New Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Solidifies SUV’s Iconic Status

It’s been said that “classic” status is something that’s earned, not something you’re born into.

Whether it’s a song like Nirvana’s “Come As You Are,” or a pair of basic blue denim Levi’s 501 jeans, neither one could actually be called iconic upon first release. Both needed to establish that greater sense of credibility that comes with enduring the test of time, in order to truly be considered a classic.

Now, don’t get me wrong. The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT doesn’t have quite the same kind of history as those two American staples mentioned above. Then again, not much does, which explains why 501s and Kurt Cobain have remained so relevant through the years.

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

Still, since the high-performance Jeep variant was first introduced in 2006, it has developed a reputation as one of the most respected SUVs on the road.

The all-new 2017 Grand Cherokee SRT builds on that appeal with an all-new, exclusive front fascia, fog lamps, grille, and signature leather interior package that significantly enhances the overall appeal of the Jeep.

Not that you really need much convincing on the idea after hitting the gas and feeling that 6.4-liter V8’s 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque.

RESPECT THE BADGE

Regardless of how many times you get behind the wheel of a Grand Cherokee SRT, it leaves you completely rattled about how far the 75-year-old brand has come. And despite the fact that you know you really don’t need all that power in a Jeep, you still revel in it as much as you do the SUV’s 4X4 capabilities in the city while making those routine drives to the gym to work out.

Maybe it’s the idea that with a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 160 mph, you realize that you’re driving one of the fastest SUVs on the road. Or the adrenaline rush you get when you finally do get an opportunity to test out the Jeep’s launch control system on a desolate strip of country road in rural Ohio.

Then, it could be the fact that with a range of selectable drive modes at your fingertips — like Auto, Sport, Track, Snow, and Tow — there’s this inner cockiness that comes with driving the Grand Cherokee SRT, knowing that no road or trail is unconquerable.

Either way, it’s pretty clear that despite the fact there are a few high-performance SUVs on the market (no names), none of them seem poised to hold the same kind of classic value as the Grand Cherokee SRT.

A bit biased? Yeah, maybe. I certainly make no bones about being a longtime fan of the Jeep. But it’s still pretty hard to dispute the Jeep’s appeal, especially for those who like the feel of pure American muscle.

SLIT PERSONALITY

Even better, the Grand Cherokee SRT doesn’t require you to sacrifice some of those ideas of practicality that a lot of other new American muscle cars do. Namely, because that rumbling 475-hp V8 is packaged in a vehicle that can easily double as a family ride as well. And the recent addition of comfort features like WiFi connectivity and rear-seat dual-screen DVD entertainment center only adds to the Grand Cherokee SRT’s appeal as a more practical high-performance vehicle for those with a family.

That said, the price of owning the race-inspired family hauler doesn’t come cheap.

WORTH IT

The sticker on our test model capped out at $82,455. And with an average fuel economy rating of 15 MPG, you’ll definitely want to account for spending a lot more at the pump when planning a family road trip in the Jeep. But it’s well worth the investment for those looking for the best of both worlds.

Of course, how the 2017 Grand Cherokee SRT will hold its value in the years to come remains to be seen, especially with talk of a new re-badged 707-horsepower model on the horizon. But it’s hard to dispute that the SUV has earned its place as a true classic in the long line of SUVs that have been crowned with the Jeep nameplate over the past seven decades.

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