
The Jeep Cherokee is probably one of the most popular and successful SUVs ever. Adopted by soccer moms everywhere in the 1990s, it continues to be a popular choice. The first production version was the Jeep Cherokee ZJ in 1993 which was replaced by the WJ in 1999 and then the WK in 2005. The 2007 model underwent a minor facelift and reshaping of the front end and grill.
The Cherokee has several trim options and ranges from $28,685 for a base Laredo all the way up to nearly $41,000 for the SRT8. Somewhere in the middle are the well equipped Limited and Overland models. At each trim level the engine size and output increases. The Laredo has the 3.7L 6 cylinder with 210hp, the Limited steps up to 4.7L 8 cylinder with 235hp, the Overland and the SRT8 have the much advertised HEMI® engine, so you can pull up to a read light and say “it’s a HEMI” to the guy next to you. The Overland’s HEMI is a 5.7L with 330hp and SRT8’s is a 6.1L with 420hp.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT 8 is the real beast of the group attempting to compete with other tricked out SUVs on the market today. With the powerful HEMI engine, sport tuned suspension, 20” polished aluminum rims, and a reported 0-60 time of less than 5 seconds, the SRT8 is making its presence felt. That said, you are going to have to pony up at least $40K to get one in your garage.