brakes help the SRT handle and brake well enough to make some sports cars jealous. Its big-brother, the Trackhawk (reviewed separately), makes an even bigger 707 horsepower. The SRT isn't a one-trick pony, though; it can tow up to 7200 pounds should you require. Oscar would be proud.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

#8 in Best Mid-Size SUVs for 2020

1

Kia Telluride

STARTING AT: $33,060

SHOP Telluride

2

Hyundai Palisade

STARTING AT: $33,115

SHOP Palisade

3

Mazda CX-9

STARTING AT: $34,990

SHOP CX-9

4

Honda Passport

STARTING AT: $33,165

SHOP Passport

5

Jeep Wrangler

STARTING AT: $29,790

SHOP Wrangler

8

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

STARTING AT: $70,390

SHOP Grand Cherokee SRT

Compare the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT with the top vehicles in this segment with our new compare tool.

Compare the top cars

What's New for 2020?

If it was good enough for 2019, it's good enough now: the 2020 Grand Cherokee SRT is unchanged.

What's Your Car Worth?

Car and Driver calculates your car's value in three free and easy steps - using the same Black Book® data dealers use to appraise vehicles.

Get your trade-in value

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The base SRT is practically perfect as it is. We'd add the high-performance brake package to make sure the SRT stops as well as it goes, and the Trailer Tow Group for optimal towing ability.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Grand Cherokee SRT first won our hearts with its thunderous Hemi V-8 and impressive performance. Although its naturally aspirated 6.4-liter V-8 is mild compared with the Trackhawk's 707-hp supercharged V-8, it still has 475 horses and 470 lb-ft of torque. The SRT we tested ripped to 60 mph in only 4.4 seconds—just 0.2 second slower than a Dodge Challenger T/A 392. While the pony car was quicker in other acceleration tests, the SRT SUV matched the coupe's hearty exhaust note and responsive throttle for powerful pulls around town. With a maximum tow rating of 7200 pounds, the SRT can haul more than just ass. This high-powered Jeep has a sport-tuned suspension with adaptive dampers. The setup is stiffer than that of regular Grand Cherokees for improved handling. However, the SRT was comfortable and quiet driving over smoother surfaces. It has standard 20-inch wheels, and our test vehicle wore the optional Pirelli P Zero summer tires versus the standard all-season rubber. While the GC SRT specializes in straight-line speed, it goes around corners surprisingly well given its heft. Its powerful Brembo brakes also helped it stop from 70 mph in 168 feet, which equaled the Trackhawk and was shorter than rivals such as the Mercedes-AMG GLE43.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Those who care even a bit about fuel economy should avoid the Grand Cherokee SRT. This gas guzzler has low EPA estimates and some of the worst real-world results among its competitors. Unsurprisingly, the SRT has better EPA estimates than the 707-hp Trackhawk—barely. Still, the SRT version is one of the least efficient vehicles in this segment. It missed its 19-mpg highway estimate by 1 mpg during our real-world testing, and similar rivals were between 3 and 5 mpg better.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Grand Cherokee SRT's interior is dressed up with carbon-fiber trim and stitched together with leather surfaces and faux-suede accents. The cabin has ample passenger room and fancy standard features, but its build quality compares with cheaper Jeep models rather than upscale six-figure competitors. We also wish massaging seats and more personalization options were available on this expensive Grand Cherokee. Underneath its pumped-up appearance, this powerful Grand Cherokee has the same amount of cargo space and number of interior cubbies as its pedestrian counterpart. This means it should hold 11 carry-on bags behind the back seat, and up to 24 with the back seat folded. While it had impressive storage space under its cargo floor, the cabin's cubbies were otherwise disappointing.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The SRT-tuned Jeep has an excellent infotainment system—called Uconnect—with a full complement of standard features. Its attractive menus and user-friendly controls provide pleasant interactions, but the touchscreen responded more slowly to our inputs than similar infotainment rivals as well as popular smartphones.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

The Grand Cherokee SRT has not been crash-tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Still, this hi-po Jeep includes the Grand Cherokee's full suite of driver-assistance features as standard. Buyers will appreciate the adaptive cruise control, which works in stop-and-go traffic, and the self-parking assist that reduces anxiety when squeezing it into tight spaces. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Standard blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

While Jeep has an unimpressive limited warranty versus similar rivals, it delivers the top powertrain coverage. The Jeep Wave ownership program is standard on the Grand Cherokee SRT and provides two complimentary oil-change and tire-rotation services from the dealer per year for the first two years.

• Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• Two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance is included