Back in the mid-years of the ‘00s, the crossover craze was in its early days, and options for a high-performance SUV were few and far between. Looking back at some of the most popular SUVs, besides a couple European options, power figures above 315-hp were a foreign concept. For the better part of the SUV’s existence, they were purely seen as a practical option for hauling and towing, with the thought of a high-performance version of an SUV that weighed a ton or two, being considered an oxymoron.

Nowadays, you have such options as the Durango Hellcat, Lamborghini Urus, and Cayenne Turbo GT, but before the world of super-SUVs, there was the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8.

Although Porsche and Mercedes-Benz were two of the originators to offer high-performance crossovers, it was the inclusion of the Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK) SRT8, that opened the eyes of every gear head with families that you didn’t need to make six figures a year to join the world of high-performance SUVs.

The SRT8 is also credited as setting the foundation for the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, a 707-hp behemoth that mated a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 Hellcat engine to the AWD SRT8 base. Jeep had once again redefined the high-performance SUV, with automakers scrambling to stuff their most potent drivetrain into their crossovers, in a bid to capitalize like the Trackhawk has.

For this article, the two legends of the high-performance SUV segment square off; this is a side-by-side comparison of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT and Trackhawk variants.

Exterior Comparison

2021-Jeep-Grand-Cherokee-1
Via MurrayChryslerWestman

At first glance, it may appear that the differences between the SRT and Trackhawk are largely indistinguishable. And as far as the average enthusiast is concerned, they are the same. However, there are two subtle differences in regards to the exterior styling and design that set these two variants apart.

The first difference is the wheel options. The SRT8 comes standard with 20” satin carbon-finished, five spoke aluminum rims with red brake calipers. Whereas the Trackhawk comes from the factory sitting on 20” black satin-finished, five spoke aluminum rims featuring yellow brake calipers. The SRT also features a quad-tip exhaust to accentuate the beautiful, naturally aspirated sounds of the Hemi.

The second difference relates to the vehicles lighting, or in the case of the Trackhawk, lack thereof. The SRT incorporates fog lighting on either side of the lower, front bumper, but as it relates to the Trackhawk, Jeep has forgone the extra lighting. The reasoning for this difference is that the same location on the Trackhawk, is now an active part of the grill to further increase cooling.

RELATED: What You Need To Know About The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

Interior Comparison

The cabin of the new Grand Cherokee
Jeep

The next subtle difference comes in the form of the Grand Cherokee’s interior. Although these vehicles share the same seat shape and size and the exact same technology and safety features, the differences lie in the materials used. Standard seats in the SRT feature a combination of ventilated nappa leather trim and suede, with custom, SRT stitching. The Trackhawk, conversely, features black laguna leather seating with bolsters, and of course, custom Trackhawk stitching.

At this point in the comparison, these two models appear to be largely the same on paper. However, the next section clearly defines the Grand Cherokee's biggest difference between its SRT and Trackhawk variants.

Under The Hood And Performance Comparison

Grand Cherokee SRT and Trackhawk Hood Up
Via: YouTube - Dan Hardy

Both options come standard with launch control, Brembo brakes, active 4X4 suspension, and performance data through the infotainment screen. But at the heart of both these variants lie their biggest difference: the engine.

As previously mentioned, the SRT was formerly Jeep’s buffest pony in the stable, and to this day, still features the same 6.4-liter, naturally aspirated, Hemi V8 engine capable of producing 475-hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. No slouch on the track either, it is able to go from a standstill to 60 mph in about 4.4 seconds, with a top speed of 160 mph. All while still being able to tow 7,200 pounds.

The Trackhawk, Jeep’s latest track-inspired toy, is powered by the Hellcat’s massive 6.2-liter supercharged V8, that produces the same 707-hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. The Trackhawk now sees 0-60 in less than three seconds, and can travel up to an absolutely ludicrous, 290 mph. Once again, making it the best super-SUV in terms of pricing and capability, in the world.

RELATED: Everything You Should Know Before Buying A 2020 Jeep Trackhawk

Pricing Comparison Of The Trackhawk And SRT

Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
Via Jeep.De

The second-biggest difference between the SRT and Trackhawk is of course: the price. You’ll be spending huge money regardless, but with the SRT starting at around $71,000 and Trackhawk touching $90,000, it begs the question: is an extra 232-hp worth another $20,000?

Chances are, when browsing vehicles at this price level, money isn’t as much of a factor as for some people, in which case, the Trackhawk wins every day of the week. But as for the consumer sticking within a certain price budget for a high-performance SUV, the SRT offers plenty of high-end amenities, comfortable seating, and capable towing capacities. It’s 475-hp isn’t a bad quality either.