2013 JEEP® GRAND CHEROKEE

Grand Cherokee is spilling over to this performance model. Or something like that.

I hear all the beefing: “It's a gas hog.” “It's too big.” “It weighs 5,000 pounds!!!”

Like I said, I hear you, but I ain't listening. We can sit here and argue for days about a hot-rod Grand Cherokee and its usefulness, or lack thereof. Me, I'll be out of the office and behind the wheel, having a ball.

I think Chrysler did a nice job with the SRT package's more aggressive look with a lowered ride height, massive wheels and tires and the red brake calipers. It's tough-looking with a wicked hood.

The engine is cool. Once the tach hits 3,000 rpm the thing takes off like a bottle rocket and makes all the right sounds while it's at it. In the name of a wee bit of fuel economy, the 6.4-liter has cylinder deactivation, noticeable by an “eco” light on the dash. I can also hear a flattening of the exhaust note when the Hemi is running on four cylinders. According to the in-dash mpg indicator I averaged 16 mpg in basically a 50/50 city/highway mix. Not great but not a disaster.

The interior is good with comfy seats and quality materials throughout. The flat-bottom steering wheel feels perfect to me.

Some have said that compared to the old model this is a softer, not quite as raw SRT8, and I suppose one could argue that it's more refined. The steering is heavy and rough pavement can make the thing tramline some and bounce around a bit. Still, in my opinion, it's a blast to drive.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR BOB GRITZINGER: Yes, it's big. Yes, it's bad. Yes, it's a planet killer. And yes, it's an unadulterated blast to bomb around in -- and the more you hammer the throttle, stab the brakes and crank the steering wheel, the better. Though it's obviously not the best pick for economy-minded families, for those who can afford this sticker and fuel mileage, I say “Right on, brother. Enjoy.” It's pricey, yes, but compared to what? A standard Grand Cherokee? How about something with comparable performance, like a Porsche Cayenne Turbo? All of a sudden the Cherokee SRT8 is downright cheap.

I've driven this vehicle and its predecessors on long trips and short and I've never found it lacking for power (obviously), but it also carries plenty of cargo and comes with all the comforts and conveniences one might want. Put a few people and some gear on board and ride settles down nicely, especially in the Auto suspension mode. Sport mode is good for spirited driving, augmented by the highly bolstered bucket seats which help hold you in place when making maneuvers that very few vehicles of this size, weight, height and high center of gravity can so adeptly manage.

No, it doesn't make a helluva lot sense in a world going green, but it's hard not to love a vehicle that makes such wondrous noise and produces such insane performance. Oh, and that Harman/Kardon sound system absolutely rocks.

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8

Base Price: $61,290

As-Tested Price: $64,180

Drivetrain: 6.4-liter V8; 4WD, five-speed automatic

Output: 470 hp @ 6,000 rpm, 465 lb-ft @ 4,300 rpm

Curb Weight: 5,150 lb

Fuel Economy (EPA City/Highway/Combined): 12/18/14 mpg

AW Observed Fuel Economy: 14.5 mpg

Options: Customer preferred package including SRT high-performance audio, 19 premium speakers including subwoofer, harman/kardon Logic7 GreenEdge amplifier ($1,995); 295/45ZR20 BSW three-season tires ($895)



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