The Jeep Grand Cherokee, already renowned as the most awarded SUV and a leader in full-size SUV capability, has been injected with a dose of unparalleled power. Enter the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, the most powerful and quickest SUV ever unleashed. This groundbreaking vehicle redefines performance, merging world-class on-road driving dynamics with the rugged legacy of the Jeep brand. At its heart lies a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine churning out a staggering 707 horsepower, propelling it from 0-60 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds. The Trackhawk isn’t just about raw power; it’s a meticulously engineered machine, boasting upgraded driveline components, advanced braking technology, and a driver-focused interior designed for the ultimate driving experience.
The Heart of the Beast: 707 Horsepower Supercharged V-8
Powering the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is the awe-inspiring supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 engine, delivering a monumental 707 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is not just powerful; it’s built for relentless performance and durability.
Crafted from the strongest materials, the engine block features water jackets for optimal cooling, ensuring peak performance even under extreme stress. The forged-steel crankshaft, capable of withstanding pressures equivalent to five family sedans on each piston with every rotation, is a testament to its robust design. High-strength, forged-alloy pistons and premium-grade aluminum-alloy cylinder heads further contribute to the engine’s resilience and power output.
The 2,380cc per revolution supercharger, equipped with integral charge-air coolers and an electronic bypass valve, maximizes boost pressure. Its twin-screw rotors are coated with a proprietary formula enhancing performance and durability. This advanced coating allows for tighter clearances, reducing air leakage and boosting compressor efficiency. A cold-air scoop in the front fascia, replacing the driver’s-side fog lamp, feeds the 92mm throttle body, ensuring optimal air intake for the supercharger. The lubrication system, featuring a high-flow oil pump and piston-cooling jets, along with a high-capacity oil/air heat exchanger, maintains ideal oil temperatures even under demanding driving conditions. A dedicated low-temperature cooling system further ensures that intake air temperatures remain optimal for peak performance. Fuel delivery is handled by a high-performance system with two high-flow, multi-mode pumps, perfectly matched to the engine’s demands.
Benchmark Performance: Speed, Braking, and Handling
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk isn’t just about straight-line speed; it’s engineered for comprehensive performance. Its staggering 707 horsepower translates to record-breaking figures: 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, a quarter mile in just 11.6 seconds at 116 mph, and a top speed of 180 mph.
To manage this immense power, the Trackhawk features an upgraded TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. This transmission delivers quicker shift responses and consistent performance, adapting to various driving conditions and driver inputs. The Jeep Quadra-Trac on-demand four-wheel-drive system ensures optimal traction and control. It incorporates an electronic limited-slip rear differential and a full-time active transfer case with strengthened components for enhanced durability. Launch Control comes standard, coordinating the engine, transmission, driveline, and suspension for perfect launches and consistent acceleration. The Torque Reserve system further enhances launch performance by pre-positioning the supercharger bypass valve, maximizing boost and torque delivery from a standstill.
The Selec-Track system offers five dynamic modes – Auto, Sport, Track, Snow, and Tow – allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle’s performance to different conditions. Each mode adjusts the four-wheel-drive system, transmission, suspension, steering, and paddle shifters for optimized driving dynamics. For personalized control, Custom Mode allows drivers to individually configure vehicle settings. The Trackhawk’s suspension, featuring short- and long-arm independent front suspension and multi-link rear suspension with Bilstein adaptive damping, ensures world-class on-road handling and composure. Despite its performance focus, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk retains impressive towing capability, rated at 7,200 pounds.
Unrivaled Stopping Power: Brembo Braking System
Bringing this high-performance SUV to a halt requires exceptional braking power. The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is equipped with a new high-performance Brembo braking system, featuring the largest standard front brakes ever fitted to a Jeep vehicle.
The front brakes consist of massive 15.75-inch (400 mm) two-piece vented rotors with six-piston calipers, while the rear utilizes 13.78-inch (350 mm) vented rotors with four-piston calipers. All calipers are finished in a distinctive yellow, further highlighting the Trackhawk’s performance pedigree. These Brembo brakes deliver outstanding stopping performance, bringing the Trackhawk from 60 mph to a standstill in just 114 feet. The anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, and traction control systems are specifically tuned to complement the vehicle’s high-performance capabilities, ensuring safety and control under hard braking.
Aggressive and Functional Exterior Design
The exterior of the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is both aggressive and functional, reflecting its high-performance nature while maintaining the iconic Jeep design language. The Trackhawk sits one inch lower than non-SRT Grand Cherokee models, with body-colored wheel flares, side sill cladding, and a sculpted hood featuring dual heat extractors.
The signature seven-slot upper front grille is flanked by adaptive, bi-xenon headlamps with a unique Gloss Black background. The front fascia is redesigned to optimize airflow to cooling modules and air induction, with fog lights removed to maximize cooling efficiency. From the rear, a Gloss Black rear valence houses four-inch Black Chrome quad exhaust tips, producing a distinctive and exhilarating exhaust note. “Supercharged” badges on the front doors and a “Trackhawk” badge on the liftgate further distinguish this high-performance model. New standard 20 x 10-inch Titanium-finish wheels, showcasing the yellow Brembo calipers, complete the aggressive stance. Lightweight forged aluminum wheels are optionally available, reducing weight by 12 pounds. The Trackhawk is offered in nine exterior colors, including exclusive shades like Rhino and Redline 2.
Driver-Focused, Premium Interior
The interior of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is designed to be driver-focused and luxurious, blending premium materials with performance-oriented features. Soft-touch materials, Light Black Chrome finishes, and carbon fiber accents create a sophisticated and sporty ambiance. The 7-inch driver information display features a centered tachometer and a 200-mph speedometer, emphasizing the vehicle’s performance capabilities.
The 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen, angled towards the driver, includes Trackhawk-exclusive Performance Pages. These pages display a range of performance timers, gauges, and even an engine dynamometer screen showing real-time horsepower and torque figures. The flat-bottom steering wheel features conveniently placed controls and paddle shifters for a sporty driving experience. Standard Nappa leather and suede seats with an embroidered “Trackhawk” logo provide both comfort and support. Optional features include a Signature Leather Interior Package with embossed “Trackhawk” logos, heated and ventilated seats, Dark Ruby Red seatbelts, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof. A Premium Metal Package adds upscale metal accents throughout the interior. Additional premium features include Active Noise Cancellation, a premium headliner, leather-stitched surfaces, Berber floormats with the Trackhawk badge, and an available rear-seat entertainment system. Two audio systems are offered, including a high-end 825-watt Harman Kardon system with 19 speakers.
Advanced Safety and Technology
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is equipped with over 70 safety and security features. New features include Trailer Hitch Camera View at Speed and Valet mode, which restricts vehicle performance and access for security. Valet mode can be activated and deactivated with a personalized PIN code. Standard safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Advanced Brake Assist, Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection, Full-speed Forward Collision Warning with Crash Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning-Plus, and more.
The Trackhawk features the latest Uconnect system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, including standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. This system offers intuitive features, pinch-to-zoom display, enhanced processing power, and high-resolution graphics. SiriusXM Radio, Travel Link, Traffic, and Guardian Connected Services provide real-time information and entertainment. The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is more than just a powerful SUV; it’s a technologically advanced, safe, and luxurious vehicle that redefines the performance SUV segment.
