13 MPG combined. That’s appalling fuel economy, practically a crime against nature in 2018. But it’s also completely irrelevant to the person who buys a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee TrackHawk 4WD with the 6.2L supercharged V8. This isn’t transportation; it’s a four-wheeled, all-wheel-drive middle finger to sensible motoring, a family SUV that can demolish a quarter mile faster than most sports cars. Nobody cross-shops this against a Prius.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 11 MPG in the city and 17 MPG on the highway. Those numbers are wildly optimistic if you intend to sample even a fraction of the TrackHawk’s thrust. The supercharger whine is addictive, and keeping your right foot light is an exercise in almost superhuman restraint. Expect to see numbers closer to the single digits around town if you’re enjoying the car as intended. The highway figure is achievable, but only with conscious effort. Treat the accelerator with respect, and maybe you’ll approach 17 MPG on a long, flat road trip. But why would you?

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $4,450 for the 2018 Grand Cherokee TrackHawk. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Owning a performance machine like this comes with a financial penalty beyond the initial purchase price. It assumes a fairly even mix of city and highway driving, so depending on your driving style and routes, your actual expenses could easily exceed this estimate. But again, if you’re concerned about fuel costs, you’re looking at the wrong vehicle.

Real-world expectations

Forget the EPA numbers. Real-world fuel economy in the TrackHawk is almost entirely dependent on your driving habits. Gentle cruising might yield something resembling the official figures, but aggressive acceleration and spirited driving will send that number plummeting. Owners report single-digit averages with any sort of regularity. Be prepared to visit the gas station often, and factor a hefty fuel budget into your ownership costs. Consider it the price of admission to the TrackHawk’s unique brand of ludicrous performance.

How it compares

Compared to other performance SUVs, the TrackHawk is a gas-guzzling outlier. A Porsche Cayenne Turbo, with its twin-turbo V8, manages a relatively thrifty 17 MPG combined. Even the BMW X5 M, another performance heavyweight, gets about 16 MPG combined. The Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR, while similarly outrageous, still manages around 15 MPG combined. The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee TrackHawk is practically in a class of its own in the realm of practical, efficient transportation, the class of “I don’t care about MPG”. If you want to see all Jeep fuel economy data, you can compare it to vehicles like the Wrangler. Even exploring the GRAND MPG across all years, you won’t find anything this extreme.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The TrackHawk wasn’t built for fuel efficiency, but there are a few techniques that might help you squeeze a mile or two more out of each gallon. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. The supercharger is incredibly thirsty when engaged, so the less you dip into its reserves of power, the better your fuel economy will be. Gentle, smooth driving is key.

Use the Eco mode. While it dulls throttle response, it also helps to reduce fuel consumption by optimizing engine and transmission settings. It’s not going to transform the TrackHawk into a fuel-sipping hybrid, but it can make a small difference during highway cruising.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels. This is a basic maintenance step that can have a surprisingly positive impact.

Minimize idling. Letting the engine idle for extended periods wastes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or so, turn off the engine. Modern cars start up quickly and easily, so there’s no need to let the engine run unnecessarily.