The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk (WK2) is not your average SUV—it’s a performance monster. Powered by the legendary Hellcat engine, this model redefined what an SUV can be by combining luxury, off-road capability, and supercar-level power. Jeep’s Trackhawk stands as one of the fastest and most powerful production SUVs ever made, offering unmatched performance without sacrificing practicality.
Under its bold exterior, the Trackhawk hides a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 engine that delivers jaw-dropping acceleration. It merges American muscle with luxury SUV refinement, appealing to drivers who crave both raw speed and comfort. Competing with the likes of the BMW X5 M, Mercedes-AMG GLE 63, and Porsche Cayenne Turbo, the 2018 Trackhawk holds its ground as an icon of power and capability.
This article dives deep into the details of the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk (WK2), covering everything from performance and design to safety, technology, and ownership experience.
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History of the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
Jeep introduced the Grand Cherokee in the early 1990s as a rugged yet luxurious SUV. Over the years, it evolved into a refined vehicle with impressive off-road and on-road abilities.
By 2018, Jeep took the Grand Cherokee to new extremes with the Trackhawk — a performance-focused variant equipped with Dodge’s Hellcat engine. This daring move combined the utility of an SUV with the performance of a muscle car, creating one of the most exhilarating SUVs ever built.
Exterior Design
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk (WK2) looks both muscular and elegant. It features subtle performance cues that hint at its power while retaining the recognizable Grand Cherokee shape.
Key Exterior Highlights
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Aggressive front bumper with large air intakes
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Distinctive hood vents for cooling
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20-inch alloy wheels
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Quad exhaust tips
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“Supercharged” badging
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Brembo performance brakes with red calipers
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Signature LED headlights and taillights
The Trackhawk’s design exudes dominance and luxury. Its muscular stance and bold detailing make it instantly recognizable, while aerodynamic tweaks improve high-speed stability.
Interior & Cabin Comfort
Inside, the Trackhawk combines premium comfort with sporty design elements. It’s built for both performance and luxury.
Interior Features
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Leather and suede performance seats
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Contrast stitching and Trackhawk logos
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Heated and ventilated front and rear seats
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Flat-bottom performance steering wheel
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8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system
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Premium audio from Harman Kardon
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Digital driver display with performance data
Cabin quality is excellent, with soft-touch materials, metallic trims, and intuitive controls. Despite its supercar performance, the Trackhawk offers true SUV comfort and space for five passengers.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk lies the same supercharged engine found in the Dodge Challenger Hellcat — a monstrous 6.2-liter HEMI V8.
Engine Specs
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Engine: 6.2L Supercharged HEMI V8
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Horsepower: 707 hp
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Torque: 645 lb-ft
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Transmission: 8-speed automatic
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Drive: All-wheel drive (AWD)
Acceleration
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0–60 mph: ~3.5 seconds
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Top Speed: ~180 mph
These numbers make the Trackhawk one of the quickest SUVs ever produced. Despite its size and weight, it launches like a sports car, thanks to its powerful engine and advanced AWD system.
Exhaust Sound & Driving Feel
The exhaust note of the Trackhawk is unmistakable—deep, thunderous, and aggressive. At idle, it rumbles menacingly; under full throttle, it screams like a muscle car.
The driving experience is equally exciting. The power delivery is instant, the throttle response is sharp, and the supercharger whine adds to the drama. Even though it’s a large SUV, the Trackhawk feels nimble and stable, thanks to its performance-tuned suspension and AWD system.
Suspension & Handling
The Trackhawk is equipped with adaptive suspension that adjusts damping based on driving mode.
Drive Modes Include:
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Auto: Balanced for daily driving
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Sport: Sharper throttle and tighter suspension
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Track: Maximum performance for racetrack use
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Snow: Enhanced traction for slippery surfaces
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Tow: Optimized torque for towing
The suspension setup ensures stability even at high speeds, while the electric power steering provides precise control.
Braking System
Stopping power is equally impressive. Brembo brakes provide strong, fade-resistant braking.
Brake Details
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15.75-inch front rotors
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13.78-inch rear rotors
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Six-piston front calipers
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Four-piston rear calipers
The Trackhawk’s brakes inspire confidence, bringing this powerful SUV to a halt quickly and safely.
Technology & Infotainment
Jeep’s Uconnect system offers top-notch connectivity and ease of use.
Tech Highlights
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8.4-inch touchscreen display
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Navigation with real-time traffic
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Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
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Voice command features
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Performance pages (track data, g-force, timers)
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19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
The Performance Pages feature is especially popular among enthusiasts, providing live performance metrics like horsepower output, acceleration times, and more.
Safety Features
Despite being a high-performance SUV, the 2018 Trackhawk doesn’t compromise on safety. It includes multiple driver-assistance systems.
Safety Equipment
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Forward collision warning
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Adaptive cruise control
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Blind-spot monitoring
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Rear cross-path detection
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Lane departure warning
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Park assist
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Multiple airbags
These systems work together to ensure safety during both high-speed and everyday driving.
Off-Road Capability
Although the Trackhawk is more track-oriented, it retains some of Jeep’s off-road DNA. However, its low-profile tires and performance suspension are designed primarily for pavement and high-speed driving, not extreme off-roading.
That said, with AWD and torque vectoring, it handles slippery roads and light off-road trails effortlessly.
Fuel Economy
With great power comes great appetite for fuel. The 2018 Trackhawk’s fuel economy is not its strong suit.
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City: ~11 mpg
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Highway: ~17 mpg
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Combined: ~13–14 mpg
However, most buyers accept this trade-off for its performance capabilities.
Driving Experience
Driving the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk feels like commanding a muscle car in SUV form. It’s loud, fast, and utterly thrilling. The acceleration pushes you back into your seat, the steering is responsive, and the ride feels solid and composed even at high speeds.
Despite its brute force, the Trackhawk can behave gently in normal driving, making it surprisingly livable for daily use.
Interior Space & Practicality
Beyond performance, the Trackhawk still functions as a true SUV. It offers:
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Ample cabin space
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Foldable rear seats
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Large cargo area
This makes it suitable for families who want performance and practicality in one vehicle.
Maintenance & Ownership Costs
The Trackhawk’s maintenance costs are higher than typical SUVs due to its performance components. Premium fuel, high-performance tires, and specialized brakes are part of ownership.
However, reliability remains solid, and Jeep’s service network is extensive.
Maintenance Considerations
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Regular oil changes with synthetic oil
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Supercharger maintenance
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Tire replacement intervals (due to power output)
Price & Value
At launch, the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk (WK2) started around $86,000–$90,000, depending on options.
For the performance it delivers — matching sports cars costing twice as much — it offers tremendous value.
Used models today remain highly sought-after by enthusiasts who appreciate power, luxury, and SUV comfort.
Jeep Trackhawk vs Competitors
| Feature | Jeep Trackhawk | BMW X5 M | Porsche Cayenne Turbo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 707 hp | 600 hp | 541 hp |
| 0–60 mph | 3.5 sec | 3.8 sec | 3.9 sec |
| Drive | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Price (2018) | ~$86,000 | ~$100,000+ | ~$120,000 |
| Practicality | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
The Trackhawk dominates in raw power and value, while rivals emphasize refinement and luxury.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
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Supercharged 707-hp engine
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Luxurious interior
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Excellent infotainment system
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Incredible acceleration
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Great braking and handling for size
❌ Cons
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Low fuel efficiency
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Expensive maintenance
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Heavy weight affects agility
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Not ideal for off-roading
Who Should Buy the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk?
The Trackhawk is perfect for:
✅ Car enthusiasts who crave performance
✅ SUV lovers wanting luxury + power
✅ Drivers seeking something unique and thrilling
✅ Owners who value exclusivity
If you want an SUV that can out-accelerate sports cars while carrying your family comfortably, the Trackhawk is unmatched.
Future Outlook
The Trackhawk has become a modern classic, and collectors value it highly. Jeep may explore electrified versions in the future, combining performance with hybrid or electric powertrains for greater efficiency.
Conclusion
The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk (WK2) is a rare breed — a luxurious, powerful, and thrilling SUV that blurs the line between performance car and family hauler. With its 707-horsepower supercharged V8, high-tech interior, and refined comfort, it delivers an adrenaline-filled experience unmatched in its class.
It’s more than just an SUV — it’s a statement of power, engineering, and passion. For those who desire an everyday vehicle that thrills like a supercar, the Trackhawk remains one of the most exciting choices ever built.