Jeep's Grand Cherokee Hellcat is bringing all 707 HP to the U.S. in July of 2017

By Miles Branman April 7, 2016

jeep-grand-cherokee-srt- — Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Image used with permission by copyright holder

Long-rumored, confirmed, delayed, and now given an official production date, Jeep’s Grand Cherokee SRT Hellcat will make its way to the U.S. in July of 2017, according to Jeep CEO Mike Manley.

As expected, the brand’s fastest-ever model will use the supercharged 6.2-liter V8 from the Charger and Challenger SRT Hellcats with an output to match: 707 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. Though those figures have yet to be confirmed, keep in mind that the Grand Cherokee SRT “only” makes 470 hp, so even getting close to that 707 figure means a massive performance increase.

As is, the regular SRT gets to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds and tops out at 157 mph. That could mean the Hellcat version will either dip below the 4.0-second mark or be just at that level while its top speed could climb beyond 175 mph. You’d best have a few sets of spare tires handy, but those kind of speeds in an SUV will be mind-bendingly fun.

Then there’s the Grand Cherokee SRT’s competition. While the SUV is currently on the low end of performance among rivals like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Range Rover Sport SVR, and BMW X5 M, the Hellcat tweaks could make it the fastest SUV on the market — that is if it can put the power down.

It’s not yet clear if Jeep will apply the rumored “Trackhawk” name to the Hellcat-powered Grand Cherokee, but given the Trailhawk badge has been applied to the off-road focused version, it’s a fair bet. There’s also word that the regular SRT will continue to be sold alongside the super-powered Trackhawk, likely because there will be at least a couple hundred horsepower between the two body styles. Then there’s the price. The current SRT starts at $66,490 — right around the price tag for the Charger and Challenger Hellcat, but the Trackhawk could command upwards of $75,000.

Even at that much larger figure, the Grand Cherokee Hellcat/Trackhawk will still cost thousands less than its rivals, which have much more of a luxury slant than the Jeep.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Miles Branman doesn't need sustenance; he needs cars. While the gearhead gene wasn't strong in his own family, Miles…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.