The 180 mile-per-hour speedometer makes us wonder: How fast will this puppy really go? Sorry to disappoint, but the SRT folks tell us that the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8’s top speed is limited by gearing and aerodynamic drag to somewhere around 155 mph. Which is plenty fast in a Jeep, don’t you think?

What if I want to tow a trailer with the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8? This hot-rodded Grand Cherokee can help earn its keep with the ability to tow up to 3,500 pounds. Because you’ll need to work around those cool center-mounted exhaust tips, however, you’ll need Mopar’s specially-designed hitch package which can be ordered from your friendly neighborhood Jeep dealer.

Can I take the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 off-roading? It’s no coincidence that Jeep’s new trademark “Trail Rated” badge is conspicuously absent from the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8’s flanks. With all-wheel drive, no low-range transfer case, an inch less ground clearance, and significantly reduced approach, departure, and breakover angles, best not take this baby further off the pavement than a well-graded fire road.

SPECIFICATIONS
Test Vehicle: 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8
Base Price of Test Vehicle: $39,995 (including $675 destination charge)
Engine Size and Type: 6.1-liter V8
Engine Horsepower: 420 at 6,200 rpm
Engine Torque: 420 lb.-ft. at 4,800 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed automatic with manual shift
Curb Weight, lbs.: 4,788
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 12/15
Length: 195.1 inches
Width: 73.3 inches (without mirrors)
Wheelbase: 109.5 inches
Height: 66.7 inches
Legroom (front/rear): 41.7/39.5 inches
Headroom (front/rear): 39.7/39.3 inches
Max. Seating Capacity: 5
Max. Cargo Volume: 67.4 cu. ft.
Max. Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs.
Max. Payload:
Competitors: BMW X5 4.8is, Chevrolet TrailBlazer SS, Infiniti FX45, Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged, Porsche Cayenne

Photos courtesy of DaimlerChrysler