The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is not just another SUV. It’s a supercharged beast that changed how people look at high-performance family vehicles.
If you love speed and want an SUV with the heart of a muscle car, the Trackhawk holds a special place in automotive history. But when did Jeep make the Trackhawk, and what made it stand out?
Let’s dive into the timeline, features, and legacy of this remarkable machine.
The Year Jeep Made The Trackhawk
Jeep unveiled the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk in 2017. It officially entered showrooms as a 2018 model year vehicle. This means production started in 2017, and buyers could get their hands on this high-powered SUV from late 2017 onwards.
Jeep built the Trackhawk to be the most powerful and fastest SUV in its lineup. The timing was perfect because the world was already buzzing about high-performance SUVs.
The Trackhawk brought American muscle to a category mostly filled with European luxury brands.
Why The Trackhawk Was Special
The Trackhawk stood out for one major reason: it used the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 engine from the Dodge Hellcat lineup. This engine was famous for its raw power and thrilling sound.
Here are some facts that made the Trackhawk unique:
- 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque
- 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds
- Top speed of 180 mph
- All-wheel drive for better grip
Very few SUVs could match these numbers. The Trackhawk was faster than many sports cars, but it still had the comfort and space of a family vehicle.
Trackhawk Model Years: Timeline And Production
Jeep produced the Trackhawk for several years, but not every year. Here’s a quick summary in a table:
| Model Year | Production Start | Production End | Key Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2017 | 2018 | Trackhawk introduced |
| 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | Minor updates, new colors |
| 2020 | 2019 | 2020 | New tech options |
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | Last year for Trackhawk |
The Trackhawk was available from the 2018 to 2021 model years. After 2021, Jeep stopped making the Trackhawk as the Grand Cherokee was redesigned for the next generation.
Key Features And Performance
The Trackhawk was more than just a powerful engine. It came loaded with features to keep up with its performance. Here’s what you got with a Trackhawk:
- Brembo brakes for strong stopping power
- Adaptive suspension for smooth or sporty driving
- Launch control for quick starts
- Quad exhaust tips for a sporty look and sound
- Luxurious interior with leather, suede, and advanced tech
Here’s a comparison of the Trackhawk’s main specs with the regular SRT model:
| Feature | Trackhawk | SRT |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6.2L Supercharged V8 | 6.4L Naturally Aspirated V8 |
| Horsepower | 707 hp | 475 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 3.5 sec | 4.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 180 mph | 160 mph |
The Trackhawk’s Place In Suv History
When the Trackhawk arrived, only a few SUVs were close in power and speed. Here’s how it compared to other high-performance SUVs at the time:
| Model | Horsepower | 0-60 mph | Top Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Trackhawk | 707 hp | 3.5 sec | 180 mph |
| Lamborghini Urus | 641 hp | 3.6 sec | 190 mph |
| BMW X5 M | 617 hp | 3.8 sec | 177 mph |
| Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S | 603 hp | 3.7 sec | 174 mph |
Most of its competitors were much more expensive. The Trackhawk gave buyers supercar-level performance for a lower price, making it a great value for speed lovers.
What Makes The Trackhawk Rare And Desirable
The Trackhawk is special for more than just numbers:
- Limited production – Jeep did not make as many Trackhawks as regular Grand Cherokees. This makes it harder to find today.
- Muscle car engine in an SUV – Few SUVs ever offered a true supercharged V8.
- Instant collectible – Car fans and collectors see the Trackhawk as a future classic.
- End of an era – With tough emissions rules, it’s unlikely Jeep will make another SUV like this soon.
Non-obvious Insights About The Trackhawk
Many people miss these facts:
- Insurance costs for the Trackhawk can be much higher than other SUVs. The power makes it a higher risk, so owners pay more to cover it.
- Tire wear is fast if you use the power often. The Trackhawk’s weight and speed mean you may need new tires more often than a regular SUV.
- Fuel economy is very low. Some owners report less than 13 mpg in city driving. This is expected, but still surprises some buyers.
The Trackhawk’s Legacy
The Trackhawk set a new standard for American high-performance SUVs. Even after production ended, its mix of power, style, and value is hard to match. Some owners keep them as weekend toys, while others use them daily. The Trackhawk’s reputation continues to grow, as does its resale value.
If you want a Trackhawk today, expect to pay a premium for a well-kept example. The used market shows how much people still want this rare Jeep.
