2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8: A Mercedes with Double the Hammer?

Past Jeep Grand Cherokees were standouts with getting through any type of weather, however, the SUV's driving refinement was a shortcoming. Not only is the new 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 able to get through the weather, it offers real 'sports SUV' performance!

So what does the new 2012 Jeep Cherokee SRT8 have to offer?

To start it is equipped with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 pwerplant delivering 470 hp and 465 ft. lb. of torque. The transmission is a five-speed automatic, and the power is delivered through a rear-wheel bias all-wheel drive system. The five-mode Select-Track system (auto, sport, track, snow and tow) adjusts the engine's power delivery, transmission shifting, transfer case torque splits, suspension dampening, and rear differential locking to provide distinctive driving characteristics. The SRT8's 0-60 mph time is in a quick 4.8 seconds and its top speed in 160 mph. Furthermore, this 5,150 lb. Jeep can tow up to 5,000 lbs.

On the exterior the Cherokee SRT8 is bold and looks the part as it includes flared fenders that are filled out by 20 inch alloy wheels. At the front it has the traditional Jeep chrome grille combined with large air intakes. Furthermore, it has functional hood vents. LED daytime running lights provide a modern look to this rugged SUV's appearance.

At the rear this Jeep looks somewhat like a BMW X5. The design is clean with large distinctive taillights integrated into the liftgate. There is a high-mounted spoiler, and at the bottom a set of four-inch exhaust tailpipes.

Of note is that the chassis for this Grand Cherokee SRT8 was part of the joint work between Mercedes and Chrysler as both automakers' SUVs uses the same WK2 platform. See my previous article: 2012 Mercedes-Benz ML 350: Now fully worthy of the three-pointed star. Thus, this Jeep is in a league of its own compared to past Jeep offerings. It has wheel aches that extend out 3.8 inches. The roof is 2.4 inches taller, and the wheelbase is 5.3 inches longer than the 2010 model.

On the inside the interior has been upgraded and provides an upscale environment including plenty of headroom. Other features include a heated leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel with shift paddles, highly bolstered and comfortable Nappa leather and suede seats, plus carbon fiber instrument and door trim. Furthermore, there is a 6.5 inch tilting touch navigation screen with media hard drive and MP3 playback function. The stereo is a 19 speaker Harmon Kardon unit. There is 35.1 cubic feet of space behind the rear split-folding seat and 68.7 cubic feet with the seat folded flat.

The brakes are discs at all four corners measuring 15 inches at the front and 13.8 inches at the rear. The calipers are six-piston front and four-piston rear Brembo units. The SRT8's 60-0 mph stopping distance is in a short 116 feet. The wheels are 20 inch alloys fitted with 295 44 20 inch Pirelli Scorpion Verde rubber.

At the front the suspension is independent with coil springs, Bilstein shock absorbers and stabilizer bar. At the rear the suspension consists of a multi-link setup, coil springs, Bilstein shock absorbers and stabilizer bar.

Active and passive safety systems include ABS, electronic brake force distribution, stability and traction control, blind spot monitoring, forward collision monitoring, tire pressure monitoring, and eight airbags (driver and front passenger, seat mounted driver and passenger, curtain first and second row).

The steering is well weighted and provides good driver feedback when hustling on twisty back roads. This Jeep offers suppressing grip and very sharp handling (.90 g on the skid pad). However, it has very good ride quality and is quiet in town. Thus, there is really no compromising with this SUV as it is really up to any and all driving environments.

The fuel rating for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is 12 city and 18 mpg on the highway.

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is priced at $55,295. Expensive yes, but its performance exceeds other high-end SUV offerings, some costing as much as $150,000.

If you want a well equipped and comfortable SUV that has a hammer of an engine, this Jeep should be high on your test/track drive list.

View the slideshow to see the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 inside and out!

Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best for the Price: How to Buy a Used Automobile, Sport-Utility Vehicle, or Minivan and Save money." He welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site: www.cartown1.com. Follow Kyle on Facebook and Twitter.