Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT 2013 Review

Price Guide (recommended price before statutory and delivery charges): $77,000
Options fitted (not included in above price): Dual panoramic sunroof and 19-speaker audio system $3900
Crash rating: Four-star (ANCAP)
Fuel: 91 RON ULP
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 14.0
CO2 emissions (g/km): 327
Also consider: BMW X6 xDrive50i (from $150,545 plus ORCs); Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG (from $179,400 plus ORCs); Range Rover Autobiography (from $232,445 plus ORCs)

Jeep's Grand Cherokee SRT is the bar-room brawler in the offroad brand's local range. At the heart of the SRT lies a lusty 6.4-litre V8 that growls in a threatening way, even when short-shifting on a light throttle.

Developing hefty output of 344kW and 624Nm, the engine is a fabulous mill, albeit one that struggles to keep below 17.0L/100km, even in a week of endless freeway driving, as well as the daily commute. Jeep offers launch control in the high-performance Grand Cherokee, but torque can get to the ground equally well without it, by the simple expedient of driving through all four wheels. That's in the dry, at least. There was no chance to try it in the wet.

With its power and all-wheel drive traction the SRT has the potential to embarrass small turbocharged sedans known for their performance, but the icing on the cake is that the Jeep is quite an adept vehicle in corners as well! Given its high centre of gravity it musters amazing grip, consistent handling and flat body control, thanks in part to the adaptive Bilstein dampers fitted. There's decent feedback through the steering wheel and direct steering response.

The SRT exits corners at the sort of speeds you might expect of sportier passenger cars, not some 2.3-tonne muscle-bound SUV. And that's with the suspension set to 'Auto' rather than 'Sport' or 'Track', which are other options available. Admittedly the Jeep's tyres are vocal in their protest when subjected to this sort of treatment, but the outcome is altogether impressive – and fun.

There's a ZF eight-speed auto behind the engine, and it works well most of the time. However, it does jolt on the overrun as the car coasts to a halt. Furthermore, sitting right on the open-road limit of 100km/h there's a constant annoying 'lugging' vibration from the drivetrain. It feels like the damper clutch cutting in and out intermittently, placing more load on the engine. I found it particularly surprising, given the engine is turning over at 1800rpm, not the sort of ultra-low revs where you would expect such vibration to creep in. It is also present at lower speeds, but rarely for as long as on a freeway journey.

And on the subject of NVH issues, hurriedly twirling the steering wheel creates a strange squeak in the dash.

As a high-riding family fun car the Grand Cherokee SRT is very comfortable and involving at the same time. Ride quality is very good considering the car's cornering ability, and the climate control works hard to keep the cabin cool or warm, depending on the ambient temperature. There's plenty to see and do in the Jeep too, including two USB ports in the rear of the centre console for those long-distance journeys when the power is running low on the iPads.

Front-seat passengers can stream audio from a smartphone via Bluetooth and there are a number of 'apps' that can be actuated through the infotainment system – including one that will give you performance figures on the fly. On occasion the infotainment system wouldn't connect with the smartphone (Apple iPhone5), which may be a problem with the phone itself.

Adjustment for the driver's seat and steering column is electric, taking the hard work out of setting up the driving position correctly. The speedo is a digital read-out clustered with trip computer information in the centre of the binnacle, while the tacho and minor instruments (engine temp and fuel gauge) are conventional analogue dials, albeit styled in a very modern way to coordinate with the digital speedo. Overall the presentation works well. Controls are placed largely where they should be, with the one stalk on the left side of the steering column operating both indicators and wipers.

When we originally encountered it, Chrysler's auto transmission shifter caused us some consternation here at motoring.com.au, but in time you do get used to it. Nonetheless, it requires slow, considered handling to go from Drive to Reverse without getting Park instead. Conventional gated shift détentes are easier to use, but do occupy more room on the centre console.

Seating in the front is of the form-fitting type for larger occupants: much bolstering around the sides and moderately firm cushioning. It's the sort of set-up to hold the occupant in place securely during harder cornering, but there's not a lot of give if you carry your wallet around in your back pocket, for instance. It's the posterior equivalent of a pebble in your shoe. Rear-seat accommodation is excellent for adults. There's plenty of head room – even with the SRT's optional panoramic sunroof fitted – and there's space to stretch out as well.

Kudos to Jeep for the adaptive bi-xenon headlights with auto high beam control. At times, however, the high beam control didn't drop the lights until a car was well within range of the driver being dazzled, if the vehicle were approaching obliquely. Apart from that, no complaints.

Despite a couple of minor misgivings – freeway NVH being one in particular – it was a bit of a wrench handing back the SRT. It's surprisingly good fun and has the right amount of presence to 'be a big noise, with all the big boys'.

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