The SRT Track Hawk is a high-performance Jeep Grand Cherokee built for track driving

The SRT Track Hawk is a limited-edition Jeep Grand Cherokee that Dodge (through its performance division SRT) designed specifically for road courses and track days. It combines the body of a three-row SUV with a supercharged V8 engine, all-wheel drive, and suspension tuning meant to handle corners at speed rather than just haul cargo on highways. Dodge built only 500 of them in 2018, making it a rare variant that sits between the regular SRT Grand Cherokee and full racing machines.

The name reflects its purpose: "Track" means it was engineered for closed courses, and "Hawk" follows Dodge's naming convention for high-performance models. Unlike a standard SUV, the Track Hawk has a lower ride height, stiffer springs, upgraded brakes, and a transmission calibrated to hold gears longer during hard acceleration. The result is a vehicle that weighs over 4,600 pounds but can lap a circuit faster than many sports cars half its size.

Key Takeaways

  • The SRT Track Hawk is a 2018-only Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 645-horsepower supercharged V8 engine designed for track use, not street driving.
  • Dodge produced exactly 500 units, all finished in Midnight Black or Pearl White, making it a collectible variant with limited resale availability.
  • The suspension, brakes, and transmission were tuned for cornering and sustained high speeds, not comfort or everyday driving.
  • Track Hawk owners typically use the vehicle for track days at racing facilities rather than as a daily driver, though it remains street-legal.

Engine and Powertrain Specifications

The Track Hawk's engine is a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 that produces 645 horsepower and 635 pound-feet of torque. That output comes from a Roots-type supercharger bolted directly to the engine block, forcing air into the cylinders at higher pressure than naturally aspirated engines can achieve. The engine breathes through a cold-air intake and exhausts through a performance exhaust system designed to reduce backpressure.

Power transfers to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission with a torque converter, not a manual. The transmission includes a "launch control" feature that manages wheel spin during hard acceleration from a standstill, and it can hold gears longer than the standard SRT Grand Cherokee transmission when the driver selects Sport mode. The all-wheel-drive system sends power to whichever wheels have the most grip, which matters on a track where weight transfer and tire load change constantly through corners.

Acceleration from 0 to 60 miles per hour takes approximately 3.5 seconds, and the vehicle can reach a top speed of 180 miles per hour—though that speed is only safe on a closed track. Fuel economy is poor by modern standards, around 13 to 15 miles per gallon in mixed driving, because the supercharger and high-octane fuel requirement (91 octane minimum, 93 recommended) prioritize power over efficiency.

Suspension and Handling Tuning

The Track Hawk sits 0.6 inches lower than a standard SRT Grand Cherokee, achieved through stiffer springs and a revised suspension geometry. The springs are much stiffer than street-oriented SRT models, which means the ride is noticeably firmer on bumpy roads but allows the chassis to stay flatter during aggressive cornering. Dodge also upgraded the anti-roll bars (sway bars) to reduce body lean when the vehicle changes direction quickly.

The steering is electronically assisted and tuned for quicker response than the regular SRT Grand Cherokee. This means less steering wheel input is needed to change direction, which matters when threading through a series of tight corners on a track. The steering feel is heavier at low speeds and lighter at highway speeds, a characteristic of modern power steering systems designed to balance control with ease of parking.

Braking is handled by Brembo six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers gripping larger rotors than standard SRT models. These brakes are designed to withstand repeated hard stops from high speed without fading—a critical requirement on a track where a driver may brake hard multiple times per lap. The brake fluid is a high-temperature DOT 4 specification to prevent boiling under sustained heat.

Exterior and Interior Design

All 500 Track Hawks were painted in one of two colors: Midnight Black or Pearl White. Dodge did not offer other colors, which limits customization but makes the vehicle when ready recognizable to enthusiasts. The exterior includes a unique front fascia with larger air intakes to feed the supercharger, a hood with functional vents to release engine heat, and a rear spoiler to generate downforce at high speeds.

The wheels are 20-inch forged aluminum with a unique design, wrapped in Pirelli P Zero summer performance tires. Summer tires have a harder rubber compound and shallower tread than all-season tires, which means they grip better on a warm track but offer less traction in rain or cold weather. The tires are not suitable for winter driving or wet conditions, which is why Track Hawk owners typically store the vehicle during off-season months.

Inside, the cabin is stripped of some luxury features found in regular SRT Grand Cherokees. The rear seats are removed entirely to reduce weight and create cargo space for track equipment. The front seats are Recaro performance units with aggressive bolstering to hold the driver and passenger in place during hard cornering. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped, and the dashboard includes a performance data recorder that captures video and telemetry during track sessions.

Production Numbers and Rarity

Dodge announced the SRT Track Hawk in early 2018 and produced exactly 500 units before ending production. This limited run was intentional—Dodge wanted to create a collectible variant that would appeal to track enthusiasts and collectors. All 500 vehicles were built in the 2018 model year, and no Track Hawks were produced in subsequent years, making it a one-year-only model.

The rarity has affected the used market. Track Hawks typically sell for more than standard SRT Grand Cherokees of the same year, even if they have higher mileage. Buyers are willing to pay a premium for the limited production number, unique specifications, and the bragging rights of owning one of 500. However, heavy track use can reduce value if the vehicle shows signs of wear, damage, or has been involved in an accident.

Track Day Use and Limitations

The Track Hawk is street-legal but designed for track use, which means it comes with compromises for everyday driving. The stiff suspension transmits every bump from the road surface to the cabin, making long highway drives uncomfortable. The summer tires offer poor traction in rain or snow, and the vehicle's weight and size make it difficult to park in tight spaces. Fuel consumption is high, and the supercharger requires premium fuel, which increases operating costs.

Track day facilities typically allow the Track Hawk in their intermediate or advanced run groups, depending on the driver's experience level. Insurance for track use is separate from street insurance and must be purchased through a specialty provider that covers racing activities. Many standard auto insurance policies exclude or limit coverage for track driving, so owners need to verify their coverage before taking the vehicle to a circuit.

Maintenance after track use is more intensive than street driving. Brake fluid should be flushed more frequently because it absorbs moisture and degrades faster under high heat. Tires wear quickly and may need replacement after a few track days. The transmission fluid should be checked regularly, and the engine oil should be changed on a shorter interval than the manufacturer recommends for street driving.

Comparison to Other High-Performance SUVs

The Track Hawk competes in a small category of performance SUVs designed for track use. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo S and BMW X5 M both offer similar power and all-wheel drive, but they cost significantly more and were not built specifically for track days. The Dodge Durango SRT, which shares the same engine and transmission, offers similar acceleration but lacks the Track Hawk's suspension tuning and track-focused design.

What sets the Track Hawk apart is its combination of raw power, limited production, and explicit track engineering. It is not a luxury SUV with performance upgrades; it is a performance vehicle in an SUV body. The trade-off is that it sacrifices comfort, practicality, and everyday usability for lap times and handling. Buyers who want a high-performance SUV for daily driving would be better served by a standard SRT Grand Cherokee or a different brand entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drive a Track Hawk on the street every day?

Yes, it is street-legal and registered as a normal vehicle. However, the stiff suspension, summer tires, and poor fuel economy make it impractical for daily commuting. Most owners use it for track days and weekend driving, not as a primary vehicle.

How much does a used SRT Track Hawk cost?

Prices vary based on mileage and condition, but used Track Hawks typically sell between $60,000 and $90,000. Track use and accident history significantly affect value. Prices are higher than standard 2018 SRT Grand Cherokees because of the limited production run and unique specifications.

What fuel does the Track Hawk require?

The supercharger requires 91-octane fuel minimum, with 93-octane recommended for optimal performance. Using lower-octane fuel can cause engine knock and reduce horsepower. Premium fuel costs more than regular fuel, which increases operating expenses.

Are Track Hawks still being produced?

No. Dodge produced only 500 Track Hawks in 2018 and discontinued the model. The vehicle is no longer in production, making it a one-year-only collectible. Any Track Hawk on the market is a 2018 model year.

What is the difference between a Track Hawk and a regular SRT Grand Cherokee?

The Track Hawk has a supercharged V8 with 645 horsepower (versus 475 in the regular SRT), a lower ride height, stiffer suspension, upgraded brakes, and track-tuned transmission. It also has no rear seats, summer tires, and a performance data recorder. The regular SRT is designed for street driving and comfort.