Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT vs Porsche Macan Turbo

How much bang you get for your buck is an important equation in the new car market – especially when it comes to cars like these.

• Best SUVs to buy now

SUVs are big business, and high-performance models such as our duo here sit at the very top of the range, enticing buyers with something a little bit different.

Or very different in the case of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT. Big American muscle cars have never really made sense in the UK, but Jeep has come up with an appealing all-terrain hotrod simply by installing its 6.4-litre ‘Hemi’ V8 in the Grand Cherokee off-roader body.

The £63,995 SRT is actually a bit of a bargain, because the rivals that offer similar space and pace are around £30,000 more expensive.

So while the Porsche Cayenne Turbo might be the Jeep’s natural competition in terms of size, it’ll set you back £93,574. Step forward the Cayenne’s smaller sibling – the £61,689 Macan Turbo.

The question is, is it worth sacrificing size for cost with the Macan, or can the ‘cut-price’ Grand Cherokee SRT offer everything you’d want from a big, fast SUV?

We pitched Porsche against Jeep to find out.

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• Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT review

• Porsche Macan Turbo review

Click the links above to read individual reviews, and scroll down to see which performance SUV comes out on top...

Head-to-head

Dimensions

The Macan is 147mm shorter than the SRT, and although the Jeep has the tighter turning circle, the Porsche is easier to manoeuvre. Its £332 optional reversing camera helps here, too, although visibility in both is good. The Macan feels the more compact car to drive as well, and has a higher-quality, more upmarket interior.

Space

Despite the Porsche’s sloping roofline, there’s still lots of headroom in the back. The wheelbase is similar to the SRT’s, so there’s also good rear legroom. It can’t compete with the Jeep for outright space, though – taller adults will still find the Grand Cherokee roomier.

Performance

Both cars have huge pace, so benefit from uprated brakes. The Jeep’s Brembos are good, but the Porsche’s optional ceramic-composite system is better. It stopped the Turbo from 70mph in 44.5m – that’s shorter than some sports cars.

Verdict

1st place: Porsche Macan

By combining the image, comfort and practicality of a high-riding SUV with driving dynamics most sports cars would kill for, the Macan Turbo rises to the top. And most buyers will sacrifice some space for the higher-quality finish, plus the pace and on-road prowess of the Porsche. Stronger residuals, lower running costs and a more attractive badge cement the victory.

2nd place: Jeep Grand Cherokee

The SRT packs plenty of feel-good factor, with a gargantuan V8 snorting away under the bonnet and its bold and brutish American styling. But even the relative value and decent practicality of this hot Grand Cherokee can’t topple the mighty Macan. Nearly £64,000 is a lot to pay and it doesn’t drive well enough or feel special enough inside compared to the standard version.

Other options you might consider… 

Porsche Cayenne GTS

Price: £73,448 Engine: 3.6-litre V6, 434bhp

It matches the Jeep for size, offers similar practicality and is almost on par on pace, but the Cayenne GTS is a lot more expensive. Your money buys far more composure in corners and. like the Macan, much more of a premium feel than in the SRT.

Audi S6 Avant

Price: £58,545 Engine: 4.0-litre V8, 444bhp

Alternatively, you could go for a conventional choice with an Audi S6 Avant. The estate body means lots of usability, while quattro 4WD makes for imperious all-weather ability. Best of all, it’s cheaper than the SRT and the Macan.

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