Executive Summary

The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT combines brute American muscle with surprising refinement, delivering supercar-like acceleration in a practical SUV package. While its fuel economy won't impress eco-conscious buyers, this 475-horsepower beast offers performance that rivals European luxury SUVs costing tens of thousands more.

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The 2016 Grand Cherokee SRT transforms Jeep's rugged SUV into a performance machine with:

• Aggressive front fascia with functional air intakes
• Wider fender flares to accommodate 20-inch wheels
• SRT-specific hood with heat extractors
• Quad exhaust tips integrated into rear bumper
• Subtle rear spoiler for improved aerodynamics

Dimensionally, the SRT compares to performance SUV rivals:

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While maintaining the Grand Cherokee's essential silhouette, the SRT package adds just enough visual aggression to signal its performance intent without appearing overly ostentatious. The standard 20-inch wheels fill the wheel wells perfectly, though the thin sidewalls contribute to a firmer ride.

Powertrain & Performance

The heart of the Grand Cherokee SRT is its monstrous 6.4L Hemi V8:

• 475 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
• 470 lb-ft torque @ 4,300 rpm
• 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters
• Standard launch control system

Performance figures tell an impressive story:

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The SRT's adaptive suspension system offers five drive modes:

1. Auto: Balanced daily drivin
2. Sport: Sharper responses for spirited driving
3. Track: Maximum performance (stiff ride)
4. Snow: Optimized for low-traction conditions
5. Tow: Enhanced stability when hauling

While not quite matching the razor-sharp precision of German rivals, the SRT delivers thrilling acceleration with a soundtrack that's pure American muscle. The 8-speed automatic provides crisp shifts in manual mode yet remains smooth around town.

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Interior Luxury & Comfort

The SRT transforms the Grand Cherokee's already good interior with:

The standard SRT interior features:

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• Power-adjustable front sport seats with bolsters
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen
• Customizable digital instrument cluster

While the heavily bolstered front seats provide excellent support during spirited driving, they do compromise rear legroom slightly. The optional panoramic sunroof helps alleviate any sense of confinement in the rear seats.

Material quality approaches near-luxury standards, with soft-touch surfaces throughout the cabin. The SRT-specific elements (like the carbon fiber-look trim and metal accents) successfully communicate the model's performance focus without appearing tacky.

Technology & Infotainment

The 2016 SRT features FCA's excellent Uconnect system with:

The Performance Pages app deserves special mention, offering:

• 0-60 mph timer
• 1/8 mile and 1/4 mile timers
• G-force meter
• Lap timer
• Engine performance gauges

While not as feature-rich as some German systems, Uconnect's straightforward operation and excellent responsiveness make it one of the better infotainment systems in its class.

Driving Dynamics & Handling

The SRT's performance credentials extend beyond straight-line speed:

• Brembo brakes with 6-piston front calipers
• Torque-vectoring rear differential
• Adaptive damping suspension
• Quadra-Trac SRT active transfer case

On winding roads, the SRT demonstrates:

• Surprisingly neutral handling for an SUV
• Strong grip from 295/45ZR20 Pirelli tires
• Confidence-inspiring braking performance
• Minimal body roll in Sport/Track modes
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While no sports car, the SRT handles twisty roads with competence that belies its 5,100-pound curb weight. The steering provides decent feedback, though it lacks the precision of BMW's system. Ride quality remains acceptable in Auto mode, though Track mode proves too stiff for regular road use.

The all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction in all conditions, making the SRT a surprisingly capable year-round performance vehicle.

Practical Considerations

The SRT maintains much of the standard Grand Cherokee's practicality:

Fuel economy won't be a strong point:

• EPA-rated 13/19/15 mpg (city/hwy/combined)
• Premium fuel required
• Real-world average around 15 mpg

Ownership considerations include:

• 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty
• Higher-than-average maintenance costs
• SRT-specific parts can be expensive
• Strong resale value for performance models
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Safety Features & Ratings

The 2016 Grand Cherokee earned mixed safety ratings:

• NHTSA Overall Rating: 4/5 stars
• IIHS Ratings: Good except Marginal in small overlap front test

The SRT comes well-equipped with advanced safety tech:

• Standard adaptive cruise control
• Forward collision warning with automatic braking
• Blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert
• ParkSense front/rear park assist
• 360-degree camera system

Notable omissions include lane departure warning and automatic high beams, features commonly found on luxury competitors. The Brembo brakes provide exceptional stopping power, with 15.0-inch front rotors clamped by 6-piston calipers.

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Competitive Analysis

The SRT's value proposition becomes clear when comparing pricing:

While the German competitors offer more power and slightly better performance, the SRT delivers 90% of the experience at nearly half the price. The Jeep also comes better equipped with standard features that are costly options on rivals.

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Final Verdict

The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT succeeds as:

• A surprisingly refined performance SUV
• A legitimate alternative to European luxury models
• A practical family vehicle with supercar acceleration
• One of the best performance values in its class

Potential buyers should be aware of:

• Firm ride quality in performance modes
• Below-average fuel economy
• Some cheap interior plastics in lower areas
• Limited rear legroom with front sport seats

For buyers seeking maximum performance in an SUV package but unwilling to pay six figures, the Grand Cherokee SRT represents an outstanding choice. It combines legitimate track capability with everyday usability in a way few vehicles can match. While the upcoming Trackhawk model would offer even more power, the SRT strikes an ideal balance between performance, comfort and value that makes it one of the most compelling performance SUVs on the market.

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In a world of increasingly expensive European performance SUVs, the Grand Cherokee SRT proves that American muscle can compete on more than just price—it delivers an authentic, thrilling driving experience that honors both the SRT and Jeep legacies.