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Jeep isn’t a brand usually associated with high performance, at least not the highway type. When most people think of the Jeep Grand Cherokee they probably think of a rugged, but luxurious SUV. That’s an accurate assumption unless the magic suffix SRT8 is present.
SRT8 is Chrysler’s code for move over and get out of the way. The SRT8 designation means the mighty 6.1-liter 420 horsepower Hemi V-8 lurks under the hood. Its 420 horses are matched by 420 lb-ft of tire-shredding torque. The same engine is rated at 425 hp in the Dodge Charger SRT8 and Chrysler 300 SRT8. Regardless of its rating the new Hemi is a great engine that sounds as good as it goes. We sought out underpasses just to hear the throaty exhaust note.
The hot rod Hemi engine is backed by an excellent 5-speed automatic transmission (with a manumatic function) and all-wheel-drive. The AWD aids traction under hard acceleration. The Grand Cherokee SRT8 is capable of 0-60 mph times in the mid-four second range. It can cover the quarter mile in a little over thirteen seconds. That’s hauling for a sports car, much less a 4800-pound SUV.
The quick throttle response and excellent handling made it difficult to thread lightly with our right foot. A heavy foot equals a hefty fuel bill and we only managed a little over 11 mpg. The Grand Cherokee is rated at 12-city/15-highway.
A handsome wheel and tire combo add to the Grand Cherokee’s excellent handling characteristics. The ride is definitely on the firm side. The polished five-spoke 9x20 and 10x20 aluminum wheels are reminiscent of early Camaro IROC wheels. The tires are Goodyear Eagle 225/45ZR20 and 285/40ZR20 all-season performance tires. They’re obviously not intended for off-roading.
Excellent brakes easily handle all the horsepower. Four-wheel discs are used along with ABS and stability control.
Interior space is a little less than the exterior size might suggest. Front seat room is excellent with stretch-out legroom, but the second row is snug unless the front seats are moved up some. Storage bins tend to be small and total cargo capacity is merely adequate. The cargo floor is flat with ample tie-down loops. Styling is the most handsome of the current Jeep lineup. The Grand Cherokee is less boxy than other Jeep products, but it’s still instantly recognizable as a Jeep. The lower stance, big front valence and aggressive 20-inch wheels and tires contribute greatly to its good looks.
Our test car was fully loaded with an oversized sunroof, DVD entertainment system, rain-sensing wipers, power adjustable pedals, parking assist, and navigation system. All those goodies pushed the price into the mid-forties.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 was great fun to drive. The engine is a guaranteed smile-maker. We liked the Hemi even better in the Dodge Charger SRT8, but if you desire similar performance along with increased practicality, the Grand Cherokee is the way to go.
Whines: Back seat legroom is tight when front seats are all the way back and interior storage bins are on the small side.
Bottom line: The 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is muscle car fast but with the added practicality of a four-door station wagon. It’s an extremely fun combination of old-fashioned raw horsepower and modern handling, comfort and safety. | 
