For enthusiasts torn between the raw power of the Dodge Charger Hellcat and the versatile Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, the decision can be challenging. Having owned both a Charger Hellcat and a Trackhawk, I can offer a practical, real-world comparison as daily drivers. My experience involves a white 15 Charger Hellcat with a sunroof and black suede interior, complemented by black wheels, and an ’18 Trackhawk sporting the same configuration. Both vehicles are undeniably striking in their own right.
In terms of street presence, the Hellcat undeniably commands more attention. Pedestrians, fellow drivers, and even law enforcement seemed more drawn to the Charger. For me, this heightened visibility was a minor drawback. Stepping inside, the switchgear and overall fit and finish in both vehicles are remarkably similar. The carbon fiber trim in the Trackhawk does lend a touch of extra sophistication to its interior. While I haven’t yet explored the adaptive cruise control or parallel parking features on the Trackhawk, initial impressions are positive.
One noticeable difference is the sunroof; the Trackhawk boasts a larger sunroof, and the more upright seating position creates a more airy and open cockpit feel, particularly welcome during winter months. I’m curious to see how this translates in the summer heat. Headroom is significantly improved in the Trackhawk, a definite plus for taller drivers like myself (6’1″ with a longer torso). The adjustable rear seat angle in the Trackhawk is a nice feature, but to effectively utilize the privacy screen and conceal belongings, the seats must be fully reclined, a task the Hellcat’s trunk managed effortlessly. However, the Trackhawk compensates with more overall luggage space.
Maneuvering the Trackhawk reveals a tighter turning radius and lighter steering effort compared to the Hellcat. The shorter overhangs and increased ground clearance of the Trackhawk instill greater confidence when navigating dips, driveways, and curbs, reducing the anxiety of scraping or bottoming out. Ingress and egress are significantly easier in the Trackhawk. The step-sideways entry and exit of the SUV is a welcome change from the lower, climb-in and climb-out motion required by the Hellcat. This last point is particularly appreciated by my wife, highlighting the Trackhawk’s superior practicality for passengers.
Performance-wise, both vehicles served as daily drivers. The Hellcat’s brakes felt noticeably stronger, likely due to its 500-pound weight advantage. Throttle control was paramount in the Hellcat to manage wheelspin in everyday driving scenarios. When carefully modulating the throttle, the Hellcat felt like it had boundless power on tap. However, excessive throttle input below 30 mph frequently resulted in wheelspin, which could be seen as either a thrilling characteristic or a point of frustration depending on driving style. In contrast, the Trackhawk simply hooks up and launches. It delivers ferocious acceleration from a standstill with minimal wheelspin and feels even more potent than the Hellcat up to around 60 mph, where physics begins to favor the lighter car.
The Hellcat provided immense fun when rolling onto the throttle at lower speeds, exploring the limits of traction through the initial gears. Freeway on-ramp merges in the Hellcat were an addictive experience. The Trackhawk, on the other hand, delivers peak enjoyment from a dead stop, unleashing its full power and holding on tight through second gear before easing off. Significantly more usable fun is available in the Trackhawk, especially in wet or cold conditions where the Hellcat’s rear-wheel-drive can become more challenging.
Ultimately, the decision to trade the Hellcat for the Trackhawk was driven by my wife’s greater comfort in the SUV and the intention to keep the vehicle for an extended period. Both the Trackhawk and Hellcat are exceptional vehicles that offer incredible driving experiences. You truly can’t go wrong with either choice, and I would happily own either again. Fuel economy is, predictably, abysmal in both (even worse in the Trackhawk so far), but in my opinion, the exhilarating performance justifies the fuel consumption. Happy car hunting.
