For more than eight decades, Jeep has been a stalwart in the production of rugged off-road vehicles. Today, their latest models are equipped with formidable engines, boasting surprising speed and performance.
In this article, we delve into the realm of the fastest Jeep SUVs currently available. With a diverse array of engine options, ranging from plug-in electric hybrids to supercharged Hellcat V8s, we invite you to explore some of the swiftest SUVs in the automotive world. Keep reading to uncover these high-speed marvels.
7. Jeep Compass (0-60 in 9.3 seconds)
Commencing our journey with the Jeep models, we start with the 2.4L 4-cylinder Jeep Compass. This variant modestly churns out 177 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 0-60 acceleration time of 9.3 seconds—a performance on par with other popular compact crossovers.
However, it’s important to note that the Compass isn’t primarily renowned for its speed. Instead, its true forte lies in Jeep’s signature off-road capabilities. The Compass Trailhawk 4×4, in particular, boasts a suite of off-road features, including hill descent control, traction management, and 4WD low mode, which bolsters torque at low speeds, facilitating the conquest of rocky terrains and the traversal of waterways.
6. Jeep Renegade (0-60 in 9.0 seconds)
Next in line, we have the turbocharged 1.3L 4-cylinder Jeep Renegade, a subcompact SUV featuring a boxy design. This variant delivers a respectable 177 horsepower and an impressive 210 lb-ft of torque.
While it may not set speed records, the Jeep Renegade truly shines in off-road environments. Additionally, it exhibits a towing capacity of up to 2,000 pounds, making it a prime choice for outdoor enthusiasts who favor a compact vehicle with commendable fuel efficiency, ranging between 22 to 24 city miles per gallon.
5. Jeep Cherokee (0-60 in 7.6 seconds)
Crafted in Belvidere, Illinois, the Jeep Cherokee stands equipped with a robust 3.2L V6 engine and boasts an impressive towing capacity of up to 4,500 pounds when equipped with the tow package. Delivering a commendable performance, it harnesses 270 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a respectable 7.6 seconds.
While it may not claim victory on the racetrack, the Jeep Cherokee excels as a well-rounded family SUV. Notably, it’s ready to conquer trails right off the dealership lot, making it a versatile choice for both everyday use and outdoor adventures.
4. Jeep Grand Cherokee (0-60 in 7.4 seconds)
The finest luxury SUVs crafted on American soil, the Grand Cherokee comes equipped with a standard 3.6L V6 engine, generating an impressive 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
For those seeking even more power, there’s an optional 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 engine boasting a robust 357 horsepower and a formidable 390 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, a plug-in electric hybrid engine is available, offering an astonishing 375 horsepower and a remarkable 470 lb-ft of torque.
In contrast to prioritizing sheer speed and power, the Grand Cherokee places a strong emphasis on luxury and comfort, setting it apart from others in its class. Its distinctive features include front seats that transform into massage chairs and a unique 10-inch passenger front display seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, conveniently angled away from the driver’s line of sight. Furthermore, interior rear seat monitoring cameras provide a bird’s-eye view of passengers, allowing parents to keep a watchful eye without needing to turn around. As an option, you can also indulge in a high-end speaker system featuring 19 McIntosh speakers, delivering up to a staggering 950 Watts of sound.
In addition to its status as one of the most sought-after American luxury SUVs, the Grand Cherokee shines as a formidable off-road contender. It boasts an impressive ground clearance of up to 11.3 inches, coupled with a sophisticated traction management system that optimizes performance based on the terrain, whether it’s snow, sand, rock, or mud.
3. Jeep Wrangler 4xe (0-60 in 5.5 seconds)
Jeep’s latest addition, the plug-in electric hybrid model, stands out as one of the swiftest Jeeps in the lineup, boasting an impressive 0-60 acceleration time of just 5.5 seconds. This remarkable speed is attributed to the combined prowess of the electric and gas engines working in unison, delivering acceleration and velocity that surpasses the majority of Wrangler models.
One noteworthy advantage of electric vehicles is their rapid acceleration capabilities, courtesy of the instant torque provided by the electric engine.
Furthermore, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe not only delivers on performance but also offers substantial savings on fuel costs. It grants approximately 21 miles of range in electric-only mode, a noteworthy feature for eco-conscious consumers. In addition to this hybrid marvel, Jeep has plans in motion to introduce a fully electric Jeep vehicle slated for release in 2023.
2. Jeep Wranger Rubicon 392 (0-60 in 4.0 seconds)
The most formidable Wrangler to date is powered by a colossal 6.4L HEMI V8 engine, delivering an astounding 470 horsepower and a robust 470 lb-ft of torque.
In a test conducted by Car & Driver, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 demonstrated its astonishing speed, accelerating from 0 to 60 in a mere 4.0 seconds—a remarkable feat that outperforms Jeep’s advertised time of 4.5 seconds. Additionally, Jeep asserts that it can conquer a quarter-mile distance in just 13.0 seconds.
Duly recognized as the winner of the Motortrend Fourwheeler SUV of the Year for 2022, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 presents a compelling package, combining exceptional on-road speed with unparalleled off-road prowess, making it a standout choice for those who seek top-tier performance both on the streets and on challenging trails.
1. Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk (0-60 in 3.5 seconds)
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk stands as the ultimate manifestation of Jeep’s need for speed, meticulously tuned to deliver exceptional track performance. It proudly ranks among the swiftest SUVs ever crafted, showcasing a breathtaking 0-60 acceleration time of an astonishing 3.5 seconds.
At its heart, the Trackhawk boasts a Supercharged 6.2L Hellcat V8 engine, a powerhouse that commands a staggering 707 horsepower and a formidable 645 pound-feet of torque. This juggernaut is capable of reaching a top speed of 180 mph and can master a quarter-mile sprint in a mere 12.0 seconds.
Equipped with Launch Control, the Trackhawk’s sophisticated computer systems optimize the launch sequence and acceleration, granting it an edge that enables it to outpace several high-performance sports cars in straight-line races.
In a thrilling drag race video, the Trackhawk narrowly triumphs over a Lamborghini Urus in a half-mile race, clocking in at an impressive 18.2 seconds. Remarkably, this powerhouse comes with a starting price of approximately $91,000, making it an enticing option that costs less than half the price of the Lamborghini Urus, while delivering equally heart-pounding performance.