2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Top Speed: Unleashing the Apex Predator SUV
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Top Speed: Unleashing the Apex Predator SUV jeeps.truckstrend.com
Important Clarification: While the prompt refers to the "2019 Jeep Cherokee Trackhawk Top Speed," it’s crucial to clarify that a "Trackhawk" variant has never been produced for the Jeep Cherokee model line. The legendary "Trackhawk" designation, known for its extreme performance, is exclusive to the larger, more powerful Jeep Grand Cherokee. This article will therefore focus on the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk’s Top Speed, as it is the vehicle widely recognized for its astounding performance capabilities, which the user likely intended to inquire about.
Introduction: The Unprecedented Pursuit of Speed in an SUV
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Top Speed: Unleashing the Apex Predator SUV
In an automotive landscape increasingly dominated by SUVs, one vehicle dared to shatter preconceptions and redefine what a utility vehicle could be: the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. When it debuted, it wasn’t just another performance SUV; it was a brute-force statement, packing supercar-level power into a family-friendly package. At the heart of its audacious appeal, and a primary point of fascination for enthusiasts, is its remarkable top speed. Defining the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk’s top speed is not merely about a number; it’s about understanding the engineering marvel that allows a vehicle of its size and weight to achieve velocities previously reserved for exotic sports cars, making it a true apex predator in the SUV world.
The Heart of the Beast: Engine and Powertrain Dynamics
To comprehend the Trackhawk’s incredible top speed, one must first delve into its powertrain. Unlike any other SUV before it, the 2019 Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is endowed with the ferocious 6.2-liter Supercharged HEMI V8 engine, affectionately known as the "Hellcat" engine. This monstrous powerplant is the same one found in Dodge’s Challenger and Charger Hellcat models, delivering:
- Horsepower: A staggering 707 hp (527 kW)
- Torque: A prodigious 645 lb-ft (875 Nm)
This immense power is channeled through a high-performance TorqueFlite 8HP95 eight-speed automatic transmission, specially engineered to withstand the extreme torque output. The transmission provides lightning-fast shifts, crucial for both acceleration and reaching top speed efficiently. Power is then distributed to all four wheels via Jeep’s Quadra-Trac Active On-Demand 4×4 system, which features an electronic limited-slip rear differential. This sophisticated system is not just for off-road prowess; it’s vital for putting all that power to the ground effectively, ensuring maximum traction and stability even at extreme velocities.
Achieving Hyperspeed: Aerodynamics, Chassis, and Braking
Reaching a high top speed in any vehicle requires more than just raw power; it demands meticulous engineering in several other critical areas. For an SUV like the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, these challenges are amplified:
- Aerodynamics: Despite its boxy SUV silhouette, Jeep’s engineers made subtle aerodynamic refinements to help the Trackhawk cut through the air. While not as slippery as a dedicated sports car, design elements like the front fascia (optimized for airflow to cooling components) and integrated rear spoiler contribute to minimizing drag at high speeds.
- Chassis Reinforcement: To handle the immense forces generated by its engine and the stresses of high-speed travel, the Trackhawk’s chassis is significantly reinforced. This includes stronger mounting points for suspension components and a more rigid overall structure, contributing to stability.
- Performance-Tuned Suspension: The Trackhawk features an adaptive damping suspension system from Bilstein, offering multiple modes (Auto, Sport, Track, Snow, Tow). In "Track" mode, the suspension stiffens significantly, lowering the vehicle slightly and reducing body roll, which is essential for maintaining control and stability at its upper limits.
- Heavy-Duty Braking System: Stopping power is just as crucial as acceleration. The Trackhawk is equipped with massive Brembo high-performance brakes, featuring 15.75-inch (400 mm) two-piece rotors with six-piston calipers at the front and 13.78-inch (350 mm) rotors with four-piston calipers at the rear. These brakes are designed to dissipate heat effectively and provide consistent, powerful stopping performance from high speeds.
- Performance Tires: The Trackhawk comes standard with Pirelli Scorpion Verde all-season tires, but serious performance enthusiasts often opt for the available Pirelli P Zero three-season tires, which offer superior grip and high-speed stability.
The Official Top Speed: Numbers That Astound
After all the engineering might, what is the definitive answer regarding the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk’s top speed?
The official, factory-stated top speed for the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is an astonishing 180 mph (290 km/h).
This figure is remarkable for several reasons:
- SUV Category: Very few SUVs in the world can boast such a high top speed. It firmly places the Trackhawk in an elite club, challenging the performance of dedicated sports cars.
- Weight and Size: Considering its substantial curb weight (approximately 5,363 lbs or 2,433 kg) and large frontal area, achieving 180 mph is a testament to the sheer power of the Hellcat engine and the robust driveline.
- Real-World Context: While 180 mph is its theoretical top speed under ideal conditions, achieving this on public roads is illegal and unsafe. This speed is typically only attainable and safe on closed tracks or dedicated high-speed testing facilities. Factors like wind resistance, road gradient, tire condition, and even ambient temperature can slightly influence the real-world maximum speed.
Beyond Speed: Performance and Driving Dynamics
While top speed is a headline-grabber, the Trackhawk’s overall performance profile is equally impressive:
- 0-60 mph Acceleration: The Trackhawk can rocket from 0 to 60 mph in a breathtaking 3.5 seconds. This makes it one of the quickest accelerating SUVs ever produced.
- Quarter-Mile Time: It completes the quarter-mile in approximately 11.6 seconds at 116 mph, demonstrating its incredible straight-line drag capabilities.
- Driving Modes: The Selec-Track system allows drivers to tailor the vehicle’s performance characteristics.
- Auto: Balances performance and comfort.
- Sport: Firmer suspension, quicker shifts, 65% rear torque bias.
- Track: Stiffest suspension, fastest shifts, 70% rear torque bias, optimized for circuit driving.
- Snow: Reduced horsepower, optimized traction for slippery conditions.
- Tow: Adjusts torque delivery for heavy loads.
- Handling: Despite its weight and height, the Trackhawk handles surprisingly well for an SUV, especially in Sport and Track modes. While it won’t carve corners like a low-slung sports car, its precise steering and powerful brakes inspire confidence.
Owning a Trackhawk: Important Considerations
The allure of 180 mph comes with certain practical realities for Trackhawk owners:
- Fuel Consumption: With 707 horsepower on tap, fuel economy is not a priority. Expect abysmal figures, especially when unleashing its power. EPA estimates are around 11 MPG city / 17 MPG highway.
- Maintenance Costs: Performance vehicles demand specialized and often more expensive maintenance. Tires, brakes, and engine components are designed for extreme loads and will require more frequent and costly replacements.
- Insurance: Due to its high power, value, and potential for speed, insurance premiums for a Trackhawk can be significantly higher than for a standard SUV.
- Daily Drivability: Despite its track prowess, the Trackhawk remains a Grand Cherokee at its core, offering comfortable seating for five, ample cargo space, and a relatively compliant ride in "Auto" mode, making it surprisingly practical for daily driving – if you can afford the gas.
- The "Wow" Factor: Be prepared for attention. The Trackhawk’s aggressive styling and supercharger whine turn heads everywhere it goes.
Tips for Responsible Trackhawk Ownership
For those fortunate enough to own a 2019 Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, or for potential buyers, here’s some practical advice:
- Respect the Power: 707 horsepower is no joke. Always be mindful of the vehicle’s immense capabilities, especially in adverse weather conditions or on unfamiliar roads.
- Regular, Specialized Maintenance: Adhere strictly to the maintenance schedule, preferably at a dealership or specialist familiar with high-performance Hellcat engines.
- Tire Management: Performance tires wear quickly. Monitor tire pressure and tread depth regularly, and invest in high-quality replacements suitable for your driving style.
- Understand Driving Modes: Familiarize yourself with the different Selec-Track modes and use them appropriately. "Track" mode is not for public roads.
- Consider Driver Training: If you plan to explore the Trackhawk’s limits (on a track!), consider enrolling in a performance driving school to learn how to safely handle such a powerful machine.
- Fuel Quality: Always use premium octane fuel (91+ RON) as recommended by the manufacturer to ensure optimal performance and engine longevity.
Concluding Summary
The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk stands as a monument to automotive excess and engineering prowess. It’s a vehicle that defies categories, offering the utility of an SUV with the heart and top speed of a supercar. Its official top speed of 180 mph isn’t just a number; it’s a testament to the Hellcat engine’s brute force, combined with a meticulously engineered chassis, advanced all-wheel-drive system, and robust braking. While the "Cherokee Trackhawk" remains a mythical beast, the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is a very real, very fast, and utterly exhilarating machine that continues to impress and astound with its boundary-pushing performance. It represents a unique chapter in automotive history, proving that even a family SUV can be a true speed demon.
Price Table: 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Performance Specifications & Original MSRP
| Feature | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Model Year | 2019 |
| Model Name | Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk |
| Engine Type | 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 (Hellcat) |
| Horsepower | 707 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 645 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed TorqueFlite 8HP95 Automatic |
| Drivetrain | Quadra-Trac Active On-Demand 4×4 |
| 0-60 mph Acceleration | 3.5 seconds |
| Quarter-Mile Time | 11.6 seconds @ 116 mph |
| Official Top Speed | 180 mph (290 km/h) |
| Braking System | Brembo High-Performance Brakes |
| Curb Weight | Approx. 5,363 lbs (2,433 kg) |
| Fuel Economy (EPA est.) | 11 MPG City / 17 MPG Highway / 13 MPG Combined |
| Original MSRP (Approx.) | Starting around $86,900 (USD) |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Cargo Volume (Rear Seats Up) | 36.3 cu ft (1,028 L) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Top Speed
Q1: Is there actually a 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trackhawk?
A1: No. The "Trackhawk" performance designation is exclusive to the larger, more powerful Jeep Grand Cherokee. There has never been a Jeep Cherokee Trackhawk model. This article specifically discusses the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.
Q2: What is the top speed of the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk?
A2: The official, factory-stated top speed for the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is 180 mph (290 km/h).
Q3: What engine allows the Trackhawk to reach such high speeds?
A3: The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is powered by the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine, also known as the "Hellcat" engine, which produces 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque.
Q4: How does an SUV achieve a top speed of 180 mph?
A4: It’s a combination of extreme power from the Hellcat engine, a robust 8-speed automatic transmission, a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system to put power to the ground efficiently, reinforced chassis components, a performance-tuned adaptive suspension, and powerful Brembo brakes for stopping from high speeds. While not as aerodynamic as a sports car, subtle design elements help.
Q5: Is the Trackhawk’s top speed achievable on public roads?
A5: No. Achieving 180 mph is illegal and extremely dangerous on public roads. This speed is intended for controlled environments like professional test tracks or dedicated high-speed facilities.
Q6: Is the Trackhawk good for daily driving despite its high top speed?
A6: Surprisingly, yes. While it has supercar-level performance, it retains the practicality of a Grand Cherokee. Its adaptive suspension can be set to a comfortable "Auto" mode for daily commutes, and it offers ample interior space and cargo capacity. However, be prepared for very high fuel consumption.
Q7: How much did a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk cost new?
A7: The original Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk started at around $86,900 USD. Prices for used models will vary based on condition, mileage, and optional features.
Q8: What kind of fuel does the Trackhawk require?
A8: The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk requires premium octane fuel (91+ RON) for optimal performance and to prevent engine damage.
