2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT starts at $68,395, a price that excludes tax, licensing, registration, and the manufacturer's destination charge of $1,495. By comparison, both the BMW X5 M and the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 start at over $100,000.

The Grand Cherokee SRT gets a Blistein adaptive damping suspension as standard. It also has five pre-configured driving modes: Auto, Sport, Track, Snow, and Tow. With bigger wheels and the sport-tuned suspension, the performance SUV doesn't drive as smoothly as lower-powered Grand Cherokee models, but it's certainly a better handler. The steering is fairly heavy but reasonably communicative, and the Jeep holds on gamely through corners. Switching to Sport mode reduces shift times by as much as 50 percent when compared to Auto. It's not as athletic as aPorsche Cayenneor BMW X5, but both those SUVs cost far more than the Grand Cherokee.

The ride over brittle surfaces can be rather harsh, especially in Track mode (initiating a 30/70 torque split), but on smooth highways, the Grand Cherokee can transport a family of five to their destination in good comfort. You wouldn't want to risk scratching those giant wheels by taking the SRT off-road, and this more powerful version lacks the Selec-Terrain traction management system fitted to other Grand Cherokees. But it'll still clear obstacles that would befuddle many other midsize SUVs.

It's impossible to judge the Grand Cherokee SRT (and the even more ballistic Trackhawk) by normal SUV standards, as both are completely dominated by their V8 engines that allow for endlessly addictive traffic light blasts. At the price, you won't find another SUV that provides such insane straight-line performance, and to the accompaniment of a burly V8 soundtrack. The slightly old-school styling also works well with the SRT's sporty add-ons, and we love the feature-rich and user-friendly infotainment system. Sure, there are SUVs that can haul more cargo, have more passenger space, and which have superior safety ratings, but none of these things are likely to be top of mind when you're behind the wheel. If you want equal performance and even more luxury, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 andBMW X5 Mwill be happy to provide it in bucketloads, but they're over $30,000 more expensive. As pointless and environmentally offensive as it is, we love the Grand Cherokee SRT.

It's a standalone trim, which means if you want an SRT, you get an SRT. We'd recommend a few of the options packages though, including the Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package and high-performance 19-speaker sound system. Towing with a vehicle like this also makes sense, so consider the $995 Trailer Tow Group IV package. Lastly, we'd add the $1,295 high-performance brakes, because the SRT carries far more speed than you realize and needs the help stopping all that heft.

The Land Rover Range Rover Sport follows a similar philosophy to the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT. Both are SUVs from manufacturers that are experts at producing capable off-roaders, but both prioritize on-road performance. At $68,650, the Range Rover Sport starts off at a nearly identical price point to the SRT, but with a 254-hp turbodiesel engine, it's not nearly as rapid, taking 7.2 seconds to 60. It's vastly more efficient than the SRT, though. The Range Rover Sport is better off-road, though, with superior approach/departure angles. It also has a classier cabin, but the SRT counters with a larger trunk. The range-topping Range Rover Sport SVR matches the SRT from 0-60 at 4.3 seconds, but it costs close to $50,000 more. If you want the more premium offering, it's the Range Rover Sport, but the Grand Cherokee SRT's price/performance ratio can't be matched.

As is so often the case, the German combatant to the Grand Cherokee SRT is a lot more expensive. The X5 M starts at $105,100 and has 600 horsepower from its 4.4-liter V8, enough for 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds, eclipsing the SRT. The X5 is a much newer vehicle, though, so the cabin feels significantly more expensive than the Jeep's. The X5 is also not just fast, but goes around corners with more conviction than the Grand Cherokee. Plus, the BMW is well-equipped with features like four-zone climate control, a power panoramic moonroof, and 18-way power-adjustable front seats. Does that make it over $35,000 more valuable than the SRT, though? It's up to you to decide. As with the Range Rover Sport, the X5 M has brand cachet and status in its favor and, being newer, is the better overall SUV. But the Jeep is no less entertaining and will save you a decent sum of cash.