2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

A massive, high-powered SUV that emphasizes the "sport" in Sport Utility Vehicle, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT is one of the more unique vehicles you can buy.

With 475 horsepower from its 6.4-liter hemi V8, the SRT version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a stalwart family hauler --- albeit one that throws practicality to the wind. It tears up the quarter mile faster than many sports sedans, but it uses up fossil fuels at a rate usually reserved for 747 jetliners.

What's more, Chrysler's SRT division did an admirable job of getting this 2.5-ton barge to stop and turn as well as accelerate in a straight line. To that end, Brembo fixed-piston brake calipers bearing the SRT logo appear in the Grand Cherokee's wheels, and the 8-speed automatic transmission gets a launch-control function. Zero to 60 comes in about 4.6 seconds and the quarter mile goes by in just more than 13 seconds. Even more impressive, given the Grand Cherokee's size and height, this SUV can circle a skidpad at nearly .9 G's and stop from 70 in just more than 160 feet.

Most Grand Cherokee SRTs will end up in suburban driveways, where they will probably be used for hauling things from Home Depot. They might even find use towing a race car to the local track — or even taking a few laps around the speedway, themselves.