The Grand Cherokee SRT8

Automobile

“Good lord”—the new Street and Racing Technology edition of the Jeep Grand Cherokee is “the most impressive Chrysler product” we’ve driven in years. Sure, “any SUV with performance intentions is a bit of an oxymoron,” and this is perhaps the first Jeep that can’t handle off-roading. But for sports-car handling and explosive speed, this five-seater easily matches or outperforms every other ute in its class. It’s “amazingly capable.”

Car and Driver

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Jeep’s hunky, speedy SRT8 “lives for express-lane service.” Improvements over past models are everywhere, from its “significantly stiffer body structure” to premium power-train components and “elegantly polished” interior refinements. There are some flaws: The instrument panel is unusually hard to read at a glance, and the vehicle’s overall bloated look makes a driver feel “swaddled in XXL attire.”

The Wall Street Journal

The 2012 SRT8 is certainly a “deeply indulgent vehicle”—an SUV that could tow a boat but “accelerates like a Ford Mustang GT,” thanks to its 470-hp, 6.4-liter Hemi V8. It also boasts a “top-notch” interior. Yes, “there are trade-offs”—like “reprehensible” fuel economy. Whatever. The SRT8 performs with supreme confidence. “If this isn’t the best-built American vehicle, you’ll have to show me one better.”