2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit 5.7 Hemi Specs

What's up, gearheads and Jeep enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into a legend, a true powerhouse on wheels: the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit with the 5.7L Hemi engine. If you've ever wondered what makes this particular model tick, what kind of performance you can expect, or just want to drool over some impressive specs, you've come to the right place. We're going to break down everything you need to know, from horsepower figures to fuel economy, and explore what made this SUV a standout in its class. Get ready, because we're about to unleash the beast and give you the full rundown on this incredible machine.

The Heart of the Machine: 5.7L Hemi V8 Engine

Let's kick things off with the undisputed star of the show: the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine. This isn't just any engine; it's a legend in its own right, known for its robust power, throaty sound, and that iconic Hemi performance. For the 2012 Grand Cherokee Overland Summit, this Hemi was engineered to deliver a thrilling driving experience, whether you were cruising down the highway or tackling some off-road trails. We're talking about a significant displacement here, which translates directly into muscle. This V8 powerhouse provides ample torque, making it a joy for towing and for confident acceleration. Imagine merging onto a busy freeway or overtaking a slower vehicle; the Hemi V8 in this Grand Cherokee makes those maneuvers feel effortless. It’s the kind of engine that makes you want to go for a drive just for the sake of driving, enjoying the responsive throttle and the deep, satisfying rumble that only a true V8 can produce. The engineers at Jeep really knew what they were doing when they put this Hemi into the Grand Cherokee. It wasn't just about raw power; it was about delivering that power smoothly and efficiently, thanks to advanced technologies like Fuel Economizer technology (which we'll touch on later). This engine isn't just a component; it's the soul of the vehicle, providing the kind of performance that enthusiasts crave and the capability that Jeep is famous for. It’s the perfect blend of brute force and refined engineering, making it a truly desirable powertrain for anyone looking for a premium SUV experience with a serious dose of American muscle under the hood. This engine is a testament to the enduring appeal of V8 power, offering a driving dynamic that’s hard to replicate with smaller, turbocharged engines. It’s the kind of engine that commands respect on the road and instills confidence when you need it most, whether that's navigating challenging terrain or simply enjoying a spirited drive on an open road. The 5.7L Hemi is more than just an engine; it's an experience, a statement, and a core reason why the 2012 Grand Cherokee Overland Summit is still so highly regarded by many.

Power and Performance Figures: What the Hemi Delivers

So, how much grunt are we actually talking about with this 5.7L Hemi V8? Jeep equipped this beast with 360 horsepower at 5,150 rpm and a formidable 390 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm. These numbers aren't just for bragging rights; they translate into real-world performance that you can feel. That substantial torque figure means you have plenty of pulling power for towing trailers, boats, or whatever else you need to haul. For families, this means peace of mind when heading out on vacation with a loaded vehicle and a trailer. For the adventurous, it means the capability to take on more challenging off-road scenarios with confidence. The horsepower rating ensures that the Grand Cherokee feels responsive and quick, even with its substantial size and weight. Whether you're accelerating from a standstill or need to quickly gain speed for a highway maneuver, the Hemi V8 has you covered. This engine, paired with Jeep's capable drivetrain, allows the Grand Cherokee to achieve a respectable 0-60 mph time of around 7 to 8 seconds, which is pretty impressive for a full-size SUV. This performance isn't just about straight-line speed; it's about the overall driving experience. The power delivery is smooth and progressive, thanks to the 6-speed automatic transmission that works seamlessly with the Hemi. This transmission is tuned to keep the engine in its sweet spot, maximizing both performance and efficiency. You'll notice how the transmission shifts precisely, ensuring you're always in the right gear for the situation, whether you're climbing a steep grade or cruising at highway speeds. The synergy between the Hemi and the transmission is a key factor in why this vehicle feels so capable and enjoyable to drive. It’s this combination of raw power and intelligent engineering that sets the 2012 Grand Cherokee Overland Summit apart. You get the muscle car feel of the Hemi with the practicality and refinement of a premium SUV. It’s a recipe for a truly engaging and satisfying ownership experience, delivering performance that consistently impresses drivers and keeps them coming back for more. The feeling of effortless power when you press the accelerator is something that needs to be experienced to be fully appreciated, and the 2012 Overland Summit with the 5.7L Hemi certainly delivers on that front, making every drive feel a little more special.

Fuel Economy: The Hemi's Thirst (and How It's Managed)

Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room: fuel economy. When you have a powerful 5.7L Hemi V8 under the hood, fuel efficiency isn't typically its strong suit, but Jeep did implement some clever tech. The 5.7L Hemi V8 features Chrysler's Fuel Economizer technology, also known as Multi-Displacement System (MDS). What this does is quite brilliant: when the engine doesn't need all eight cylinders to perform the current task – like cruising on the highway at a steady speed – it can shut down half of the cylinders, effectively turning the V8 into a V4. This significantly reduces fuel consumption during lighter load conditions. So, while you won't be setting any hypermiling records, this system helps to make the Hemi a bit more palatable in terms of gas mileage. Official EPA estimates for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit 5.7L Hemi typically hover around 13 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway. Real-world mileage can vary depending on driving habits, road conditions, and whether you're using it for towing or off-roading. If you're driving predominantly in the city with lots of stop-and-go traffic, expect to be closer to the lower end of that spectrum. However, on longer highway journeys, especially with MDS kicking in regularly, you might see figures closer to or even slightly exceeding the 20 mpg mark. It's a compromise, for sure, but one that many buyers of this type of vehicle are willing to make for the immense power and capability that the Hemi provides. The MDS system is generally seamless, and most drivers won't even notice when it switches between V8 and V4 modes, other than the slight improvement in fuel consumption. It’s a smart piece of engineering that helps to mitigate some of the inherent thirst of a large V8 engine, making the Grand Cherokee a more viable option for those who need its capabilities but are still mindful of running costs. If fuel economy is your absolute top priority, a smaller engine or a different type of vehicle might be more suitable. But if you want the power, the sound, and the capability of the Hemi, the MDS system offers a way to enjoy it without completely sacrificing your wallet at the pump. It’s about finding the right balance for your needs, and for many, the trade-off is well worth it for the performance and prestige that this engine configuration offers. Remember, these figures are estimates, and your actual mileage will depend heavily on how you drive and where you drive.

Drivetrain and Capability: Ready for Anything

Being a Jeep, especially the top-tier Overland Summit trim, capability is king. The 2012 Grand Cherokee Overland Summit with the 5.7 Hemi came standard with Jeep's legendary Quadra-Trac II 4WD system. This is a serious piece of off-road hardware, featuring a two-speed transfer case with a low-range gear for tackling tough terrain, a 3.73 axle ratio for enhanced pulling power and off-road gearing, and an electronic limited-slip differential (ELSD) on the rear axle. The ELSD is a game-changer, allowing power to be sent to the wheel with the most traction, significantly improving grip in slippery conditions or when you're crawling over rocks. This system works in conjunction with Jeep's Selec-Terrain system, allowing the driver to choose from various modes (Auto, Snow, Sport, Sand/Mud) to optimize traction and performance for different driving surfaces. This means that whether you're navigating a snowy mountain pass, tackling a muddy trail, or just want better grip on wet pavement, the Grand Cherokee can adapt. Furthermore, the Overland Summit trim often came equipped with an adjustable air suspension system (Quadra-Lift), which could raise or lower the vehicle's ride height. This provided increased ground clearance for off-roading and a lower entry point for easier passenger access. With the air suspension in its highest setting, you could achieve impressive 10.7 inches of ground clearance, which is more than enough for serious off-road excursions. The towing capacity for this configuration is also robust, typically rated up to 7,400 pounds, making it suitable for towing a decent-sized boat, a couple of jet skis, or a small travel trailer. The combination of the powerful Hemi engine, the advanced 4WD system, the Selec-Terrain, and the optional air suspension truly made the 2012 Grand Cherokee Overland Summit a highly competent and versatile SUV. It wasn't just about looking good; it was built to perform, offering a level of capability that few other luxury SUVs could match. It’s this blend of refined luxury and rugged off-road prowess that has always defined the Grand Cherokee, and this particular model year and trim level really pushed those boundaries. You could confidently take this vehicle far off the beaten path and still arrive at your destination in comfort and style, which is a pretty unique proposition in the automotive world. It’s a vehicle that’s as happy navigating city streets as it is conquering mountain trails, a true testament to Jeep’s engineering excellence.

Interior and Features: Luxury Meets Utility

While the 5.7 Hemi engine and the 4x4 system are the stars of the show for many, the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit trim also packed in a ton of luxury and convenience features. This was the pinnacle of the Grand Cherokee lineup for that year, and the interior reflected that. You'd typically find premium leather-trimmed seats, often with heating and ventilation for the front passengers, and heated rear seats for comfort in all conditions. The dashboard and door panels were adorned with real wood and soft-touch materials, giving it a genuinely upscale feel that competed with luxury brands. Technology was also a strong point. It usually came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system (a large size for 2012) featuring navigation, which was a lifesaver for road trips. Other premium features often included a high-quality audio system (like a Harman Kardon or similar premium brand), a panoramic sunroof (often called a dual-pane sunroof), bi-xenon HID headlights for improved nighttime visibility, and a power liftgate for easy access to the cargo area. Safety was also paramount, with advanced features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning often available. The Overland Summit was designed to be a comfortable, capable, and luxurious family vehicle that could also handle adventurous pursuits. The cabin was spacious, offering plenty of room for five adults, and the cargo area was practical, with fold-flat rear seats to accommodate larger items. The attention to detail in the interior design, combined with the robust powertrain and off-road capabilities, made the 2012 Grand Cherokee Overland Summit 5.7 Hemi a truly compelling package. It offered a blend of ruggedness and refinement that was hard to beat, making it a desirable choice for those who wanted a premium SUV that didn't shy away from adventure. It was the kind of vehicle that made every journey, whether a daily commute or a cross-country road trip, an enjoyable experience. The combination of luxury appointments, advanced tech, and the undeniable presence of that Hemi V8 created a truly special SUV.

Conclusion: A Modern Classic

So, there you have it, guys! The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Summit with the 5.7 Hemi is more than just an SUV; it's a statement of power, luxury, and capability. With its potent 360-hp Hemi V8, advanced 4x4 system, comfortable and feature-rich interior, and the clever Fuel Economizer technology, it offered a compelling package that blended American muscle with premium SUV refinement. While newer models have come out, this particular combination remains a favorite among enthusiasts for its distinctive character and robust performance. If you're in the market for a used SUV that offers a fantastic blend of on-road comfort and off-road prowess, and you appreciate the rumble of a V8, the 2012 Grand Cherokee Overland Summit 5.7 Hemi is definitely worth keeping an eye out for. It’s a true modern classic that continues to impress!