Jeep has been making beastly SUVs for a long time. One of their most outstanding performance SUVs came in the '90s in the form of the 1998 Grand Cherokee packing 245 hp. While this number might seem regular by today's standards, it wasn't so common at the time. With other manufacturers topping their SUVs' horsepower, Jeep decided to use the Challenger Hellcat's 6.2-liter supercharged engine for their Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. The new engine has been a success and the Trackhawk gets lots of love for its abundant power.
Jeep plans to offer electric versions of all their models by 2023, and there were speculations of the Trackhawk being discontinued. Increasing emissions regulations for auto manufacturers also contributed to the speculations. However, when Jeep announced that there would be a 2022 Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, gearheads were ecstatic.
But while we wait for Jeep's all-new performance SUV, here's everything that makes the 2021 Trackhawk so great.
9 Modern Interior
Like the previous model, the 2022 Trackhawk has both leather and suede seat finishing with a leather-covered dashboard. The seats are power-adjustable with heated and ventilation functions available for both front and rear seats. To improve the driver's comfort, the Trackhawk comes with a telescoping steering wheel.
Air conditioning and the reading lamp at the rear seats come as standard features. There are also features such as voice-activated climate control and four-way power lumbar support, all of which make the Trackhawk's interior modern.
8 Power Train Options
The Trackhawk has only one engine option but then, it's not your everyday SUV engine. Jeep's Grand Cherokee Trackhawk will return with the 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat Hemi V8 engine. The V8 produces 707 horsepower @6,000 rpm and 645 lb-ft of torque.
When compared to engine options from other SUVs in its class, the Trackhawk comes top of the list. For comparison, one of its closest rivals, the 2022 Range Rover Sport SVR will use a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 with an output of 575 horsepower and 515 lb-ft of torque.
7 Unapologetically Jeep
One constant in Jeep models is their design architecture and because of this, the brand's models are instantly recognizable. Some Jeep models for the 2022 model year have seen modifications in the exterior. The 2022 Jeep Compass unveiled at the 2021 Chicago auto show looks a bit different from the previous model.
The same is the case with the Trackhawk. While the originality is still there, some areas have been tweaked. Of course, Jeep's seven-slot grille remains with 20" wheels to support the SUV. The rear end features a lip spoiler and a power tailgate.
6 Improved Driver's Assistance And Safety Features
Most driver's assistance and safety features in the Trackhawk are standard. These include adaptive cruise control, remote engine start, autonomous emergency braking, electronic stability control, roll stability control, automated parking sensors, lane departure warning, and more.
Apart from the numerous standard features, some other features like the forward collision warning-plus have been improved. Ratings from safety associations are not yet available, but we're expecting the new Trackhawk to have something close to, or even better than the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee IIHS ratings.
5 Massive Cargo And Towing Capacity
Since the Trackhawk is an off-road vehicle, it makes sense that the driver would want enough cargo. The SUV can comfortably seat five adults with enough headroom and legroom. Without folding the rear seats, the Trackhawk has 36.3 cu-ft, and with the seats folded, the space increases to 68.3 cu-ft.
Additionally, the trunk has 36 cu-ft, and the SUV can tow a maximum of 7,200lbs. As for how the Trackhawk fairs against the competition, it has 9 inches more cargo than the Range Rover Sport SVR and 15 cu-ft more space than Porsche's Cayenne Turbo.
4 Drive Modes
The Trackhawk is easily customizable and this makes things easier for drivers. Auto, Snow, track, tow, sport, and launch modes are all available on the Trackhawk. Jeep will likely repeat some drive mode features from the last Trackhawk. If so, drivers will be able to customize their launch control and choose where they want it to start.
The transmission will also have street, sports, and track options. Drivers will also be able to control the paddle shifters, select stability options, and even customize their steering wheel.
3 Infotainment And Connectivity
For infotainment, Jeep is offering similar features as the previous model. The media screen is an 8.4-inch touchscreen with a positioning that is typical with all Jeep models. There's a 9-speaker Alpine audio system, UConnect navigation, and even voice-activated commands.
.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=750&dpr=1.5)
Auxiliary audio input, Bluetooth audio, USB ports, Wi-Fi hotspot, and Sirius XM are all standard on the Trackhawk. Of course, the infotainment system has both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
2 Warranty
The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk has a basic warranty that lasts for 3 years or 6,000 miles. Then there's a corrosion warranty that lasts for 5 years. The driver train warranty lasts for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Since the Trackhawk is high-performance, drivers can get an extended warranty.
Usually, the extension is offered at the dealership for a price. If you buy a used Trackhawk, you can also get a warranty extension. Though, the price will be much more.
1 Fuel Efficiency
With its high power and speed, the Trackhawk might not be the most fuel-efficient SUV. In 2018, the large SUV got an EPA fuel economy rating of 7.7gal/100 miles. The 2020 Trackhawk had a fuel economy of 11 miles per gallon in the city, 17 miles per gallon on the highway, and a combined economy of 13mpg.
For the new model, the speculated fuel economy is 13 mpg in the city, 20 mpg on the highway, and a combined economy of 20 mpg. The figures just keep getting better.