Jeep updates Grand Cherokee Trackhawk kit

JEEP Australia has unveiled the updated version of its most potent and expensive vehicle to date, the 522kW/868Nm Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.

Priced from $139,950 plus on-road costs, Jeep’s ballistic family hauler has come in for a refresh in the lead-up to 2021 with the hi-po high-rider being treated to a few cosmetic enhancements, new high-performance rubber, interior tweaks and updated infotainment system.

Powered by the same supercharged 6.2-litre Hemi V8 petrol engine as before, the Trackhawk is capable of darting from 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds with power sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

On the topic of wheels, they are in fact where the bulk of the Trackhawk’s visual changes have been made, with the new model brandishing black 20-inch alloys wrapped in sticky Pirelli P-Zero 3 Season tyres.

When paired with the new Signature Laguna leather wrapped interior package – seats, lower panels and door trim – Jeep says customers are scoring more than $13,000 worth of value included in the $5000 price increase over the outgoing model.

According to Jeep Australia director of brand and product strategy Guillaume Drelon, Australia is Fiat Chrysler Automobile’s (FCA’s) second biggest V8 market outside of America, meaning the SRT and especially the Trackhawk were important vehicles for the local arm.

“We’re excited to provide even more customer value to what is already the best-value, track-ready SUV in the market,” he said.

Infotainment duties are taken care of by a new flush-sitting 8.4-inch touchscreen mounted centrally within the dashboard, powered by the fourth-generation Uconnect system and featuring multiple Trackhawk performance functions including timers, gauges and readouts including a new engine ‘dynamometer’ display that measures instant power and torque figures as well as a gear position indicator.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included while the other standard equipment highlights include launch control, performance oriented Selec-Track drive mode system, yellow Brembo brake callipers, Trackhawk, Hemi 6.2 and Supercharged badging, red seat belts, adaptive dampers and an electronically locking rear differential.

Despite the blatantly obvious sporting intention of the Trackhawk, Jeep says the performance flagship can tow up to 2900kg (braked) and has fitted it with a new trailer hitch camera for drivers to monitor their loads.

Standard safety kit meanwhile extends to forward collision warning plus, lane departure warning plus, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection and advanced brake assist.

Jeep Australia has sold 1889 Grand Cherokees so far this year ending September, accounting for 3.0 per cent of the crowded sub-$70,000 large SUV segment.

2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs