Pros

  • Absolute monster of an engine
  • Brings a unique ownership experience
  • Excellent cabin space
  • Very good value for money

Cons

  • Fuel consumption can be immense
  • Terrible reputation for after-sales service
  • Cost of maintenance can be extreme
  • Ride quality becomes harsh with age

Verdict

Very few vehicles offer what the SRT can provide.

If you absolutely need this ownership experience in your life, and you can easily afford not only the purchase but the running and maintenance costs (which will be extensive), find a fully serviced, low kilometre and completely cared for SRT, then...

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2020

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Publish: August 6, 2021

The 6.4L HEMI V8-powered SRT (originally SRT-8) was the highest-performance Grand Cherokee available until the Trackhawk arrived in 2018.

Based on the fourth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2), the SRT is far more than simply a powerful V8 installed within a WK2 platform.

The SRT features a strengthened body, high performance Brembo brakes, performance-tuned suspension, amongst a host of SRT-specific enhancements.

While the SRT’s performance credentials are without question, it is still fundamentally a Jeep Grand Cherokee and that brings with it the Grand Cherokee’s undesirable reputation for build quality and potential poor reliability.

The SRT (along with the entire Grand Cherokee range) received various updates during its lifecycle, most notably in 2017 receiving a facelift that featured a new alloy wheel design, reshaped headlights and a reshaped grill as well as updates to tech and equipment.

While the SRT offers excellent value for money when compared to similar spec’d European performance SUVs, committing to ownership requires quite the commitment to everything the SRT requires and delivers, both good and bad.

The 6.4L HEMI V8-powered SRT (originally SRT-8) was the highest-performance Grand Cherokee available until the Trackhawk arrived in 2018.

Based on the fourth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2), the SRT is far more than simply a powerful V8 installed within a WK2 platform.

The SRT features a strengthened body, high performance Brembo brakes, performance-tuned suspension, amongst a host of SRT-specific enhancements.

While the SRT’s performance credentials are without question, it is still fundamentally a Jeep Grand Cherokee and that brings with it the Grand Cherokee’s undesirable reputation for build quality and potential poor reliability.

The SRT (along with the entire Grand Cherokee range) received various updates during its lifecycle, most notably in 2017 receiving a facelift that featured a new alloy wheel design, reshaped headlights and a reshaped grill as well as updates to tech and equipment.

While the SRT offers excellent value for money when compared to similar spec’d European performance SUVs, committing to ownership requires quite the commitment to everything the SRT requires and delivers, both good and bad.

The 6.4L HEMI V8-powered SRT (originally SRT-8) was the highest-performance Grand Cherokee available until the Trackhawk arrived in 2018.

Based on the fourth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2), the SRT is far more than simply a powerful V8 installed within a WK2 platform.

The SRT features a strengthened body, high performance Brembo brakes, performance-tuned suspension, amongst a host of SRT-specific enhancements.

While the SRT’s performance credentials are without question, it is still fundamentally a Jeep Grand Cherokee and that brings with it the Grand Cherokee’s undesirable reputation for build quality and potential poor reliability.

The SRT (along with the entire Grand Cherokee range) received various updates during its lifecycle, most notably in 2017 receiving a facelift that featured a new alloy wheel design, reshaped headlights and a reshaped grill as well as updates to tech and equipment.

While the SRT offers excellent value for money when compared to similar spec’d European performance SUVs, committing to ownership requires quite the commitment to everything the SRT requires and delivers, both good and bad.

  • Fuel evac issues
  • Wheels and Brembo brake caliper clear coat can peel off
  • Rust can be a major issue in colder or coastal areas
  • Carbon fibre interior trim comes off
  • Panel gaps can vary dramatically from the factory
  • Various electronic, ECU and computer issues
  • Metallic trim on the steering wheel can peel, resulting in injury or cutting to hands
  • The price of tyres and brakes can become very expensive
  • Door hinges can begin to creak
  • Reports of the U-Connect infotainment screen failing
  • Many reports of water pumps failing. (However, Jeep should have addressed this during servicing)
  • Blower motor in air conditioning unit are known to fail or become extremely noisy
  • Fuel door can break off
  • Seal around the windscreen can wear and leak
  • Dashboard leather can separate, lift or shrink in warm climates
  • A comprehensive and thorough service history is critical

 

It also needs to be noted that the SRT, (excluding engine, transmission, certain running gear and suspension components) can suffer from the same issues and faults of the Grand Cherokee range.

  • Fuel evac issues
  • Wheels and Brembo brake caliper clear coat can peel off
  • Rust can be a major issue in colder or coastal areas
  • Carbon fibre interior trim comes off
  • Panel gaps can vary dramatically from the factory
  • Various electronic, ECU and computer issues
  • Metallic trim on the steering wheel can peel, resulting in injury or cutting to hands
  • The price of tyres and brakes can become very expensive
  • Door hinges can begin to creak
  • Reports of the U-Connect infotainment screen failing
  • Many reports of water pumps failing. (However, Jeep should have addressed this during servicing)
  • Blower motor in air conditioning unit are known to fail or become extremely noisy
  • Fuel door can break off
  • Seal around the windscreen can wear and leak
  • Dashboard leather can separate, lift or shrink in warm climates
  • A comprehensive and thorough service history is critical

 

It also needs to be noted that the SRT, (excluding engine, transmission, certain running gear and suspension components) can suffer from the same issues and faults of the Grand Cherokee range.

  • Fuel evac issues
  • Wheels and Brembo brake caliper clear coat can peel off
  • Rust can be a major issue in colder or coastal areas
  • Carbon fibre interior trim comes off
  • Panel gaps can vary dramatically from the factory
  • Various electronic, ECU and computer issues
  • Metallic trim on the steering wheel can peel, resulting in injury or cutting to hands
  • The price of tyres and brakes can become very expensive
  • Door hinges can begin to creak
  • Reports of the U-Connect infotainment screen failing
  • Many reports of water pumps failing. (However, Jeep should have addressed this during servicing)
  • Blower motor in air conditioning unit are known to fail or become extremely noisy
  • Fuel door can break off
  • Seal around the windscreen can wear and leak
  • Dashboard leather can separate, lift or shrink in warm climates
  • A comprehensive and thorough service history is critical

 

It also needs to be noted that the SRT, (excluding engine, transmission, certain running gear and suspension components) can suffer from the same issues and faults of the Grand Cherokee range.

Body style:

  • 5-door SUV

Engine:

  • 6.4-litre Hemi V8

Power:

  • 344kW

Torque:

  • 624Nm

Transmissions:

  • 8-speed automatic with four-wheel drive

Fuel use:

  • 14L/100km (combined)

Dimensions:

  • Height: 1749mm
  • Length: 4846mm
  • Width: 1954mm
  • Kerb Weight: 2315kg

Body style:

  • 5-door SUV

Engine:

  • 6.4-litre Hemi V8

Power:

  • 344kW

Torque:

  • 624Nm

Transmissions:

  • 8-speed automatic with four-wheel drive

Fuel use:

  • 14L/100km (combined)

Dimensions:

  • Height: 1749mm
  • Length: 4846mm
  • Width: 1954mm
  • Kerb Weight: 2315kg

Body style:

  • 5-door SUV

Engine:

  • 6.4-litre Hemi V8

Power:

  • 344kW

Torque:

  • 624Nm

Transmissions:

  • 8-speed automatic with four-wheel drive

Fuel use:

  • 14L/100km (combined)

Dimensions:

  • Height: 1749mm
  • Length: 4846mm
  • Width: 1954mm
  • Kerb Weight: 2315kg

Warranty:

3-year/100,000km (2012 – 2017)
5-year/100,000km (2017 – 2021)

Servicing:

6-months/12,000km (2012 – 2017)
12-months/12,000km (2017 – 2021)

Model range, pricing and features

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8-10

SRT-8 (2012) and SRT (2013 - 2021)

Price when new: $76,000 - $95,950

Price used: $26,100 - $36,650

Originally called the SRT-8 until its name change to simply SRT in 2013, the base model Grand Cherokee SRT was and is loaded with equipment.

As mentioned above, find the best condition, lowest kilometre example that fits your budget and make sure it has a full and thorough service history, this is critical.

Standard features:

  • 20-inch alloy wheels
  • High performance tyres
  • 6-piston Brembo Brakes at the front and 4-piston Brembo brakes at the rear
  • SRT bodykit
  • SRT-only performance pages in the head unit, displaying engine statistics, quarter mile/0-60, and other metrics
  • Nappa leather seats with SRT-only Alcantara inserts and headliner
  • Heated and cooled front, and heated rear seats
  • Electronically-adjustable front seats
  • SRT-only fascia covering hitch
  • SRT-only adaptive suspension modes, including track mode
  • Jeep’s Selec-Trac drive mode control
  • SRT-only “launch” mode, designed to model world class professional driver techniques
  • Upgraded software for transmission, with over 90 gear shift programs
  • Adaptive bi-xenon headlights
  • Ventilated bonnet
  • High-grade Nappa leather sports seats
  • Flat bottom sports steering wheel
  • Carbon fibre interior trim accents
  • SRT Performance pages for touchscreen display
  • 11-speaker sound system
  • Harman Kardon surround sound audio with 19 speakers (Optional)
  • Blacked-out head and tail lamps
  • Paddle shifters
  • Auto climate control with dual temp zones
  • 8.4-inch touch screen display
  • Satellite navigation
  • Bluetooth telephone and audio streaming capability
  • U Connect Access System
  • 7-inch customisable gauge cluster
  • Power tailgate
  • Rear-view camera
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • Dual-pane panoramic sunroof
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • AEB
  • Forward collision warning
  • Lane departure warning
  • Anti-lock brake system with rough-road detection
  • Brake override
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Electronic roll mitigation
  • Rain brake support
  • Rear cross path
  • Trailer sway control
  • Seven airbags
  • 4C latest-generation infotainment systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (from 2020)

Very few vehicles offer what the SRT can provide.

If you absolutely need this ownership experience in your life, and you can easily afford not only the purchase but the running and maintenance costs (which will be extensive), find a fully serviced, low kilometre and completely cared for SRT, then yes, buy it.

However, we’d recommend making this a short term commitment. While the SRT is unique and provides quite the experience, the depreciation, cost of fuel and upkeep and potential for typical Jeep quality and longevity issues may result in a broken heart and depleted wallet.

Very few vehicles offer what the SRT can provide.

If you absolutely need this ownership experience in your life, and you can easily afford not only the purchase but the running and maintenance costs (which will be extensive), find a fully serviced, low kilometre and completely cared for SRT, then yes, buy it.

However, we’d recommend making this a short term commitment. While the SRT is unique and provides quite the experience, the depreciation, cost of fuel and upkeep and potential for typical Jeep quality and longevity issues may result in a broken heart and depleted wallet.

Very few vehicles offer what the SRT can provide.

If you absolutely need this ownership experience in your life, and you can easily afford not only the purchase but the running and maintenance costs (which will be extensive), find a fully serviced, low kilometre and completely cared for SRT, then yes, buy it.

However, we’d recommend making this a short term commitment. While the SRT is unique and provides quite the experience, the depreciation, cost of fuel and upkeep and potential for typical Jeep quality and longevity issues may result in a broken heart and depleted wallet.

Disclaimer

Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.

Information correct as of August 06, 2021.

The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.

Read our full terms and conditions here.

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