Jeep has a long history of making reliable cars that drive in most terrains. SRTs and SRT8s went head to head in so many aspects back in the day. Whenever one of these beasts would triumph in a department, the other would fire back in another department to keep the competition going.
If you want to know the difference between Jeep SRT and SRT8, then this is the place to be.
What Is a Jeep SRT?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is a high-performance SUV known for its 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, delivering 470 lb-ft of torque. With features like launch control and a 0-60 mph time that rivals sports cars, it offers an exhilarating driving experience.
Sporting 20-inch wheels and a slightly lowered ride height for an aggressive look, it blends power and style. Additionally, it prioritizes safety with advanced technologies. This SRT model is perfect for those seeking both raw power and SUV practicality.
What Is a Jeep SRT8?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, often referred to as the SRT8, is a high-performance SUV that sets itself apart with a formidable 6.2-liter Hemi V8 engine equipped with a supercharger. This powerhouse generates an impressive 575 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, catapulting the SRT8 from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds and allowing it to achieve a top speed of 168 mph.
Visually, the SRT8 boasts a more aggressive exterior styling compared to other Jeep SUVs, showcasing its high-performance nature. Inside, you’ll find a cabin adorned with luxurious materials and a wealth of amenities, elevating the overall driving experience to a level of refinement and comfort that complements its exceptional power.
Keep in mind that SRT8s were discontinued after 2014, with the last new vehicle produced in 2017. As such, we’ll compare the SRT8 to the SRT of the same era. (Pre 2014).
Jeep SRT vs SRT8
Now that we have an overall idea of how different the two vehicles are, let’s get into the details.
1. Engine
The heart of any high-performance SUV lies in its engine, and the Jeep SRT and SRT8 are no exceptions. The SRT is equipped with a robust 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, delivering 470 lb-ft of torque, providing impressive power and acceleration.
On the other hand, the SRT8 steps up the game with a 6.2-liter Hemi V8 turbo engine featuring a supercharger.
This potent powerplant cranks out a remarkable 575 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, making it significantly more powerful than the SRT. The SRT8’s engine is a powerhouse that catapults it into the realm of high-performance SUVs.
2. 0-60 mph
When it comes to acceleration, the 0-60 mph time is a key performance metric. The Jeep SRT, with its 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, offers impressive acceleration, but the exact time may vary depending on the model year. However, it typically achieves this sprint in well under 5 seconds (4.8 to be exact), showcasing its potent power.
On the other hand, the Jeep SRT8, equipped with a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 engine, takes acceleration to another level. It achieves the 0-60 mph sprint in a blazingly quick 4.4 seconds, making it notably faster off the line than the SRT. This acceleration prowess in the SRT8 adds an exhilarating element to its performance, perfect for those who crave quick bursts of speed.
3. Top Speed
The SRT8 has a slightly higher top speed of 168 mph over the SRT’s 160 mph.
This is due to the SRT8’s more powerful engine. The extra power from the supercharger allows the SRT8 to reach a higher top speed.
However, it is important to note that the top speed of an SUV is not always an accurate representation of its performance. The top speed is only reached under ideal conditions, such as a flat, smooth surface and no wind resistance. In real-world driving, the top speed of an SUV is rarely reached.
So, while the SRT8 has a slightly higher top speed than the SRT, the difference is not significant. Both SUVs are capable of reaching speeds that are well beyond the legal limit.
4. Transmission
The SRT uses an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the SRT8 uses a 5-speed automatic transmission. The 8-speed automatic transmission is more efficient and can shift gears more quickly than the 5-speed automatic transmission. This gives the SRT the edge in terms of fuel economy and performance.
However, the 5-speed automatic transmission is more durable and can handle more power than the 8-speed automatic transmission. This is why the SRT8 uses a 5-speed automatic transmission to handle the stronger engine. This last sentence is not accurate, the SRT8 has the more powerful engine.
5. Exterior Styling
The Jeep SRT displays a bold design with 20-inch wheels and a lowered ride height, emphasizing its sporty appearance. In contrast, the SRT8 takes it up a notch with a more muscular and attention-grabbing look, making it a striking choice for enthusiasts seeking a high-performance SUV with a distinctive presence.
The SRT has a more subdued and refined exterior styling than the SRT8. The SRT has a more traditional SUV look, with a smooth grille and rounded headlights. The SRT8 has a more aggressive and sporty exterior styling, with a blacked-out grille and angular headlights.
The SRT8 also has some unique exterior features that are not available on the SRT, such as a rear spoiler, side skirts, and a different exhaust system.
6. Interior
The interior of a high-performance SUV should offer both comfort and sophistication, and the Jeep SRT and SRT8 aim to deliver distinct experiences.
The Jeep SRT features a well-appointed cabin with comfortable seating and modern amenities. It balances performance-focused elements like a leather-wrapped steering wheel with practical features and technology.
On the other hand, the SRT8 elevates the interior experience. While specific details may vary by model year, it typically incorporates more luxurious materials and upscale amenities. Features like a heated leather steering wheel contribute to a heightened sense of refinement, making the SRT8 an appealing choice for those who seek a blend of performance and luxury in their high-performance SUV.
7. Brakes
High-performance SUVs require robust braking systems to complement their powerful engines and ensure safety during spirited driving.
The Jeep SRT is typically equipped with advanced braking components, including large disc brakes and Brembo 4-piston front calipers and 2-piston rear calipers. These components provide strong stopping power and precise control, contributing to the SUV’s overall performance.
In contrast, the SRT8, with its even higher power output, often features enhanced brake systems to match its performance capabilities. Upgraded brakes (Brembo 6-piston front calipers and 4-piston rear calipers) with larger discs and high-performance calipers are common, allowing the SRT8 to deliver impressive stopping performance, making it well-suited for enthusiasts who demand both speed and safety.
FAQs
Is the SRT8 discontinued?
Yes, the SRT8 is discontinued. The last SRT8 was produced in 2017. The discontinuation of the SRT8 was due to a number of factors, including declining sales, stricter emissions regulations, and the increasing popularity of SUVs with more fuel-efficient engines.
The SRT8 was a popular model for Jeep, but it was not immune to the challenges facing the automotive industry. Sales of the SRT8 had been declining for several years, and the stricter emissions regulations made it difficult for Jeep to continue producing the model without making significant changes to the engine.
Can I still buy an SRT8 now?
You cannot buy a brand new SRT8 as it has been discontinued. However, you can still buy a used SRT8. There are many used SRT8s available for sale, and you can find them at dealerships, online, or through private sellers.
The price of a used SRT8 will vary depending on the year, mileage, condition, and location. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 for a used SRT8.
SRT 2017 vs. SRT8 2017: Which One Is Better?
Since 2017 was the last year where you could place those two beasts head to head, as such, we’ll give one final comparison between those two.
The SRT 2017 and the SRT8 2017 are both high-performance SUVs from Jeep. They are both powered by a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, but the SRT8 has a supercharger, which gives it an additional 100 horsepower and 50 lb-ft of torque.
This means that the SRT8 is faster than the SRT, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds compared to the SRT’s 4.8 seconds. The SRT8 also has a higher top speed of 168 mph compared to the SRT’s 160 mph.
In terms of features, the SRT8 comes standard with features such as heated and ventilated front seats, a navigation system, and a blind spot monitoring system. The SRT does not come standard with these features, but they are available as options.
The SRT8 also has a more aggressive exterior styling than the SRT. It has a blacked-out grille and angular headlights, while the SRT has a more traditional SUV look.
Ultimately, the decision of which SUV is better for you depends on your needs and budget. If you are looking for the quickest possible SUV, then the SRT8 is the way to go. However, if you are looking for a more affordable option with still plenty of power and features, then the SRT is a great choice.
The Verdict
Despite being discontinued, the SRT8 is still a beast. It’s true that you can’t buy a new one, but there are still second-hand cars that are still comparable to today’s SRTs.
Until the discontinuation of the SRT8, it was the stronger, faster, and more expensive model. It also featured a more aggressive look that made it stand out in the crowd.
However, nowadays, you can only buy new SRTs and used SRT8s.
