2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Costs the Same As a Dodge Demon

Jeep announced pricing for the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk this week and whether it’s a good value or not largely depends on your priorities. At $85,900 with an additional $1,095 destination charge, it’s essentially the same price as the Dodge Demon before dealer markups. That’s roughly $20,000 over Dodge’s four-door Charger SRT Hellcat, which uses the same supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine delivering an identical 707 horsepower.

So, how do you plate the price to make it appear more appetizing? Direct comparisons. Midsize performance SUVs sit in an odd category almost entirely dominated by premium German vehicles and two less-lavish American models using a seven-year-old platform derived with help from Daimler. What sets the Trackhawk apart is it’s the most bonkers of the bunch and manages its madness at a lower price point than the competition.

The BMW X5 M is debatably the best example in the segment. But it starts at over three figures and only delivers a lousy 567 horsepower with a top speed of 150 mph. While that might be fine if you want to convey your family across town quickly, it doesn’t ensure the same panicked screams as the Trackhawk’s 180 mph. The BMW may have superior curb appeal and a much nicer interior but it won’t terrify your children like the Jeep can — making it an invaluable parenting tool.

It’s a similar story for the rest of the performance SUV segment. You’ll always come up short on performance and, when you try, you’ll inevitably push yourself beyond the $100,000 mark.

According to FCA, the eight-speed all-wheel-drive Trackhawk’s supercharged V8 propels it to 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds and through the quarter mile in 11.6 — absolutely obliterating everything else in its category. Upgraded Brembo brakes, the largest ever fitted to a Jeep’s front end, allegedly bring the vehicle to a stop quicker than either the Durango SRT or Grand Cherokee SRT. Riding an inch closer to the ground than either, it also possesses Jeep’s Selec-Trac system, Bilstein adaptive damping, unique 20 x 10-inch titanium-finish wheels, yellow brake calipers, a redesigned fascia, and four exhaust ports.

However, if you want to upgrade the interior, you’ll have to shell out some extra dough. Among the most desirable options are likely Jeep’s dual-pane panoramic sunroof and towing package — assuming you want to take advantage of its 7,200-pound towing capabilities. Other premium options include a Harman Kardon high-performance audio system, dual-screen rear-seat entertainment with Blu-ray, lightweight forged aluminum black wheels, dark red seat belts, and a fully wrapped leather interior package in either black or black/dark red.

Color options for 2018 include Billet Silver, Granite Crystal, Diamond Black, Ivory Tri-coat, Bright White, Velvet Red, True Blue and two exclusive colors: Rhino (which has to be non-metallic gray) and Redline 2.

Jeep says it will begin taking orders for the Trackhawk on August 10th.

[Images: FCA]