The Coolest Grand Cherokee Trims to Buy Used

Jeep may be the coolest brand on the market. With their focus on athleticism, unique design features, and off-roading capabilities, Jeeps are of the most sought-after vehicles on the market. Among the most notable models is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Combining the brand’s fantastic design with its leading off-roading capabilities into one premium SUV, the Grand Cherokee is a vehicle that brings with it lots of awards and public approval. Even if it is not brand new, a used Jeep Grand Cherokee will provide a great deal of fun and functionality. Among the coolest used Grand Cherokee trims are the SRT and Trackhawk, both of which place performance at the forefront and can be found right here at Orange Coast CJDR.

The Big Bad Specs

The Trackhawk and SRT are mind-blowingly cool Grand Cherokee trims. Jeeps are always amazing vehicles, but they have never been as good as the Trackhawk and SRT. To prove it to you, the 2020 Grand Cherokee SRT hosts a 6.4-liter V8 engine with Fuel Saver Technology, performing at 475 horsepower and 470 pounds-feet of torque. Not only that, but it can go from 0-60 miles per hour in 4.4 seconds with a top speed of 160 miles per hour. Those numbers are better than many electric vehicles, which are known for their acceleration rates. Nobody delivers 475 horsepower. But the Grand Cherokee SRT does. Are you ready for more? Oh yeah, it gets better.

The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is the most powerful and quickest SUV ever. “Yeah, sure,” you may say. But the proof is in the pudding. The 2020 Trackhawk is set up with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine which reaches 707 horsepower and 645 pounds-feet of torque. Take a pause there and think about the number you just read. 707 horsepower! Sure, nobody performs at 475 horsepower, but really, nobody else performs at 707 horsepower. That just doesn’t happen. But it does, and it happens right here in the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.

Selectable Drive Modes

With all of that power comes a great deal of dynamism. Both the SRT and the Trackhawk feature five drive modes, which allow the driver to select their preferred experience, no matter what it may be. Each of the five modes separately controls the inner workings of the four-wheel drive system, the transmission, and other key components of the vehicle’s operation to adjust your drive to your needs and preferences. What are the five drive modes, you ask?

First is Auto, which automatically adapts to any condition using a torque split of 40-percent in the front and 60-percent in the rear. Next is Sport, which reduces transmission shift times by 50 percent to shake things up and shifts more power to the rear axle to make this athletic drive mode take flight. The Track drive mode sets suspension to full firm to make sure that the vehicle is performing at its absolute top capability (which, as we have established, is simply incredible) on smooth surfaces. Tow mode comes in handy when you are––well––towing by altering torque delivery and adjusting the suspension in order to deliver maximum smoothness and towing strength.

Finally is Snow mode. While we may not see too much of this mysterious white dust in the Orange County area, it will come in handy if you ever cruise over to the mountains. If you’re going to have a vehicle that is this much of a champion, you’re going to want to play with it in all kinds of different conditions and circumstances. The good news is that the SRT and the Trackhawk want this too, and they are ready for whatever challenge may come!

Putting Power to the Ground

While the five drive modes will prove to be incredibly beneficial, the Grand Cherokee SRT and Trailhawk are well-equipped with amazing handling even when not shifting between drive modes. All Grand Cherokee engines are paired with a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, which delivers impressive acceleration and seamless shifting. What’s more, the Quadra-Trac SRT 4×4 system (which includes a rear electronic limited-slip differential) provides impressive traction with advanced and automatic responsiveness.

Performance is not merely about having huge and impressive numbers (though the SRT and Trailhawk both do, obviously); it’s about how those numbers are put into action. You want a vehicle that knows how to distribute its power in an efficient manner instead of just spinning its wheels when you hit the gas. The excellent torque distribution and handling with both of these Grand Cherokee trims make sure that power is being maximized by sending it to all the right places.

Why Buy Used?

This is a great question. We have established that the Grand Cherokee SRT and Trackhawk are excellent SUVs. But why are they good vehicles to buy used? Well, because of their amazing capabilities, the SRT and Trackhawk are on the pricier side. Reasonably so––you can’t get this kind of performance without paying for it––but, if you’re looking for those capabilities without a high price tag attached to them, then purchasing a used SRT or Trackhawk will allow you to find that happy medium.

However, even if you have the money for a new high-performance SUV, you will probably find yourself shopping used. That is because both of these magnificent trims were discontinued after the 2021 model year. The Grand Cherokee was fully redesigned for 2022, but it lost the SRT and Trackhawk variants in the process. While they may make a triumphant return in the future, for now, your best bet is searching for a low-mileage used model.

In general, Jeep is a fantastic brand to buy used. The iconic design and athletic features make Jeeps a hot commodity. While they are still more affordable than some luxury performance brands, the price tags reflect the quality (which is high), and buying used can make a Jeep more accessible. Because the vehicles are designed to be durable (they have to be if they are going to tear up the trails), they will be in good condition even with a fair amount of use. After what we’ve learned here about the Grand Cherokee SRT and Trackhawk, it is clear that these two vehicles are about as strong as they come. Think about how much use the average vehicle can take while still staying in good shape. Now, multiply that by the SRT or Trackhawk, and tell me what you think. You’ll be in good hands with a used Grand Cherokee, whatever trim you choose.

Think about it this way: you could buy a lesser vehicle new, or you could get 707 horsepower used. If you’re looking for the top specs, then that question answers itself. There is no other vehicle like the Grand Cherokee SRT, nor is there another vehicle like the Trackhawk. Buying used does not mean buying abused, especially when you buy from the carefully vetted Orange Coast inventory, and buying used could put you behind the wheel of one of these two amazing trims.

Why Jeep?

Jeep is a brand with a rich history and a long-lasting legacy. Having changed the automotive game in so many ways throughout the course of the brand’s life, Jeep continues to innovate and challenge our ideas of what a vehicle can be. The Grand Cherokee SRT and Trackhawk trims embody this, combining a luxury SUV with some truly astonishing performance specs to create a vehicle that is versatile, athletic, and functional. If you’re looking for a truly mind-blowing vehicle at a reduced price, a used Grand Cherokee SRT or Trackhawk may be just the vehicle for you.