The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 from 2014 is a beast of an SUV. It's not just big; it's powerful.
It combines the practicality of an SUV with the heart of a muscle car. This version, often referred to as the "64 V8 SRT8" (though the model year is 2014), brought a supercharged V8 engine to the Grand Cherokee lineup for the first time.
This made it one of the fastest and most capable SUVs on the market.
This article will explore everything about the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8. We will look at its engine, performance, interior, exterior, technology, and what makes it special.
It’s a vehicle that surprised many with its ability to blend family-hauling needs with serious performance.
If you’re looking for an SUV that can do it all, from daily driving to track days, the SRT8 might be your answer.
The Heart Of The Beast: Engine And Performance
The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is defined by its incredible engine. It came with a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine. This engine is known for its raw power and distinctive rumble. For the 2014 model year, Jeep decided to give this SUV a supercharger. This addition pushed the horsepower numbers to an astonishing 470 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.
This massive power output allows the SRT8 to accelerate very quickly. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.8 seconds. This is faster than many sports cars. The top speed is also impressive, reaching around 160 mph. This level of performance in an SUV was, and still is, remarkable.
The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This transmission is designed to handle the V8’s power and deliver smooth shifts. It also has paddle shifters on the steering wheel, allowing the driver to take manual control of gear changes for a more engaging driving experience.
Driving Dynamics: More Than Just Straight Lines
While the engine provides the straight-line speed, the driving dynamics of the 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT8 are also a key feature. Jeep engineers worked hard to make this large SUV handle like a much smaller, sportier vehicle.
One of the main features is the adaptive damping suspension. This system electronically adjusts the shock absorbers based on road conditions and driving style. In the ‘Auto’ mode, it provides a comfortable ride for everyday driving. When you switch to ‘Sport’ or ‘Track’ mode, the suspension stiffens up, reducing body roll and improving handling around corners.
The Brembo brakes are another critical component. These high-performance brakes offer excellent stopping power. They are essential for safely controlling a vehicle with this much speed. The front brakes feature six-piston calipers, and the rear has four-piston calipers, clamping down on large ventilated discs.
The all-wheel-drive system is also specially tuned for performance. It can send power to the wheels that need it most, improving traction and stability in various conditions. It also has different modes that can be selected through the Selec-Track system, including Auto, Sport, and Track, each altering the power distribution and stability control settings.
Selec-track System Explained
The Selec-Track system is the control center for the SRT8’s performance features. It allows the driver to customize the vehicle’s behavior.
- Auto Mode: This is the default setting. The system balances power distribution for everyday driving and offers a comfortable ride.
- Sport Mode: This mode sharpens the throttle response, adjusts the transmission shift points for quicker gear changes, and stiffens the suspension. It also biases more power to the rear wheels for a sportier feel.
- Track Mode: This is the most aggressive setting. It maximizes performance by further tightening the suspension, firming up the steering, and allowing for maximum rear-wheel bias in the AWD system. It’s designed for the most demanding driving situations, like on a race track.
- Snow Mode: This mode optimizes traction for slippery conditions, softening throttle response and adjusting AWD settings.
- Tow Mode: This mode adjusts transmission shift points to better handle towing loads.
Exterior Design: Aggressive And Muscular
The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 doesn’t look like a typical SUV. It has a muscular and aggressive stance. Jeep designers gave it a unique look that sets it apart from the standard Grand Cherokee models.
The front fascia features a unique grille and bumper design. It has larger air intakes to help cool the powerful V8 engine. The headlights are also distinctive, often with a dark tint.
The side profile shows off its sporty proportions. It sits lower to the ground than a regular Grand Cherokee, giving it a more planted appearance. The SRT8 also comes with unique SRT wheels, usually 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, which are both stylish and lightweight.
The rear of the SRT8 is just as impressive. It features a sporty rear spoiler that helps with aerodynamics. The quad exhaust tips are a signature of the SRT performance vehicles, giving the SUV a powerful look and sound. The SRT8 badging is also prominently displayed.
Key Exterior Features
- Unique Front Fascia: Aggressive styling with larger air vents.
- SRT Hood: Features dual heat extractors for improved engine cooling.
- 20-Inch SRT Design Wheels: Lightweight, forged aluminum wheels.
- Performance Tires: Typically wider and lower-profile tires for better grip.
- Body-Color Exterior Accents: Door handles, mirrors, and fender flares are often body-colored for a sleeker look.
- Quad Exhaust Tips: Dual exhaust pipes on each side for a powerful look and sound.
- Rear Spoiler: Enhances aerodynamics and sporty appearance.
- SRT Badging: Clearly identifies the performance model.
Interior Comfort And Technology
Inside, the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 offers a blend of luxury and sporty elements. The cabin is designed to be comfortable for passengers while also providing the driver with the necessary tools for performance driving.
The seats are a key highlight. They are typically Nappa leather and suede with SRT logos. These seats are designed to provide excellent support during spirited driving, with larger bolsters to keep occupants in place. They are also heated and ventilated for maximum comfort.
The steering wheel is another SRT-specific feature. It’s a flat-bottomed steering wheel wrapped in leather, which not only looks sporty but also provides better knee clearance for the driver. It houses controls for the audio system, cruise control, and paddle shifters.
The dashboard and instrument cluster are also upgraded. The gauges are larger and easier to read, with SRT graphics. The center console houses the infotainment system and climate controls.
Uconnect Infotainment System
The SRT8 comes equipped with Jeep’s Uconnect infotainment system. For 2014, this system offered a touchscreen display (typically 8.4 inches) that controlled various vehicle functions, navigation, and entertainment.
- Touchscreen Display: Easy-to-use interface for most functions.
- Navigation System: Built-in GPS for route guidance.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: For hands-free calling and music streaming.
- USB and SD Card Ports: For media playback and device charging.
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio: Offers a wide range of channels.
Srt-specific Performance Pages
A unique feature of the SRT models is the Performance Pages. These are digital menus accessible through the Uconnect system that provide real-time data about the vehicle’s performance.
- G-Force Meter: Shows the lateral and longitudinal forces the vehicle is experiencing.
- Drag Strip Timer: Allows you to measure acceleration times.
- Lap Timer: For tracking performance on a race track.
- Engine Performance Data: Displays oil pressure, oil temperature, coolant temperature, and transmission temperature.
- Dyno Mode: Simulates an engine dynamometer to measure horsepower and torque.
Safety Features
Despite its performance capabilities, the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 also prioritizes safety. It comes with a comprehensive suite of active and passive safety features to protect occupants.
Standard safety features include:
- Advanced Multistage Front Airbags: Deploy based on impact severity.
- Supplemental Side-Curtain Airbags: Cover both rows of seating.
- Supplemental Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags: Provide torso protection.
- Driver’s Knee Airbag: Additional protection for the driver.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Helps maintain control during evasive maneuvers.
- All-Speed Traction Control: Prevents wheel spin during acceleration.
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Improves steering control during hard braking.
- Electronic Roll Mitigation: Helps prevent rollovers.
- Hill Start Assist: Prevents the vehicle from rolling backward on inclines.
- Trailer Sway Control: Aids in stable towing.
- Backup Camera: Assists with parking and reversing.
Optional safety features for the 2014 model year included:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Automatically adjusts speed to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead.
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Alerts the driver to potential frontal collisions.
- Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): Warns of vehicles in the driver’s blind spots.
- Rear Cross-Path Detection (RCPD): Alerts the driver to approaching vehicles when backing up.
- ParkSense® Front and Rear Park Assist: Aids in parking by detecting obstacles.
Practicality: The Suv Advantage
While the SRT8 is a performance machine, it doesn’t forget its roots as a Jeep Grand Cherokee. This means it retains a good amount of practicality that makes it suitable for everyday life.
Cargo Space: The rear seats fold down, providing a significant amount of cargo room. This makes it capable of carrying luggage, groceries, sports equipment, or even larger items. The cargo volume behind the second row is around 36.3 cubic feet, and with the rear seats folded down, it expands to about 68.3 cubic feet.
Towing Capacity: The Grand Cherokee SRT8 is rated to tow up to 7,200 pounds. This is more than enough for many trailers, boats, or campers, making it a versatile vehicle for those who enjoy outdoor activities or need to haul equipment.
Seating: It comfortably seats five passengers. The rear seats offer ample legroom and headroom, making them suitable for adults on longer journeys.
All-Wheel Drive: The standard four-wheel-drive system provides confidence in various weather conditions, from rain and snow to light off-road situations. While not a hardcore off-roader like some other Jeeps, it can handle dirt roads and slippery surfaces with ease.
Model Year Specifics: What Changed For 2014?
The 2014 model year was significant for the Grand Cherokee SRT8. It marked the introduction of the supercharged 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine, which was a major upgrade. Before 2014, the SRT8 models used a naturally aspirated 6.1-liter HEMI engine.
Other key updates for the 2014 model year included:
- New 8-Speed Automatic Transmission: Replacing the previous 5-speed automatic, this new transmission offered more gears, smoother shifts, and improved fuel efficiency.
- Updated Interior Styling: Refinements were made to the cabin, including a new steering wheel and improved materials.
- Enhanced Uconnect System: The infotainment system received updates for better performance and features.
- Revised Exterior Styling: Subtle tweaks to the front and rear fascias, as well as new wheel designs.
- Improved Fuel Economy: While still thirsty, the new transmission and engine tuning offered a slight improvement in MPG compared to previous generations.
The Srt Driving Experience: A Unique Blend
Driving the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is an experience unlike any other SUV. It manages to feel both incredibly powerful and surprisingly agile.
When you start the engine, the deep rumble of the HEMI V8 announces its presence. In normal driving, the suspension is compliant enough for daily commutes. The steering is responsive, and the brakes are strong.
However, when you engage Sport or Track mode, the character of the vehicle changes dramatically. The throttle becomes more sensitive, the transmission holds gears longer, and the suspension firms up. The SUV corners with a confidence that belies its size and weight. You can feel the all-wheel-drive system working to keep you planted.
The acceleration is relentless. Merging onto a highway or passing slower traffic becomes effortless. The sound of the engine and exhaust under hard acceleration is intoxicating.
Common Driving Impressions
- Surprising Agility: Many drivers are surprised by how well it handles corners for an SUV of its size.
- Potent Acceleration: The V8 power is always on tap, making it incredibly quick.
- Comfortable Cruising: On the highway, it’s a comfortable and stable cruiser.
- Engaging Sound: The V8 exhaust note is a significant part of the experience.
- Fuel Consumption: As expected, this powerful engine is not very fuel-efficient. Expect to visit the gas station frequently.
Ownership Considerations: What To Expect
Owning a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 comes with certain considerations. It’s a high-performance vehicle, and that means maintenance and running costs can be higher than a standard SUV.
Fuel Economy: The 6.4L V8 HEMI engine is powerful but thirsty. Official EPA estimates for the 2014 SRT8 were around 13 mpg city and 20 mpg highway. In real-world driving, especially with spirited use, you might see even lower numbers.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial for a high-performance vehicle. This includes oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections. Due to the performance components, parts and labor costs can be higher. Finding a mechanic experienced with SRT vehicles is advisable.
Reliability: While generally well-built, like any complex vehicle, the SRT8 can have its issues. Common areas to inspect when buying used include the transmission, suspension components, and the infotainment system.
Insurance Costs: Due to its high performance and value, insurance premiums for the SRT8 can be higher than for a standard Grand Cherokee.
Pro Tip:
When considering a used 2014 SRT8, always get a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic. This can help identify potential issues that might not be obvious during a test drive. Also
