2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 Features & Specs

 

What's New for 2012

For 2012, the Jeep Grand Cherokee slightly improves its fuel economy and adds a couple of trim levels, including the posh Overland Summit and the return of the hot-rod SRT8 variant.

Introduction

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee reminds us of Rocky Balboa (the pre-Ivan Drago fight one), having made the transition from underdog to top contender. Prior to last year's complete overhaul, the Grand Cherokee offered rugged off-road capability but a substandard cabin, substandard passenger space and an underpowered but thirsty V6. But the 2012 Grand Cherokee, with its well-trimmed and roomier interior, powerful V6 and more refined performance and ride, is in fighting shape as a top contender among midsize SUVs.
The current Grand Cherokee shares components with Mercedes-Benz's ML-Class -- DaimlerChrysler owned Jeep during this vehicle's early development -- so its premium look and feel is no surprise. Drive a pre-'11 Grand Cherokee and the new one back to back, and the upgrades in cabin quality, performance and overall refinement are dramatic. And this year there's slightly better fuel economy (up 1 highway mpg for each engine) through improved power steering in the V6 and a revised six-speed transmission for the V8. This year also heralds the return of the road-burning Grand Cherokee SRT8 and its monster 470-horsepower V8.
Despite its manners and polish, however, the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee still upholds its reputation for off-road prowess. An optional adjustable air suspension ("Quadra-Lift") can vary the JGC's ride height from 6.6 inches for easy passenger and roof rack loading, to 10.7 inches for serious off-road work. Additionally, a drive-mode selector ("Selec-Terrain") can tailor the powertrain and suspension for specific types of terrain.
The midsize SUV segment is loaded with choices. Against the V6 and V8 models, there are Ford's Edge and Explorer, the Honda Pilot, Toyota 4Runner and Volkswagen Touareg. In contrast, the SRT8 has no direct rival; models such as BMW's X5 M cost thousands more and deliver no significant performance advantage. Overall, we think the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a solid choice, particularly if you'll take advantage of its V8 power and take it off road, making it a comeback of Balboa proportions.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a five-passenger midsize SUV that comes in Laredo, Limited and Overland trims. Each is available with 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrains.
Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglamps, cruise control, dual-zone air-conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. An optional package adds keyless entry/ignition, a power driver seat (including lumbar adjustment), satellite radio and a USB/iPod interface. The Security and Convenience package includes remote engine start, Bluetooth, a cargo cover, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a USB/iPod interface. A back-up camera, a power passenger seat, heated front seats, leather upholstery and a nine-speaker premium sound system (with satellite radio, HD radio, digital music storage and a touchscreen interface) are also available.
The Limited gets all the Laredo's optional equipment plus 18-inch wheels, additional chrome trim, bi-xenon headlights, rear parking sensors, a Garmin navigation system, automatic wipers, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a power passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, driver memory functions, heated front and rear seats and a leather-wrapped shift knob. The Limited model's options include a power liftgate, a power and heated tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, ventilated front seats and an upgraded navigation system with real-time traffic. Big 20-inch wheels are also optional.
The Overland gets all the Limited's options, plus the variable-height Quadra-Lift air suspension and special exterior and interior trim that includes a mesh grille, perforated leather seating and a wood/leather steering wheel. The Overland Summit tops it off with additional exterior chrome accents, unique 20-inch polished aluminum wheels, exclusive black olive wood cabin trim, a heated steering wheel, upgraded leather upholstery (with accent piping and unique stitching) and premium floor mats. The Overland Summit also features adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and blind-spot/rear cross-path detection systems. A rear-seat entertainment system is optional for the Limited, Overland and Overland Summit.
The high performance SRT8 comes with most of the Overland's luxury features along with an exclusive V8 engine, color-keyed grille/side sills/rear spoiler, 20-inch forged aluminum wheels, LED running lights, an adaptive suspension, performance-tuned steering, Brembo brakes, a limited-slip rear differential, paddle shifters, leather/suede sport seats and carbon-fiber cabin accents.
Optional on the 4WD Laredo and Limited is an off-road package that adds skid plates, off-road tires, tow hooks, a full-size spare and, on the Laredo, hill descent control and the Quadra-Trac II 4WD system. An upgraded off-road package adds to the above features an air suspension, towing equipment (also available separately), an electronic limited-slip differential and the Quadra-Drive II 4WD system.

Powertrains and Performance

Except for the SRT8, every 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes standard with Chrysler's 3.6-liter V6 good for 290 hp and 260 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission is standard. Fuel economy with four-wheel drive is an estimated 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined. In Edmunds testing, a 4WD Overland V6 accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 9 seconds -- about a second or two slower than some rival V6 SUVs.
The optional 5.7-liter V8 produces 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque and comes matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. With 4WD it is rated 13/20/15 mpg. In our testing a 4WD Overland V8 did the 0-60 drill in 8.2 seconds. Properly equipped, the JGC can tow 7,400 pounds.
The Grand Cherokee SRT8 packs a 6.4-liter V8 with 470 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. All that thrust is sent to all four wheels via a beefed-up five-speed automatic. In Edmunds testing, an SRT8 blasted to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds. That kind of performance in a heavy SUV doesn't come without considerable cost at the pump, as indicated by EPA fuel economy ratings of 12/18/14.
Rear-wheel drive is standard on all except the SRT8. Three different four-wheel-drive systems are optional. The Laredo comes standard with Quadra-Trac I, which essentially functions as all-wheel drive. Optional on the Laredo and standard on the other trims is Quadra-Trac II, which adds a two-speed transfer case, hill descent control and the Selec-Terrain system. The latter feature allows drivers to choose from five pre-programmed settings that best suit road or trail conditions.
Optional on the Laredo and Limited is Quadra-Drive II, which adds electronic limited-slip differentials to both axles. The Overland further gets a Quadra-Lift air suspension, which varies ride height based on driver input or automatically via Selec-Terrain.

Safety

The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes standard with four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. In Edmunds brake testing, the Overland V6 stopped from 60 mph in 125 feet, a good result for this segment. The SRT8 made the same stop in an impressive 112 feet.
In government crash testing, the Grand Cherokee earned an overall rating of four stars out of a possible five, with four stars for overall frontal crash protection and five stars for overall side crash protection. In testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Grand Cherokee received the highest possible rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset, side and roof-strength crash tests.

Interior Design and Special Features

The Grand Cherokee features a handsome cabin with a cleanly styled dash, tight seams, high-quality materials and consistent textures from door to dash. The overall quality doesn't surpass all of the competition, but it's now on par with the best.
Up front, the seats are comfortable and supportive, especially in the SRT8 with its more aggressively bolstered sport seats. Backseat riders likewise benefit from ideal cushioning and, unlike in older Grand Cherokees, will also find ample knee- and legroom. There are also 35 cubic feet available for cargo behind the rear seats; folding them flat provides about 69 cubic feet of maximum capacity, about the same as a Ford Edge but less than an Explorer or Pilot.
The navigation system is pretty much the same as in other Chrysler products. It works OK, but is a little disappointing when measured against cleaner, more user-friendly systems from Ford, GM and others.

Driving Impressions

On the road, the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee's suspension offers a comfortable ride while also providing a fair amount of cornering stability. The new Grand Cherokee basically rides and handles like any other modern crossover, an impressive feat considering its ample off-road ability. Off-road, the Grand Cherokee is pure Jeep: generous ground clearance, an advanced four-wheel-drive system, low-speed stability and climbing power.
Most folks will find enough power in the V6's spirited and smooth delivery and its five-speed automatic transmission. Those needing extra grunt or towing capacity won't go wrong with the V8, although its fuel thirst will certainly add up. And for an SUV, the SRT8 is otherworldly; along with blistering acceleration and strong braking, it's a relatively agile handler that could surprise more than a few sports car drivers.

Colors

Exterior

Interior

Exterior

Body

• Rear spoiler

Tires and Wheels

• Alloy wheels
• 20 x 10.0 in. wheels
• Steel spare wheel
• 295/45R Z tires
• Run flat tires
• Inside mounted spare tire
• Temporary spare tire

Roof and Glass

• Intermittent wipers
• Privacy glass
• Rear defogger
• Rear window wiper
• Roof rack

Doors

• Manual flip-up lifgate window
• Rear liftgate door

Towing and Hauling

• Cargo tie downs

Measurements

• Width: 77.1 in.
• Height: 69.1 in.
• Length: 191.3 in.
• Ground clearance: 8.3 in.
• Front track: 63.7 in.
• Rear track: 64.3 in.
• Wheel base: 114.8 in.
• Cargo capacity, all seats in place: 35.1 cu.ft.
• Maximum cargo capacity: 68.7 cu.ft.

• Maximum payload: 1350 lbs.**
• Gross weight: 6500 lbs.
• Drag Coefficient: 0.39 Cd
• Curb weight: 5150 lbs.
• Angle of approach: 18.4 degrees
• Angle of departure: 21.9 degrees

Exterior Options

• 295/45ZR20 BSW 3 Season Tires
• Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof

Mechanical

Engine & Performance

• Base engine size: 6.4 L
• Cam type: Overhead valves (OHV)
• Cylinders: V8
• Valves: 16
• Torque: 465 ft-lbs. @ 4300 rpm
• Horsepower: 470 hp @ 6000 rpm
• Turning circle: 37.1 ft.

• Base engine type: gas

DriveTrain

• Drive type: four wheel drive
• Full time 4WD
• Mechanical center differential
• Electronic hi-lo gear selection
• Automatic locking hubs
• Transmission: 5-speed shiftable automatic
• Rear limited slip differential
• Brake hill holder

Suspension

• Short and long arm front suspension
• Multi-link rear suspension
• Four-wheel independent suspension
• Front and rear stabilizer bar

Fuel

• Fuel type: gas
• Fuel type: premium unleaded (recommended)
• Fuel tank capacity: 24.6 gal.
• Range in miles (cty/hwy): 295.2/442.8 mi.
• EPA mileage est. (cty/hwy): 12/18 mpg

Mechanical Options

• Engine Block Heater

Safety

Safety & Security

• 4-wheel ABS
• Front and rear head airbags
• Dual front side-mounted airbags
• Child seat anchors
• Remote anti-theft alarm system
• Emergency braking assist
• Ventilated front disc / solid rear disc brakes
• Rear door child safety locks
• Daytime running lights
• Engine immobilizer
• Front fog/driving lights
• Auto delay off headlamps
• Dusk sensing headlamps
• Xenon high intensity discharge headlamp
• 2 front headrests
• 3 rear headrests
• Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
• Rear center 3-point belt
• Front seatbelt pretensioners
• Turn signal mirrors
• Stability control
• Traction control
• Electronic brakeforce distribution
• Front height adjustable headrests
• Rear fixed headrests
• Post-collision safety system
• Passenger head restraint whiplash protection system
• Emergency braking preparation
• Driver head restraint whiplash protection system
• Self-leveling headlights
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Brake drying

Warranty

• Basic: 3 yr./ 36000 mi.
• Drivetrain: 5 yr./ 100000 mi.
• Roadside: 3 yr./ 36000 mi.
• Rust: 5 yr./ 100000 mi.

Interior

Front Seats

• Front head room: 39.9 in.
• Front hip room: 57.0 in.
• Front leg room: 40.3 in.
• Front shoulder room: 58.7 in.
• Multi-level heating passenger seat
• 8 -way power passenger seat
• 8 -way power driver seat
• Passenger seat with power adjustable lumbar support
• Multi-level heating driver seat
• Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
• Height adjustable driver seat
• Height adjustable passenger seat
• Leather/suede
• Bucket front seats

Rear Seats

• Rear hip Room: 56.2 in.
• Rear head room: 39.2 in.
• Rear leg room: 38.6 in.
• Rear shoulder room: 58.0 in.
• Split-folding rear seatback
• Reclining rear seats
• Folding with storage center armrest
• Rear ventilation ducts

Power Features

• Remote power door locks
• Power mirrors
• Heated mirrors
• 2 one-touch power windows
• Remote window operation

Convenience

• Adaptive cruise control
• Front console with storage
• Front and rear cupholders
• Front and rear door pockets
• Overhead console with storage
• Retained accessory power
• Front seatback storage
• Power steering
• Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.)
• 12V front, 115V rear and 12V cargo area power outlet(s)
• Rear parking sensors
• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel
• Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
• Rear view

Comfort

• Interior air filtration
• Dual zone climate controls - driver and passenger
• Cargo area light
• Alloy and leather trim on center console
• Carbon trim on dash
• Carbon, alloy and leather trim on doors
• Front and rear reading lights
• Leather trim on shift knob
• Leather and alloy steering wheel
• Front and rear floor mats
• Heated steering wheel
• Turn signal in mirrors
• Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror
• Dual illuminating vanity mirrors

Memorized settings

• Memorized settings includes audio system
• Memorized settings for 2 drivers

Instrumentation

• Clock
• Tachometer
• Trip computer
• External temperature display
• Low fuel level warning
• Compass

In Car Entertainment

• Mast antenna
• Alpine premium brand speakers
• 9 total speakers
• Video monitor
• DVD player
• 506 watts stereo output
• AM/FM in-dash single CD/DVD with CD MP3 Playback stereo
• Sirius w/Sirius traffic satellite radio
• Auxiliary audio input and iPod integration
• 1 subwoofer(s)
• 12 Months of provided satellite radio service
• USB connection

Telematics

• Hard drive based display w/voice activation and directions navigation system
• Pre-wired for phone
• Bluetooth wireless data link for hands-free phone
• Real time traffic

Interior Options

• SRT High Performance Audio
• Rear DVD Entertainment Center

Packages

• Luxury Group II
• Trailer Tow Group IV
• Quick Order Package 29L