The automotive world is full of hits and misses, but maintaining excellence year after year is the true challenge for automakers. A successful model sets high expectations, and the follow-up must not only meet but exceed those to avoid disappointment. This brings us to the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Srt. Having been thoroughly impressed by the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT a couple of years prior, the question arises: has Jeep sustained that initial magic, or is this 2017 SRT a different beast altogether? Let’s delve into what makes this performance SUV tick.
Striking and Menacing Exterior
Let’s cut to the chase – the exterior of the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is simply stunning. Even for those who aren’t typically SUV enthusiasts, Jeep has sculpted the SRT variant to be more visually arresting than many sports cars on the market. The design language is assertive, almost intimidating, yet avoids being excessive or gaudy. It’s a masterclass in purposeful styling, where every line and curve contributes to the vehicle’s aggressive stance without resorting to mere aesthetic flourishes. While it arguably looks fantastic in any color, the Velvet Red Pearl of the test model truly elevates its visual appeal, making it undeniably head-turning.
Premium and Feature-Rich Interior Experience
Stepping inside the 2017 Grand Cherokee SRT, the interior presents a blend of luxury and sportiness. While personal preference leans slightly towards the all-black interior of the 2015 model tested previously, the caramel-colored leather in this iteration, while high quality, doesn’t quite harmonize with the exterior’s aggressive demeanor as perfectly. Perhaps aiming for a classic Italian sports car aesthetic, the red-on-tan vibe doesn’t fully translate in this context. However, style preferences aside, the interior craftsmanship and material quality are undeniably top-tier, rivaling even luxury brands like Maserati – a testament to FCA’s (now Stellantis) capabilities at their peak. The seats are a highlight, offering exceptional support for spirited driving while maintaining comfort for longer journeys, featuring a refined mix of leather and suede. As expected in a vehicle with an MSRP starting in the high $60,000s and reaching $78,355 as tested with options, everything you interact with exudes quality.
For tech and entertainment, the rear-seat dual-screen Blu-Ray/DVD player with wireless headphones is a welcome feature for passenger enjoyment, and at a $2,000 option price, it represents reasonable value. The dual-pane panoramic sunroof, also a $2,000 option, is impressive in its expansiveness, appealing to those who appreciate open-air driving and a blacked-out roofline. However, for performance purists, that sum might be better allocated to performance enhancements. Conversely, the 19-speaker, 825-Watt Harmon Kardon sound system is an absolute auditory delight, delivering crystal-clear audio fidelity across the volume spectrum.
Explosive SRT Performance and Driving Dynamics
Now, let’s get to the heart of the SRT – its performance. Just like its predecessor, the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is a true powerhouse, delivering exhilarating acceleration and handling that defies its SUV classification. The 6.4L HEMI V8 engine churns out a robust 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, propelling this 5,291 lb SUV from 0-60 mph in a mere 4.4 seconds, and completing the quarter-mile in 13 seconds at 106 mph. These figures aren’t just “quick for an SUV”; they are genuinely fast for any vehicle, period. Complementing the raw speed is the intoxicating roar of the naturally aspirated HEMI V8, a symphony of American muscle. Furthermore, the launch control system is not just a gimmick; it’s a genuinely effective tool for achieving consistent and rapid acceleration. Engaging launch control transforms the driving experience into something akin to piloting a ground-based missile, delivering repeatable thrills every time you unleash its power.
Enhancing the Beast: Duke’s Performance Modifications
While the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is already exceptionally capable, there’s always room for personalization and performance enhancement. Typically, with vehicles this potent, suspension upgrades would be a primary consideration. However, the availability of a factory Brembo big brake kit for $1,295 addresses braking performance admirably straight from the factory – a highly recommended option box to tick. To further unleash the potential of the 6.4L V8, the aftermarket offers impressive turbocharger and supercharger kits. For those seeking supercar-level performance, these forced induction upgrades can elevate the Grand Cherokee SRT into legitimate supercar territory, pushing horsepower figures beyond 600 and dropping 0-60 mph times into the sub-four-second range.
For enthusiasts seeking a more budget-conscious approach or aiming to maintain warranty coverage, upgrading the exhaust system is a compelling modification. The HEMI V8’s inherent character is begging to be amplified, and a more aggressive, free-flowing exhaust system, paired with a performance air intake, can give the SRT the visceral voice it deserves, further enhancing the driving experience without delving into major mechanical changes.
Final Thoughts: The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT – A Benchmark SUV
In conclusion, finding significant faults with the 2017 Grand Cherokee SRT is a challenging endeavor. Personal preferences might lead to different interior color choices or a pass on the panoramic sunroof. However, fundamentally, the SRT represents a near-perfect convergence of everyday usability and raw, unadulterated performance. Considering the as-tested price point approaching $80,000, this level of excellence is arguably expected. However, judicious option selection can bring the price down to the mid-$60,000s base MSRP, making it a compelling value proposition, especially when juxtaposed with its German luxury performance SUV competitors, where the price disparity becomes strikingly apparent.
Concerns about whether the 2017 model would live up to the benchmark set by the 2015 version proved unfounded. Jeep has wisely maintained the core DNA of the Grand Cherokee SRT, with both model years sharing essentially the same winning formula. What was exceptional two years prior remains just as exceptional in 2017. In the realm of luxury performance SUVs, the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT stands as a definitive leader, offering a blend of power, luxury, and practicality that is genuinely hard to surpass.
