A Clash of SUV Titans
In the realm of high-performance SUVs, few matchups are as exhilarating as the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk versus the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat. Both vehicles, with their roots in the muscle car culture, redefine what an SUV can be by combining extreme power, advanced technology, and rugged practicality. This article explores the differences and similarities between these two extraordinary machines to help potential buyers decide which one best fits their needs.
Performance Between the Grand Cherokee and the Trackhawk
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is a beast on the road, powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine borrowed from the Dodge Hellcat lineup. This engine cranks out an impressive 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. The Trackhawk’s all-wheel-drive system and eight-speed automatic transmission enable it to launch from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.5 seconds, making it one of the fastest SUVs ever produced.
Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat also houses the monstrous supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, delivering the same 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. Despite its larger size and three-row configuration, the Durango Hellcat manages to achieve a 0 to 60 mph time of around 3.5 seconds as well. The all-wheel-drive system ensures that this power is effectively transferred to the road, making the Durango Hellcat a formidable contender.
Verdict
Both the Trackhawk and the Durango Hellcat offer identical horsepower and similar acceleration times, making them equally matched in terms of raw performance. The choice here would come down to other factors beyond just speed.
Design
The design of both the Trackhawk from Jeep and the Durango Hellcat from Dodge are a big part of what makes them what they are.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
The Trackhawk boasts a muscular and aggressive design, characterized by its bold front fascia, larger air intakes, and hood vents designed for optimal cooling. It sits on 20-inch alloy wheels, and the overall aesthetic exudes a sporty and rugged appeal, fitting for its high-performance capabilities.
Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
The Durango Hellcat, while also aggressive, has a slightly more refined look despite its size. It features a prominent front grille, LED lighting, and a sculpted hood with dual heat extractors. The Durango’s larger frame accommodates its three-row seating, giving it a more substantial road presence.
Verdict
Design preferences are largely subjective, meaning personal taste plays a large part in what a driver likes, but the Trackhawk leans more towards a sporty, compact SUV look, while the Durango Hellcat blends muscle with practicality and a more imposing presence.
Interior Features of the Trackhawk and Durango Hellcat
While the exterior design and the performance are largely important, you also want to be comfortable driving in both the Trackhawk and the Durango Hellcat.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
Inside, the Trackhawk offers a luxurious experience with premium materials such as Nappa leather and suede. The cabin is equipped with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, an 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and heated and ventilated front seats.
The spacious interior provides ample comfort for passengers and cargo.
Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
The Durango Hellcat’s interior is equally impressive, with high-quality materials and advanced technology. It features a Uconnect system with an optional 10.1-inch touchscreen (bigger than the screen in the Trackhawk), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
The significant advantage of the Durango Hellcat is its three-row seating, accommodating up to seven passengers, making it ideal for larger families.
Verdict
Both interiors are luxurious and tech-forward, but the Durango Hellcat edges out the Trackhawk with its additional seating capacity and larger touchscreen option.
Practicality and Utility
Are the Trackhawks and the Durango Hellcats useful and practical?
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
The Trackhawk, being a two-row SUV, offers ample cargo space and comfortable seating for five people. It is in fact an excellent choice for those who need a powerful vehicle without sacrificing too much practicality, but it may fall short for larger families.
The Trackhawk can also tow up to 7,200 pounds.
Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
The Durango Hellcat shines in the practicality department, thanks to its three-row seating and generous cargo space.
The Durango Hellcat also outshines the Trackhawk, as it can tow up to 8,700 pounds, making it not only a performance vehicle but also a highly functional one for families and those with heavy towing needs.
Verdict
The Durango Hellcat is the clear winner in terms of practicality and utility, offering more seating and greater towing capacity than the Trackhawk.
Overall Value
Now that we have established the capabilities and features of the Trackhawk and the Durango Hellcat, let’s take a look at the overall value of each vehicle.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
The Trackhawk comes with a premium price tag reflecting its extreme performance and luxurious features. It’s a compelling choice for those who prioritize speed and luxury in a slightly smaller package.
A new Trackhawk will come in around $89,165 MSRP.
Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
The Durango Hellcat, while also expensive, provides additional value through its increased passenger capacity and utility. It’s a versatile vehicle that doesn’t compromise on performance, making it a great option for those who need more space.
The Durango Hellcat comes in at about $103,590, a bit higher than the Trackhawk.
Verdict
For those seeking the best combination of performance and utility, the Durango Hellcat offers more bang for the buck. However, if top-tier speed and a slightly smaller form factor are the priorities, the Trackhawk is a solid choice.
Trackhawk vs. Durango Hellcat Conclusion
Choosing between the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and the Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat boils down to personal needs and preferences.
The Trackhawk excels with its sporty design and extreme performance in a compact SUV form, making it ideal for those who want a thrilling driving experience without the need for additional seating.
The Durango Hellcat, with its powerful engine, additional passenger space, and greater utility, is perfect for those who require both performance and practicality. Ultimately, both vehicles are exceptional in their own right, each offering a unique blend of power, luxury, and functionality.
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