707 horsepower in a family SUV. That is the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk in one sentence. It is also a six-figure vehicle with a supercharged Hellcat engine, real towing capability, space for five adults, and a 0-60 time of 3.5 seconds. It is completely unhinged and completely lovable — and if you are thinking about buying one, you need to do your homework first.
This guide covers everything a prospective Trackhawk buyer needs to know: the right years to target, what to inspect before you sign anything, realistic ownership costs, and the common issues that show up on these vehicles.
What Years Were the Trackhawk Made?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk was produced from 2018 through 2021. Production ended with the WK2 generation Grand Cherokee. The current L generation (2021+) Grand Cherokee does not have a Trackhawk variant — which means the used market is the only way to own one, and clean examples are increasingly rare and valuable.
All Trackhawks share the same fundamental platform and powertrain: the 6.2L supercharged HEMI V8 making 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque, mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and Quadra-Trac SRT all-wheel drive system.
Which Year Should You Buy?
2018: The first model year. Look for any early production issues but overall the powertrain was solid from launch. Some infotainment and minor electrical gremlins were more common in early builds. Prices are typically lowest on 2018s.
2019-2020: The sweet spot. The kinks from the first model year were sorted, the Uconnect system received updates, and these tend to be the cleanest examples on the market because many were bought by enthusiasts who maintained them properly.
2021: The final year and the most desirable from a collector standpoint. Prices reflect this — expect to pay a premium. If you are buying as a long-term investment, a clean 2021 is the right call.
What to Inspect Before You Buy
The Trackhawk’s powertrain is robust but it has been abused by many owners. Here is your pre-purchase inspection checklist:
- Supercharger condition: Listen for unusual whines, squeals, or grinding sounds. A healthy supercharger should have a clean, consistent whine under load. Have a specialist inspect the supercharger snout and bearings.
- Cold start tick: Some HEMI tick at cold startup is normal and disappears at operating temperature. Persistent tick after warmup needs investigation — could indicate a stuck lifter or oil pressure issue.
- Transmission behavior: Test all drive modes — Sport, Track, Tow, Snow. Look for harsh shifts, shudder between 25-50 mph, or delayed engagement. A fluid change history is important — ask for records.
- Brake condition: Trackhawks are heavy and fast. Inspect rotor surface for deep grooves or heat cracks. Check pad thickness. Ask when the last brake service was done.
- Tire wear: Uneven tire wear can indicate alignment or suspension issues, potentially from curb strikes or track use.
- Pull Carfax and service records: Non-negotiable. Look for accident history and evidence of regular oil changes. A Trackhawk that went 10,000 miles between oil changes with the factory fill is a red flag.
- Check engine codes: Bring an OBD scanner or have the dealer scan for stored codes — including pending codes that have not yet triggered the MIL.
- Look for trailer hitches: A Trackhawk that was towed a lot is not inherently bad, but it tells you how the vehicle was used. Combine with mileage and service records for context.
Realistic Ownership Costs
The Trackhawk is not a cheap car to own. Be honest with yourself about this before you buy.
Insurance: Expect to pay significantly more than a standard Grand Cherokee — often $200 to $400 more per month depending on your driving record, age, and location. Get insurance quotes before you commit to a purchase.
Fuel: Premium required. Real-world fuel economy is 11-14 mpg in mixed driving. If you drive 15,000 miles per year at $4 per gallon premium, budget approximately $4,000 to $5,500 annually for fuel.
Tires: The Trackhawk uses 295/45R20 tires on the factory Pirelli P Zero rubber. A full set of replacement Pirelli P Zeros runs $1,200 to $1,600 installed. Aggressive driving shortens tire life significantly — budget accordingly.
Oil changes: Use full synthetic 0W-40 and change it every 5,000 miles. Do not go longer on a supercharged engine — the oil works harder. Budget $100 to $150 per oil change.
Supercharger service: At high mileage (60,000+), supercharger bearing inspection or replacement becomes relevant. Budget $1,500 to $3,000 for a supercharger rebuild if needed.
Trackhawk vs Grand Cherokee SRT: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
The Grand Cherokee SRT uses the naturally aspirated 6.4L HEMI making 475 horsepower. The Trackhawk uses the supercharged 6.2L making 707 horsepower. The price difference on the used market is typically $15,000 to $30,000 depending on year and condition.
For most buyers, the SRT is the smarter financial decision — it delivers 90% of the Trackhawk experience at a lower price, lower insurance cost, and with a simpler, more reliable powertrain. The Trackhawk’s extra 232 horsepower is genuinely addictive, but it is also genuinely expensive to access and maintain.
That said — if the Trackhawk is what you want, you will never regret it. There is nothing else like it. Buy the best example you can find, maintain it properly, and enjoy every single mile.
The Bottom Line
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is one of the great automotive insanities of the modern era. A supercharged Hellcat engine in a seven-passenger family SUV — capable of running with sports cars and hauling a trailer on the same day. It is impractical by any reasonable standard and completely irresistible by any enthusiast standard.
Buy a clean example with documented service history, budget honestly for ownership costs, and treat the supercharger with the respect it deserves. Do that, and the Trackhawk will be one of the best vehicles you have ever owned.
Own a Trackhawk and experiencing issues? Try our free AI Diagnostic Tool for real answers. See all our Trackhawk coverage for more owner guides.
About the Author
Azriel Wilkinson is a United States Air Force veteran with 7 years of aircraft maintenance experience and a Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT owner based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He founded The SRT Garage to provide honest, experience-based information for SRT enthusiasts who want real answers — not recycled specs. Learn more about The SRT Garage.
About The SRT Garage
The SRT Garage is written by a United States Air Force veteran with 7 years of aircraft maintenance experience and a Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT owner based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This site exists to provide honest, experience-based information for SRT enthusiasts who want real answers — not recycled specs. Learn more.