2019 Jeep Trackhawk Top Speed
2019 Jeep Trackhawk Top Speed jeeps.truckstrend.com
Introduction: Unleashing the Apex Predator of SUVs
In an automotive landscape increasingly populated by high-performance SUVs, one vehicle truly redefined the segment, blending the practicality of a family hauler with the raw, unadulterated power of a muscle car: the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. Launched for the 2018 model year, the 2019 iteration continued to command attention, not just for its menacing looks or its supercharged growl, but for its astonishing performance figures. Central to its legend, and a frequent topic of awe and discussion, is the 2019 Jeep Trackhawk’s top speed. This article will delve into what makes the Trackhawk a speed demon, exploring the engineering marvels that allow a vehicle of its size and stature to achieve velocities previously reserved for exotic sports cars, and what that top speed truly signifies for this remarkable machine.
2019 Jeep Trackhawk Top Speed
The Heart of the Beast: The Supercharged Hellcat Engine
The undisputed secret to the 2019 Jeep Trackhawk’s prodigious top speed lies beneath its sculpted hood: the monstrous 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 engine. This isn’t just any engine; it’s the very same heart that powers Dodge’s legendary Hellcat models, a powerplant renowned for its brutal power delivery and intoxicating whine.
In the 2019 Trackhawk, this engine churns out a staggering 707 horsepower and an equally impressive 645 lb-ft of torque. The supercharger, a mechanical air compressor that forces more air into the engine, is key to this immense output, ensuring that power is available across the rev range. Mated to an advanced TorqueFlite 8HP95 eight-speed automatic transmission, specifically calibrated for high-performance applications, the engine’s power is efficiently distributed to all four wheels via Jeep’s Quadra-Trac Active On-Demand 4×4 system. This sophisticated drivetrain not only ensures blistering acceleration (0-60 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds) but also provides the stability and traction necessary to sustain high speeds safely. Without this colossal power plant, achieving such a remarkable top speed would simply be impossible for an SUV of this mass.
Aerodynamics and Engineering for High Velocity
While sheer horsepower is a prerequisite for high top speeds, it’s far from the only factor. A vehicle’s ability to slice through the air, known as its aerodynamic efficiency, plays a critical role, especially as speeds climb. For the 2019 Jeep Trackhawk, engineers faced the considerable challenge of making a large, boxy SUV as slippery as possible.
Jeep’s design team made several subtle yet crucial modifications to the Grand Cherokee’s exterior to optimize it for speed. The front fascia was redesigned to improve airflow and provide enhanced cooling for the engine and braking system, featuring larger air intakes and a distinctive lower valance. The vehicle’s ride height, while still offering respectable ground clearance, was optimized to reduce underbody turbulence. Even seemingly minor details, like the rear spoiler, contribute to downforce, helping to keep the Trackhawk planted firmly on the road at extreme velocities. While an SUV will never be as aerodynamically efficient as a low-slung supercar, Jeep’s engineers did an admirable job of mitigating drag and managing lift, ensuring that the Trackhawk could maintain stability and control as it approached its limit.
Achieving the Numbers: What is the 2019 Trackhawk’s Top Speed?
The moment of truth: what is the official, manufacturer-claimed top speed of the 2019 Jeep Trackhawk? Prepare to be impressed.
The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk boasts an electronically limited top speed of 180 miles per hour (290 km/h).
This figure is not merely theoretical; it has been tested and verified, cementing the Trackhawk’s position as one of the fastest production SUVs in the world. Achieving 180 mph in a vehicle weighing over 5,300 pounds (2,400 kg) is a testament to the immense power of the Hellcat engine, the robustness of the drivetrain, and the thoughtful engineering that went into its design. While some might argue that few owners will ever realistically reach this speed on public roads, the capability itself speaks volumes about the vehicle’s performance pedigree and its status as a true supercar slayer in SUV form.
Beyond the Straight Line: Handling and Braking at Speed
Attaining a high top speed is one thing; safely controlling and stopping a vehicle at such velocities is another entirely. Jeep understood that the 2019 Trackhawk needed more than just raw power; it required a comprehensive performance package to ensure stability and safety.
To handle the immense forces generated at 180 mph, the Trackhawk features a performance-tuned adaptive damping suspension system that adjusts to various driving conditions and modes (Auto, Sport, Track, Snow, Tow). This system helps manage body roll and maintain optimal tire contact with the road, crucial for high-speed stability.
Equally vital are the brakes. The 2019 Trackhawk is equipped with massive Brembo high-performance brakes. Up front, it features 15.75-inch (400 mm) two-piece vented rotors with six-piston calipers, and at the rear, 13.78-inch (350 mm) vented rotors with four-piston calipers. These brakes are among the largest ever fitted to a Jeep vehicle, designed to dissipate heat effectively and provide consistent, fade-free stopping power from high speeds. The combination of its sophisticated suspension and formidable braking system ensures that the Trackhawk isn’t just fast in a straight line but can also be brought to a controlled halt with confidence.
The Trackhawk’s Place in the Performance SUV Landscape
When the 2019 Jeep Trackhawk hit the market, its 180 mph top speed immediately placed it in an elite club. While SUVs like the Lamborghini Urus (190 mph+), Porsche Cayenne Turbo (177 mph+), and BMW X5 M (177 mph with performance package) also boast impressive figures, the Trackhawk offered comparable, if not superior, straight-line performance at a significantly more accessible price point.
It effectively democratized extreme SUV performance, offering muscle car thrills in a practical, family-friendly package. Its top speed wasn’t just a number; it was a statement that an American SUV, despite its traditional rugged image, could stand toe-to-toe with the world’s most prestigious performance vehicles.
Important Considerations for High-Speed Driving
While the 2019 Jeep Trackhawk is engineered for high speeds, it’s crucial for owners to understand the responsibilities and considerations that come with such capabilities:
- Safety First: Always adhere to posted speed limits and drive responsibly. High-speed driving should only be attempted in controlled environments, such as closed circuits or designated high-speed testing facilities.
- Tire Ratings: The Trackhawk comes standard with high-performance, speed-rated tires specifically designed to withstand the heat and stresses of extreme velocities. Using tires not rated for the Trackhawk’s top speed can be extremely dangerous.
- Maintenance: Regular and meticulous maintenance, especially of the engine, brakes, and tires, is paramount to ensure the vehicle remains safe and capable of its intended performance.
- Fuel Consumption: Be prepared for significantly increased fuel consumption when pushing the Trackhawk to its limits.
- Legal Implications: Driving at the Trackhawk’s top speed is illegal on virtually all public roads worldwide. Severe legal penalties and safety risks are associated with irresponsible high-speed driving.
Modifications and Their Impact on Top Speed
The aftermarket scene for Hellcat-powered vehicles is vast, and many Trackhawk owners explore modifications to boost performance further. Common modifications include pulley upgrades, larger injectors, custom tuning, and exhaust systems. While these can significantly increase horsepower and potentially reduce 0-60 mph times, their impact on top speed can be more nuanced.
The 180 mph top speed is electronically limited, primarily for safety reasons related to tire ratings and overall vehicle stability. Removing or increasing this limiter requires significant expertise and often voids warranties. Furthermore, pushing beyond 180 mph introduces exponential increases in aerodynamic drag, requiring substantially more power for incremental speed gains. Any modifications aimed at increasing top speed beyond the factory limit should only be undertaken by highly qualified professionals, with comprehensive consideration for safety systems, tire capabilities, and structural integrity. For the vast majority of owners, the factory 180 mph is more than sufficient and represents the safe, engineered limit of the vehicle.
Practical Advice and Actionable Insights
For those fortunate enough to own a 2019 Jeep Trackhawk, the practical advice regarding its top speed is simple: appreciate the engineering prowess and the raw capability it represents, but exercise extreme caution. The Trackhawk’s top speed is a testament to its potential, not an invitation for reckless driving. Instead, enjoy its brutal acceleration, its commanding presence, and the sheer joy of piloting a vehicle that can embarrass sports cars from a standstill. Focus on safe, responsible driving, and perhaps, if the opportunity arises, experience its full potential on a controlled track day, where its top speed can be explored within safe parameters.
Conclusion: A Speed Icon in SUV Form
The 2019 Jeep Trackhawk’s 180 mph top speed is more than just a number; it’s a bold declaration. It signifies Jeep’s audacious venture into the upper echelons of performance, marrying the rugged utility of a Grand Cherokee with the blistering speed of a supercharged muscle car. This incredible velocity is a direct result of the legendary Hellcat engine, sophisticated aerodynamic considerations, and a robust chassis and braking system designed to handle extreme forces. The Trackhawk isn’t just an SUV; it’s a legitimate speed icon, a testament to what’s possible when engineers are given free rein to push boundaries, creating a vehicle that is both immensely practical and shockingly fast. It remains a benchmark in the performance SUV segment, forever etched in automotive history for its fearless pursuit of speed.
2019 Jeep Trackhawk Key Specifications & Pricing
| Feature | Specification / Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8 |
| Horsepower | 707 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 645 lb-ft @ 4,800 rpm |
| Transmission | TorqueFlite 8HP95 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Quadra-Trac Active On-Demand 4×4 System |
| 0-60 mph | 3.5 seconds |
| 1/4 Mile Time | 11.6 seconds @ 116 mph (manufacturer estimate) |
| Top Speed | 180 mph (290 km/h) – Electronically Limited |
| Brakes (Front) | 15.75-inch (400 mm) two-piece vented rotors with 6-piston Brembo calipers |
| Brakes (Rear) | 13.78-inch (350 mm) vented rotors with 4-piston Brembo calipers |
| Curb Weight | Approximately 5,363 lbs (2,433 kg) |
| Tires | 295/45ZR20 Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season (standard) or Pirelli P Zero (optional) |
| Original MSRP (Base) | Approximately $86,900 (before destination and options) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the 2019 Jeep Trackhawk Top Speed
Q1: Is the 2019 Jeep Trackhawk’s 180 mph top speed electronically limited?
A1: Yes, the 2019 Jeep Trackhawk’s top speed is electronically limited to 180 mph (290 km/h). This limitation is primarily for safety reasons, considering the vehicle’s weight, aerodynamics, and the capabilities of its standard tires.
Q2: Can the 2019 Trackhawk go faster than 180 mph with modifications?
A2: Theoretically, with significant engine modifications and by removing or increasing the electronic limiter, it might be possible. However, this is highly discouraged as it can compromise safety, vehicle stability, and tire integrity. Such modifications also void the factory warranty.
Q3: How does the Trackhawk’s top speed compare to other performance SUVs?
A3: The 2019 Trackhawk’s 180 mph top speed puts it among the fastest SUVs in the world, comparable to or exceeding many high-end performance SUVs from brands like Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-AMG, and only slightly behind ultra-luxury options like the Lamborghini Urus.
Q4: Is it safe to drive the Trackhawk at its top speed?
A4: The Trackhawk is engineered to be stable and safe at its electronically limited top speed. However, driving at 180 mph should only ever be attempted in controlled environments, such as professional race tracks or dedicated high-speed testing facilities, and never on public roads.
Q5: What kind of tires does the Trackhawk use to handle its top speed?
A5: The 2019 Trackhawk comes equipped with high-performance, speed-rated tires (e.g., Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season or optional Pirelli P Zero) that are specifically designed to withstand the immense forces, heat, and stresses generated at extreme velocities. Using non-speed-rated tires is dangerous.
