Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

[BingBangBoom]

I'm thinking of adding a Jeep GC SRT 2014, to my garage. Just thought I would see if anyone on here has one or has driven one and has any comments. Good bad? Bottom line from what I can tell great bang for the buck. I will get out and drive one when I have a chance but I always like hearing comments first gives some things to think about that I may have not considered on a test drive.

Note they have changed it a fair bit since the previous GC SRT8, although the engine is the same the tranny is brand new (8 spd) and apparently much better than in the older ones. Also it is now and SRT no more 8 in he name for better or worse lol.

Thanks in advance.

[Jones2012s4]

I'm thinking of adding a Jeep GC SRT 2014, to my garage. Just thought I would see if anyone on here has one or has driven one and has any comments. Good bad? Bottom line from what I can tell great bang for the buck. I will get out and drive one when I have a chance but I always like hearing comments first gives some things to think about that I may have not considered on a test drive.

Note they have changed it a fair bit since the previous GC SRT8, although the engine is the same the tranny is brand new (8 spd) and apparently much better than in the older ones. Also it is now and SRT no more 8 in he name for better or worse lol.

Thanks in advance.

The transmission is a ZF sourced transmission. I think they look amazing, inside has come a long way. Test it out.

[man n black]

Top Gear, the magazine (not the show) had a long term test of the 2012-2013 model and had nothing but good things to say about it. Said they were sad to see it go back, but replaced it with a CTS-V wagon that has a manual transmission......

Great purchase. You can learn more about these @ JeepGarage.com

Ch

Sent using XT912 M

[jbjones85]

I have also considered picking one up and I would check out jeepgarage as mentioned above. Overall the reviews have been very positive but there have been some minor issues with the new uconnect system but a lot of that has/is being addressed with software updates. Awesome looking vehicle though.

[Csuda]

No trailer hitch option due to center exhaust, only downside

[Alipor]

No trailer hitch option due to center exhaust, only downside

That was the first Gen SRT8 this one has them on either side of the bumper. No more center exhaust. IIRC they can haul 8k lbs

[s4ve]

I test drove one and it was a FANTASTIC SUV, if you can deal with 11 or so MPG I don't have a bad thing to say about it. Since it was for my wife, we opted for a Altitude edition (murdered out GC) and she couldn't be happier!

[brbarrett]

I was actually looking at one instead of the s4. They are incredible in a straight line, but in pretty much anything that size it shows it's weight in a turn. The only other thing is the build quality. There is a huge difference between the materials and quality of production between Audi and Jeep. Plus I feel the price to be a little absurd. Might as well consider a Cayenne as well.

Other then that it's on fast grocery getter that you can easily put the kids and dogs in the back with no worries.

[TuanTime]

I like it, it's really nice but I probably wouldn't buy one for that price. It's definitely fast in a straight line though. I personally don't care as much about straight line performance because in daily driving you hardly ever get to use its full potential. I always smile a little when I take a turn faster than I should in the s4 though. An suv to me is more of a family car that doesn't need to go super fast, I'd rather have slightly better Mpgs. If its speed and luxury I also consider the cayenne a nice blend of both.

[westwest888]

It is a nice looking ride. Nice brakes and headlights. Like the Stingray to the 911, the SRT Cherokee comes in at half the price of a Cayenne GTS or Turbo.

[b6onboost]

I agree.

I test drove one and it was a FANTASTIC SUV, if you can deal with 11 or so MPG I don't have a bad thing to say about it.

Not too sure about that. The new Jeep GCs use nappa leather, have stitched leather covered dash, they're pretty nice. Plastic quality is a little below that of an Audi, but its not a huge difference. Plus Jeep has made vast improvments over recent years, whereas many people have cited Audi for going a little cheaper than some of their previous models.

The only other thing is the build quality. There is a huge difference between the materials and quality of production between Audi and Jeep.

[mrmomo313]

Personally love the new ones. My buddy's dad is the CEO of Jeep and has a supercharged one, it HAULS ASS! The interior is great (much better than the previous gen), and I think its a great looking SUV. At the end of the day though X5M>all uber fast SUVs, but I am biased haha.

[100Daily]

I am surprised by all the positive SRT remarks by those that value european engineered cars, but I guess its hard to repress the "its got a hemi" state of mind. Everyone has their own taste, but this car has been a pet peeve of mine since it was released. Here is my personal opinion on why...

Its too heavy, its too high off the ground, and it has too much suspension travel to brake or handle properly. And with 20in rims and being lowered you can't do any sort of actual off-roading worth a damn. What good is a jeep you can't take off road, but as a trade off is "sporty" but actually sucks at being sporty?

Basically the ONLY thing its actually GOOD at is straight line acceleration. WOW! A knuckle draggers dream come true I guess if straight line is your favorite thing, and you don't mind it being ruined by tons of weight... Good choice!

Finally, around Colorado the SRT drivers are the good old boy rednecks who can't drive for shit, but won't pass up an opportunity to just stomp on the gas and be douchey. The older SRT Jeeps are the illegal immigrant/joe 6-packs vehicle of choice. The SRT seems to really appeal to those types, but maybe Canada is different...

I personally find them to be an ill conceived design from the start that tries to be all things to all people, but ends up falling far short in almost every way. They do have nice interior but besides that its the quintessential stupid american vehicle IMO but its "got a hemi" so it sells.. barf.

No offense if the SRT is your thing. Different strokes for different folks.

[s4ve]

I am surprised by all the positive SRT remarks by those that value european engineered cars, but I guess its hard to repress the "its got a hemi" state of mind. Everyone has their own taste, but this car has been a pet peeve of mine since it was released. Here is my personal opinion on why...

Its too heavy, its too high off the ground, and it has too much suspension travel to brake or handle properly. And with 20in rims and being lowered you can't do any sort of actual off-roading worth a damn. What good is a jeep you can't take off road, but as a trade off is "sporty" but actually sucks at being sporty?

Basically the ONLY thing its actually GOOD at is straight line acceleration. WOW! A knuckle draggers dream come true I guess if straight line is your favorite thing, and you don't mind it being ruined by tons of weight... Good choice!

Finally, around Colorado the SRT drivers are the good old boy rednecks who can't drive for shit, but won't pass up an opportunity to just stomp on the gas and be douchey. The older SRT Jeeps are the illegal immigrant/joe 6-packs vehicle of choice. The SRT seems to really appeal to those types, but maybe Canada is different...

I personally find them to be an ill conceived design from the start that tries to be all things to all people, but ends up falling far short in almost every way. They do have nice interior but besides that its the quintessential stupid american vehicle IMO but its "got a hemi" so it sells.. barf.

No offense if the SRT is your thing. Different strokes for different folks.

don't agree with a word you said, but hey -- it's the internet and people disagree. The new Jeeps FYI are essentially Mercedes ML's... for example, my wife's tranny was built in Germany. They aren't the Jeeps you are used to and are a fantastic SUV. I'd choose an SRT8 over any other German SUV on the market, hands down.

[gottaBdope]

No trailer hitch option due to center exhaust, only downside

Thanks all I could add too. I wouldn't be surprised if someone could fab one up though, but I've never been under one. Good luck!

[mrmomo313]

If driving dynamics are what you are after and you would consider buying CPO I'd recommend the X5/6M. I agree with what 100daily is saying in terms of handling because that is the weakpoint of the Jeep (though he may be a little more critical of the SRT than it deserves lol). Throw a tune, exhaust and DP's on the M and it'll beat or be as fast as any stg 2 s4 both on and off the track..

[mrmomo313]

I'd choose an SRT8 over any other German SUV on the market, hands down.

Well the SRT8 is the weakest link of all the fast SUVS... price is the limiting factor though. There are rumors of SRT offering a supercharged option (which will bring the price up to what the germans offer) in the future but until then it is the little school boy of the bunch.

[100Daily]

I agree with what 100daily is saying in terms of handling because that is the weakpoint of the Jeep (though he may be a little more critical of the SRT than it deserves lol).

Yeah, I went into rant mode. They are nice in certain ways.

[b6onboost]

Most of your rant was basically just listing various negative stereotypes that you believe are associated with Jeep SRT drivers.

I think the reason people are generally favoring the Jeep in this forum is because they are being objective.

Yeah, I went into rant mode. They are nice in certain ways.

[AKPS4]

The SRT is a great option for those who must have an SUV and want something relatively quick when the family is not in the vehicle. It's not for offroading it's for the enthusiast with a family that can't have a fast car and an SUV so settles with this.

That's my opinion.

[Mops@Nemesis]

Good truck for sure but no way I am paying that for a Jeep. The build quality and materials in regards to Jeep are shit. SHIT! I am really OCD about this and always poke around on the interior and exteriors. It's sad. I really feel for those paying these ridiculous prices for the 4-door wranglers. I took one out for pics a few weeks ago. Everything about it was terrible. So terrible I laughed most of the time I drove it.

[IanVr6]

Well, I bought one 6 weeks ago and is now my S4's little or should I say big brother.

I have no regrets. The LEDs and brembo brakes are amazing and the interior is nice. The ride is comfortable and I have lots of power when needed. It's not for everyone, but it's much cheaper than a Cayenne, X5M or land Rover. I get 17-18 MPG average. It's definitely a head turner with the black chrome rims with the big red calipers.

[vdubjetta02]

Nice, I have the Gen 1 SRT8 and I sold my S4 shortly after buying it because I enjoyed the Jeep more.

[jlaudio]

I wouldn't touch one with a 10 foot pole, and that is coming from someone who worked for Dodge and Chrysler. Quality control from Dodge/Jeep/Chrysler is awful and the technology that is put into their cars is generally 2-5 years behind where the rest of the industry is but is parroted as "big improvements" or "revolutionary"

I guess you get what you pay for at the end of the day though. Only american car/Suv i would buy is a Ford

[b6onboost]

You can't compare a top of the line Jeep Grand Cherokee to a Wrangler. That's be like saying an S7 is shit because the A3 you drove felt cheap.

The build quality and materials in regards to Jeep are shit. SHIT! I am really OCD about this and always poke around on the interior and exteriors. It's sad. I really feel for those paying these ridiculous prices for the 4-door wranglers. I took one out for pics a few weeks ago. Everything about it was terrible. So terrible I laughed most of the time I drove it.

[GQ//S4]

I like them, but I have a thing against "sporty" Suv's if you live anywhere that sees weather (if its going to be your winter type car). Personally, if I were in your shoes, I would look at my s4 as the "quick" and "handling" car and get a fully loaded GC Overland w/ the Air Suspension. Utility and offroad capability in one, fun driver in the other car.

[The_Transporter]

Yeah, I went into rant mode. They are nice in certain ways.

No worries, forums are here for opinions and discussion.

I do like the SRT8 Jeep. however...

I think if I moved somewhere with a serious onslaught of cruel winter, I'd go for a Touareg Tdi with an aggressive ECU tune.(not sure they're available in the U.S. yet for the newer gens)
I rode in my buddy's Tdi and was really impressed with the interior, handling and TORQUE.

[Mops@Nemesis]

You can't compare a top of the line Jeep Grand Cherokee to a Wrangler. That's be like saying an S7 is shit because the A3 you drove felt cheap.

Seriously? I can certainly get a feel for build and materials used in a lesser model. Just as the entry $14k wrangler will let me know the $40k wrangler I drove will be just as shitty, but dressed up with more shitty and likely shiny materials. Throwing a big motor, BBK, nice wheels, diff bumper covers etc on a shitty truck does not make it a nice truck. I have no respect for any Chrylser product. They are so cheaply done and wear so quickly. I had a previous gen GC dd and sold it within 4 months. You can look at/ride in even 2-4 year old Chrylser products see/feel/hear issues you should not see. When you really clean cars properly, you see things that not even the owners would ever see. The SRT GC is cool for sure, and good at what it was designed for, but for reasons stated, I could never throw my money at any Chrysler product. I know I am not alone by any means. Hell, my 2005 Subi is more solid than that new $40k Wrangler. The quality levels flow all the way up.

[b6onboost]

I've personally owned both Audis and Jeeps, and my family has owned many of them as well. That is where my opinion is coming from.

You can't confuse a purposefully spartan interior of a Wrangler for being inferior quality. Sure it's plastics are harder, there is no luxury, its purpose built. I owned a Wrangler for 7 years, nothing EVER broke on it, period. Build quality...awesome. Luxury...zero. I've driven our current gen Grand Cherokee on several long trips. Its materials are nothing like a Wrangler, its far superior and a much nicer vehicle. Its 2 years now old by the way and drives like new, no issues that I shouldn't "see/hear/feel". It has had zero problems actually. My 2 month old B8.5 has already had a warranty claim. That didn't suprise me because previous Audis I've owned have taught me while they are seemingly high quality, well built cars, they experience random premature part failures.

This forum is overly bias against anything not euro, especially anything American, and people just make blanket statements based on little true ownership experience.

I respect your opinion and the experience its based on, but I don't think that's enough to condemn an entire brand.

Seriously? I can certainly get a feel for build and materials used in a lesser model. Just as the entry $14k wrangler will let me know the $40k wrangler I drove will be just as shitty, but dressed up with more shitty and likely shiny materials. Throwing a big motor, BBK, nice wheels, diff bumper covers etc on a shitty truck does not make it a nice truck. I have no respect for any Chrylser product. They are so cheaply done and wear so quickly. I had a previous gen GC dd and sold it within 4 months. You can look at/ride in even 2-4 year old Chrylser products see/feel/hear issues you should not see. When you really clean cars properly, you see things that not even the owners would ever see. The SRT GC is cool for sure, and good at what it was designed for, but for reasons stated, I could never throw my money at any Chrysler product. I know I am not alone by any means. Hell, my 2005 Subi is more solid than that new $40k Wrangler. The quality levels flow all the way up.

[Mops@Nemesis]

I've personally owned both Audis and Jeeps, and my family has owned many of them as well. That is where my opinion is coming from.

You can't confuse a purposefully spartan interior of a Wrangler for being inferior quality. Sure it's plastics are harder, there is no luxury, its purpose built. I owned a Wrangler for 7 years, nothing EVER broke on it, period. Build quality...awesome. Luxury...zero. I've driven our current gen Grand Cherokee on several long trips. Its materials are nothing like a Wrangler, its far superior and a much nicer vehicle. Its 2 years now old by the way and drives like new, no issues that I shouldn't "see/hear/feel". It has had zero problems actually. My 2 month old B8.5 has already had a warranty claim. That didn't suprise me because previous Audis I've owned have taught me while they are seemingly high quality, well built cars, they experience random premature part failures.

This forum is overly bias against anything not euro, especially anything American, and people just make blanket statements based on little true ownership experience.

I respect your opinion and the experience its based on, but I don't think that's enough to condemn an entire brand.

I am glad you have had many great experiences with them. I know many hardcore Jeep owners/families. I've never been impressed, but that's not to say they work well for many others. In regard to the Wrangler, I was mostly referring to the motor (terrible) tranny, steering etc comparing it back to the brand as a whole. And I have felt the same about many other models. My Jeep left a horrible taste in my mouth which does not help. The taste cost me around $4k over several issues in only 3 months. Holy shit I hated that truck. Anyways, some say the same about Subi and I find them to be great cars.

Please do not put me under that blanket. I love many vehicles outside of the euro marketplace. More Asian makes, but some domestic as well. I am not an "if its not euro, its garbage" kinda guy. I do love and prefer them but am not that narrow. I also stated my opinion based off of owning, knowing other owners and time spent around the make. I gotta say though, that warngler really hurt my feelings. I felt I was driving an underpowered caravan. That Jeep needs the Hemi badly, a better tranny and some better steering componets for that price point.

All good here though. We can still be friends. I do not care if you like crappy trucks;) jk

[laakness]

Having just got one last week I'm going to throw out the SQ5 suggestion if sporty SUV is what you're looking at. You should go take one for a ride.

[s4buckeye]

the SRT Cherokee comes in at half the price of a Cayenne GTS or Turbo.

not even close to true, especially as to the GTS.

you can pay a little bit more for a brand new Cayenne S with the V8 that is .5 seconds slower 0-60 (maybe) and have a much, much better car all the way around than the Jeep.

[BingBangBoom]

Thanks to everyone who replied, espicailly those who actually had some insite to add, as opposed to just the usual stereotypes. And especially
IanVr6, who actually has one. I realize this vehical isnt for everyone, and the genral point about about monster power SUV's isnt lost on me, they are a little ridiculous, but hey, having a little ridiculous in your life is always fun! And here is the thing, I need the SUV, so why not have fast as hell if I can afford it.
Seriously thought I'm NOT trading the S4, i simply need to add something big enought for my 2 kids, my bikes, their bikes, my dog... and so on (unfortunately the SQ5 isn't anywhere nearly big enough, heck I sat in the back seat of one and it feels smaller than my S4). I also need/want 4 wheel drive, many snowny mountain pass's to go through. But I dont need a bunch of off roading gear.

As for the folks that suggested X5M or Caynne S or Turbo, are ayou kidding.... these arent comparable on price at all, even CPO. Right now there are a number of x5M's with 70,000km's on them selling for the same as the Jeep is new.... sorry but I cant justify all the maitanence that BMW is going ot need when I have four years of trouble free, or at least cost free driving with the Jeep.

[BingBangBoom]

not even close to true, especially as to the GTS.

you can pay a little bit more for a brand new Cayenne S with the V8 that is .5 seconds slower 0-60 (maybe) and have a much, much better car all the way around than the Jeep.

On paper yes, in practicallity no! If you want your Caynne S to have a steering wheel and seat's, well that will be another $20,000, spec out a CT on their website to the same level as the GC, ytou are going to be 30-40 grand more (Canadian prices)

As for the turbo, no options $125,000 with a few reasonable options it seasily going to run you 140,000, SRT can be had fully loaded right around 70,000, that looks like half to me...... again these are Canadian prices straight from their websites.

[thebc]

I considered the Jeep when I was car shopping for my S4. Test drove one and was impressed, wow, jeep's come a long way. Then I started looking as used X5Ms, and my jaw drapped, just better in every single way. Eventually, I ended up with the S4. The maintenance on the X5M did scare me a way a bit, even a CPO.

You can't argue with the fact, that at the end of the the Jeep is still just a Jeep. No matter what engine you cram in it, or what interior pieces you decide to wrap in leather. The BMW was better in every single way (the Cayennes didn't appeal to me at all, waaaaay overpriced for what you got), but I wouldn't be able to sleep at night worrying about potential issues. I will admit, the new GCs have come a long way, but that's still not far enough...for 70k...

[IanVr6]

Thanks to everyone who replied, espicailly those who actually had some insite to add, as opposed to just the usual stereotypes. And especially
IanVr6, who actually has one. I realize this vehical isnt for everyone, and the genral point about about monster power SUV's isnt lost on me, they are a little ridiculous, but hey, having a little ridiculous in your life is always fun! And here is the thing, I need the SUV, so why not have fast as hell if I can afford it.
Seriously thought I'm NOT trading the S4, i simply need to add something big enought for my 2 kids, my bikes, their bikes, my dog... and so on (unfortunately the SQ5 isn't anywhere nearly big enough, heck I sat in the back seat of one and it feels smaller than my S4). I also need/want 4 wheel drive, many snowny mountain pass's to go through. But I dont need a bunch of off roading gear.

As for the folks that suggested X5M or Caynne S or Turbo, are ayou kidding.... these arent comparable on price at all, even CPO. Right now there are a number of x5M's with 70,000km's on them selling for the same as the Jeep is new.... sorry but I cant justify all the maitanence that BMW is going ot need when I have four years of trouble free, or at least cost free driving with the Jeep.

I'm a big Audi fanboy and Euro enthusiast, but I was not willing to pay 100K or more for a luxury/performance SUV. I'm into Euro sports cars not Euro SUVs so I decided to go with an American SUV.

Looked around and there is not a American SUV as badass as a GC SRT, especially the 2014 with 8 gears, LEDs, AWD, new navigation system, new steering wheel, new digital instrument cluster and awesome looks. Read the reviews and decided to buy one. With the money I'm saving by buying this cheap ass American SUV, I can one day buy another Audi and have 3 cars.

[NOFEARCT]

unfortunately the SQ5 isn't anywhere nearly big enough... and I also need/want 4 wheel drive, many snowny mountain pass's to go through. But I dont need a bunch of off roading gear.

Does the SRT8 have true 4WD? I'm sure the Q5 would equal or best the jeep in the white stuff.

I had a V10TDI touareg, a Cayenne Turbo, then a Cayenne Turbo S, all purchased used and heavily modified. Touareg had literally zero issues even pushing 700+ lbs of torque, cayennes were not as reliable but when I was looking for a replacement I drove the second gen SRT8 with the 5 speed and I was woefully underwhelmed. Every time I let off the gas the damn Eco mode kicked in and the hemi roar vanished, the fuel efficiency increase that they claim to achieve of 10-15% doesn't nearly warrant the emasculation of driving something so wicked looking that only is running on 4 cylinders and sounds the part. On a more serious note it felt like a jeep, it didn't really feel all that special and all manners of performance seemed a bit pedestrian. The first gen jeep has serious balls, it's as fast or faster than the new one, they have the same power to weight ratios, and it just felt like they designed it to be a cayenne killer, new one targets Mercedes luxury it seems and it doesn't fare well in that regard either. I would buy a new diesel X5 or something before the SRT. Just my personal opinion, label me as you see fit.

[jauri]

i like the font of the digital speedo... . congrats on the new car.

Well, I bought one 6 weeks ago and is now my S4's little or should I say big brother.

I have no regrets. The LEDs and brembo brakes are amazing and the interior is nice. The ride is comfortable and I have lots of power when needed. It's not for everyone, but it's much cheaper than a Cayenne, X5M or land Rover. I get 17-18 MPG average. It's definitely a head turner with the black chrome rims with the big red calipers.

[BingBangBoom]

Does the SRT8 have true 4WD? I'm sure the Q5 would equal or best the jeep in the white stuff.

My comment on the SQ5 was only in regard to its size, not its AWD or snow capabilities.

I'm a big Audi fanboy and Euro enthusiast, but I was not willing to pay 100K or more for a luxury/performance SUV. I'm into Euro sports cars not Euro SUVs so I decided to go with an American SUV.

Looked around and there is not a American SUV as badass as a GC SRT, especially the 2014 with 8 gears, LEDs, AWD, new navigation system, new steering wheel, new digital instrument cluster and awesome looks. Read the reviews and decided to buy one. With the money I'm saving by buying this cheap ass American SUV, I can one day buy another Audi and have 3 cars.

You're on the exact same page as me, I love the euro's but I would argue the SRT looks more badass than anything else out there! I think I'm going to have to get one!

I alos love how everyones knocks Jeep, have you guys actually been inside a BMW lately, I love Beemers but their interiors haven't changed in 30 years and they are some of the least inspiring and saddest looking interiors I have ever seen! Seiously it's fortunate that their cars are so great everywhere else.

[esimp2k]

Seriously? I can certainly get a feel for build and materials used in a lesser model. Just as the entry $14k wrangler will let me know the $40k wrangler I drove will be just as shitty, but dressed up with more shitty and likely shiny materials. Throwing a big motor, BBK, nice wheels, diff bumper covers etc on a shitty truck does not make it a nice truck. I have no respect for any Chrylser product. They are so cheaply done and wear so quickly. I had a previous gen GC dd and sold it within 4 months. You can look at/ride in even 2-4 year old Chrylser products see/feel/hear issues you should not see. When you really clean cars properly, you see things that not even the owners would ever see. The SRT GC is cool for sure, and good at what it was designed for, but for reasons stated, I could never throw my money at any Chrysler product. I know I am not alone by any means. Hell, my 2005 Subi is more solid than that new $40k Wrangler. The quality levels flow all the way up.

Ummm have you driven an a3 recently? I have and I thought it was junk on almost every level. I would never buy one.