Driven: 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
Not too long ago, the ability to hit 100 km/h in less than five seconds was an incredible feat. Performance cars like the Ferrari 360 Modena and BMW M5 (E39) were part of that exclusive club, hitting the hallowed figure in 4.3 and 4.8 seconds, respectively.
Even by modern standards, those are still mightily fast vehicles. But in 2021, any number of performance SUV’s can give them a run for their money. In fact, some of them can even better that figure.
Cars like the Lamborghini Urus, BMW X5 M and Maserati Levante Trofeo can all blitz towards 100 km/h in less than four seconds - impressive stuff, especially when you consider their sheer weight and size. Still, they come from brands that are known for their performance, so it should come as no surprise that the performance SUV has evolved into a supercar slayer (in a straight line, at least).
Some, though, hail from manufacturer’s with very little racing pedigree. While Jeep has had a brief flirtation with performance (in the shape of the SRT-8 Grand Cherokee), it could never really cut the mustard when measured against an X5 M or ML63 AMG. However, that didn’t stop Jeep from going one step further. Usually focused on off-roading prowess and luxury, engineers at the Toledo-based car maker have shoehorned an absolute cracker of an engine under the bonnet of the latest Grand Cherokee.
Known simply as the ‘Hellcat’, the gargantuan 6.2-litre V8 petrol engine uses a supercharger to produce an incredible 522 kW of power and an earth-shattering 874 Nm of torque. Sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic, Jeep’s rocketship is able to shift to 100 km/h in a mere 3.5 seconds. That’s impressive for any car, especially one that tips the scales at two and a half tons and has plenty of space for five.
Acceleration is brutal, taking off with the violence and sharpness of an electric vehicle. But where silence would accompany an EVs journey to its top speed, the sheer growl of the V8 and shrill whine of the supercharger dominate everything. It sounds guttural, like a proper muscle car. Most of the time, it’s an aural pleasure. At times though, it can get a touch tiresome.
So what’s the rest of the car like? Well, it’s certainly not built for the bends. Unlike a Stelvio QV or BMW X3 M Competition, the Trackhawk falls short in the twisties. It’s certainly not built to be a canyon carver - oh no, this is one for straight-line speed. And it does that, brilliantly. It will hurtle itself toward the horizon at breakneck speed until it reaches its 290 km/h top speed.
The interior is pretty much the same as the regular Grand Cherokee model. Outdated in many places, with a few cheap plastics. But in the Trackhawk derivative, nearly every surface (including the bucket seats) is covered in the plushest leather. It’s wonderfully sumptuous, with most surfaces being a joy to touch. Build quality seems to be rather impressive, with interior weak points being the outdated infotainment system.
The elephant in the room is undoubtedly the Trackhawk’s monumental thirst. Jeep claims an already absurd fuel consumption figure of 17.7 L/100 km. That is achievable, but only if you drive it like an economy car. Enjoy the V8 and the glorious sound, and you’re looking at a fuel consumption figure closer to 25 L/100 km.
Verdict
Objectively, the Trackhawk is a wasteful, unnecessary SUV that serves no purpose. It’s flashy, loud, wasteful, and very expensive. But from behind the wheel, as a piece of automotive work, it’s fabulous. It’s one last hurrah for the loud and brash V8, before electric cars become the norm. It’s a lot of fun, too - and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Yes, it can’t hold a candle to the more sophisticated X5 and co, but it has a charm that not even the Urus can match. It’s unapologetic and for that reason, we absolutely adore it.
Also worth a look: the 2025 Jeep Wrangler: Iconic Capability Meets Modern Refineme and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
FAQ
Q: What does the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk cost in South Africa?
The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk retailed for around R1,800,000 when new in South Africa, making it one of the pricier performance SUVs on the market but still cheaper than European rivals like the Lamborghini Urus.
Q: How fast is the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk compared to other performance SUVs?
The Trackhawk rockets from 0 to 100 kph in just 3.5 seconds thanks to its supercharged 6.2-litre Hellcat V8 producing 522 kW and 874 Nm, making it faster than the BMW X5 M and competitive with the Lamborghini Urus.
Q: Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk reliable for daily driving in South Africa?
While the Trackhawk delivers incredible performance, its thirsty Hellcat engine and complex supercharged setup mean higher running costs and potential reliability concerns compared to naturally aspirated alternatives, though Jeep's local dealer network provides decent support.
Q: What are the main competitors to the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk in South Africa?
The Trackhawk's main rivals include the BMW X5 M, Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S, and Maserati Levante Trofeo, though none quite match its straight-line brutality and distinctive American muscle character.
Q: Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk worth buying over other performance SUVs?
The Trackhawk offers unmatched straight-line performance and a unique supercharged V8 experience that European rivals can't match, making it worth considering if you prioritise raw power and don't mind higher running costs.
Should You Buy It?
The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is a absolute weapon that delivers supercar-slaying performance in SUV clothing, but it's not for everyone. At around R1,800,000, it's expensive to buy and even more expensive to run, with fuel consumption that'll make your wallet weep. However, if you want the fastest production SUV that money could buy in 2020, with 522 kW of supercharged American muscle and 3.5-second sprints to 100 kph, nothing else comes close to the Trackhawk's brutal character. Yes, you should buy it if you can afford the running costs and want something truly special, but consider a BMW X5 M if you need more refinement and better fuel economy. The Trackhawk is the best straight-line performance SUV under R2,000,000 in South Africa, period.
