Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2

The WK2 is the generation where Jeep lost its mind. The mainstream versions, built from 2011, were a big step up in refinement thanks to a chassis co-developed during the Mercedes-Benz era, and they sold by the trainload as comfortable, capable family haulers. That's not the version anyone writes stories about.

The version people write stories about is the Trackhawk. In 2018 Jeep stuffed the 6.2-liter supercharged Hellcat V8 from the Dodge Challenger under the hood, producing 707 horsepower and hurling a two-and-a-half-ton SUV to 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds on its way to 180. At launch it was the quickest SUV on the planet, a school-run Jeep that would humiliate most sports cars at a stoplight. Below it sat the 6.4-liter SRT and its 470 horsepower, still plenty quick and a good deal cheaper to run.

If you want the full circus act, the Trackhawk is a modern classic in waiting and prices reflect it. If you want most of the drama for a fraction of the money, the naturally aspirated SRT is the smart enthusiast's WK2.