Motoring

THE EFTM GARAGE: Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Review

Make: Jeep

Model: Grand Cherokee

Variant: SRT 

default

Engine / Transmission: 6.4 litre  – 8 Speed automatic

Manufacturer Claimed Fuel Economy: 14L/100km combined 

Price: From $100,873 drive away

First Impressions:

This week, the EFTM Garage is host to Jeep’s dated, but still impressive Grand Cherokee SRT. The 6.4 litre ‘hemi’ fitted to the SRT is the absolute star of the show and worth the price of admission alone.

Interestingly, the SRT’s brother, the Trackhawk, sports a slightly smaller V8 (6.2 litre), but pumps out a monstrous 522kw thanks to supercharging. Despite the SRT’s lack of forced induction, power is never lacking (344kw/624nm). Progress is silky smooth and characterful. This is one Jeep that can seriously hustle!

Tech Inside:

The Grand Cherokee SRT is loaded with adaptive damping, adaptive headlights, active noise cancelling and a full suite of driver aides. Combined, these features produce a really comfortable and capable ride all backed up with a sonorous soundtrack. Some things jar – Americanisms, really.

The foot operated parking brake is just stupid and robs space needed for a foot rest. The stereo is a quality system and includes Apple CarPlay, but the dashboard interface is dated and at least a generation behind the competition.

Still, this much performance in a family SUV for a smidge over $100k is going to result in some compromises. For example, you can almost buy two Grand Cherokee SRTs for the price of one Mercedes GLC 63 S.

Most Impressive:

The way the SRT combines a big, thumping V8 and a sense of ‘last generation’ is actually kind of alluring. It’s a simple car and none the worse for it. The Americanisms certainly give it character and remind you that no one else does things quite like the U.S of A. 

default

Not So Impressive:

Keeping this much mass under control at this much speed means the SRT needs some serious engineering. Massive 20” rims are needed to accommodate the equally massive Brembo branded calipers.

Unfortunately, Jeep has felt that the SRT’s performance demands massively wide rims at the front. While this looks fantastic, the resulting tramlining is disconcerting at first, but you get used to it. It’s another reminder of the retro, hotrod feel that is the SRT. 

Trev’s Test:

Trev took this beast on a 1500km drive through regional NSW, here’s what he thought:

“You don’t realise how many Jeeps there are on the road till you’re in one – they are quite popular, and this one is a head turner. Plus, loads of people have swooned over it on social media, so it’s got appeal. But, out on the Aussie B Roads, it’s not a winner, really does show up the roads imperfection which a car tuned for Australia would not. Turning off lane guideance on the freeway helped a bit with that tramlining effect, and around town it was nice.

Fuel economy was actually excellent on the open road because it drops back to four cylinders, and there’s ample space so no complaints from the kids. I really didn’t mind it overall, but it wouldn’t be my first pick for this level of coin.”

WHEN ON A TEST DRIVE:

If you’re happy being in the hole for $100k for the Grand Cherokee SRT, you just have to try the Trackhawk and hear that supercharger wail. Another alternative is RAM’s excellent range of dual cab mega utes. 

Recent Posts

  • Tech

2026 will be the battle of “RGB” in TV technology – what. the. heck. is. that?

If you're still catching up on Quantum Dots, OLED, Mini LED and are thinking that…

2 hours ago
  • Tech

NBN gets set for the final roll out of Fibre upgrades to another 600,000 homes

The NBN is getting ready to lock in the final stage of the Fibre to…

7 hours ago
  • Motoring

The stunning new BMW iX3 is a vision for the future realised as Neue Klasse comes to market

BMW has revealed the first new model to be designed and engineered under their 2025…

10 hours ago
  • Tech

Best in Smart Home – The SwannBuddy 4K Video Doorbell with AI wins at the IFA Innovation Awards

The SwannBuddy4K Video Doorbell with SwannShield™AI Voice Assistant has been given an Honouree accolade for…

18 hours ago
  • Tech

360 degree security camera coverage and smart AI capabilities come to Reolink security lineup at IFA 2025

Reolink is a bit of an upstart when it comes to home security but having…

20 hours ago
  • Lifestyle

LG unveil its AI plans for your home appliances at IFA 2025

LG has announced its vision for AI-powered living at IFA 2025 under the moniker “LG…

1 day ago