How Much Can A Jeep Grand Cherokee Tow? (Maximizing Towing Potential)

If you’re looking for a vehicle that can tow heavy loads, you’ve likely considered the Jeep Grand Cherokee. This rugged and reliable SUV is a popular choice among drivers who need a vehicle that can handle everything from boats and RVs to trailers and other heavy equipment. But just how much can a Jeep Grand Cherokee tow, and what factors can impact its towing potential? 

The maximum towing capacity of a Jeep Grand Cherokee varies depending on the engine size and other factors. The base engine, a 3.6L V6, has a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds, while the 5.7L V8 engine can tow up to 7,200 pounds.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s towing capacity, so you can decide whether this vehicle is the right choice for your towing needs.

Table: Towing Capacity of Jeep Grand Cherokee: At A Glance

Model YearEngine SizeTowing Capacity
20143.6L V66,200 lbs
5.7L V87,200 lbs
20153.6L V66,200 lbs
5.7L V87,200 lbs
20163.6L V66,200 lbs
5.7L V87,200 lbs
6.4L V87,200 lbs
20173.6L V66,200 lbs
5.7L V87,200 lbs
6.4L V87,200 lbs
20183.6L V66,200 lbs
5.7L V87,200 lbs
6.4L V87,200 lbs
6.2L V87,200 lbs
20193.6L V66,200 lbs
5.7L V87,200 lbs
6.4L V87,200 lbs
6.2L V87,200 lbs
20203.6L V66,200 lbs
5.7L V87,200 lbs
6.4L V87,200 lbs
6.2L V87,200 lbs
20213.6L V66,200 lbs
5.7L V87,200 lbs
6.4L V87,200 lbs
PHEV6,000 lbs
20223.6L V66,200 lbs
5.7L V87,200 lbs
6.4L V87,200 lbs

How Much Can A Jeep Grand Cherokee Tow?

jeep grand cherokee tow capacity

Here is a detailed explanation of the towing capacity of a Jeep Grand Cherokee by its engine type and model year. Let’s explore!

Towing Capacity By Engine Type

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has various engine options, and the towing capacity varies depending on the engine type. Let’s take a more intimate look at the towing capacity by engine type:

3.6L V6 Engine

The 3.6L V6 engine is standard in the Jeep Grand Cherokee and offers a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds. This engine is available in all Jeep Grand Cherokee models from 2014 to 2022.

5.7L V8 Engine

The 5.7L V8 engine is available in the Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and High-Altitude models. This engine offers a towing capacity of up to 7,200 pounds.

6.4L V8 Engine

The 6.4L V8 engine is available in the SRT model and provides a towing capacity of up to 7,200 pounds.

6.2L Supercharged V8 Engine

The 6.2L Supercharged V8 engine is available in the Trackhawk model and offers a towing capacity of up to 7,200 pounds.

Towing Capacity by Model Year

Let’s take a look at the towing capacity of the Jeep Grand Cherokee by model year:

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing Capacity

The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 3.6L V6 engine offers a towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds. The 5.7L V8 engine provides a towing capacity of up to 7,200 pounds.

2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing Capacity

The 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers the same towing capacity as the 2014 model. The 3.6L V6 engine provides a towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds, and the 5.7L V8 engine offers a towing capacity of up to 7,200 pounds.

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing Capacity

The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 3.6L V6 engine offers a towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds. The 5.7L V8 engine provides a towing capacity of up to 7,200 pounds, and the 6.4L V8 engine offers a towing capacity of up to 7,200 pounds.

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing Capacity

The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers the same towing capacity as the 2016 model. The 3.6L V6 engine provides a towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds, the 5.7L V8 engine offers a towing capacity of up to 7,200 pounds, and the 6.4L V8 engine provides a towing capacity of a maximum of 7,200 pounds.

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing Capacity

The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 3.6L V6 engine offers a towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds. The 5.7L V8 engine, 6.4L V8 engine, and  6.2L Supercharged V8 engine provide a towing capacity of up to 7,200 pounds, The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee also includes an optional trailer tow package with a Class IV receiver hitch, a wiring harness, and a full-size spare tire.

2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing Capacity

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee has the same towing capacity as its predecessor. The 3.6L V6 engine offers a towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds, and the 5.7L V8, 6.4L V8, and 6.2L Supercharged V8 engines all provide a towing capacity of up to 7,200 pounds. The optional trailer tow package is also available on the 2019 model.

2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing Capacity

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee has the same engine options and towing capacities as the previous two model years. The 3.6L V6 engine has a towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds, and the 5.7L V8, 6.4L V8, and 6.2L Supercharged V8 engines offer a towing capacity of  7,200 pounds. The trailer tow package is also still available as an option.

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing Capacity

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been completely redesigned and has a new engine lineup. The base engine is now a 3.6L V6 with a towing capacity of 6,200 pounds. The optional 5.7L V8 engine provides a towing capacity of a maximum of 7,200 pounds, while the new 6.4L V8 engine also has a towing capacity of up to 7,200 pounds. The Grand Cherokee now also offers a plug-in hybrid powertrain option, which provides a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds. The trailer tow package is still available on all models.

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing Capacity

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee features the same engine lineup as the 2021 model year. The base engine is the 3.6L V6 with a towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds, while the 5.7L V8 and the 6.4L V8 engines have towing capacities of up to 7,200 and 8,700 pounds, respectively.

Factors That Affects The Towing Capacity

how much will a jeep grand cherokee tow

Regarding towing, several factors can affect the towing capacity of a vehicle, including engine size and power, transmission type, axle ratio, trailer hitch type, weight rating, vehicle weight and payload capacity, road conditions, weather, etc.

  • First, the engine size and power are critical in towing capacity. Vehicles with larger engines tend to have higher towing capacities as they can produce more power and torque to handle the trailer’s weight. For example, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has three engine options, with the larger V8 engines having higher towing capacities than the base V6 engine.
  • Second, the transmission type can also affect towing capacity. Vehicles with automatic transmissions typically have higher towing capacities than those with manual transmissions, as they are better equipped to manage the torque required for towing heavy loads.
  • Third, the axle ratio is another crucial factor in towing capacity. Vehicles with higher axle ratios tend to have better towing capacity, as they can handle heavier loads by providing more torque to the wheels.
  • Fourth, the trailer hitch type and weight rating are essential for determining towing capacity. The type of hitch and its weight rating will determine the maximum weight the vehicle can tow safely.
  • Fifth, the vehicle weight and payload capacity are also critical considerations. The vehicle’s weight and cargo can affect the towing capacity, as it impacts the overall weight that the vehicle can safely tow.
  • Finally, road conditions and weather can also impact towing capacity. Factors such as inclines, declines, and road surface conditions can affect the vehicle’s ability to tow safely, as can weather conditions such as wind, rain, or snow.

It’s essential to consider all of these factors when determining the towing capacity of a vehicle and to follow manufacturer guidelines for safe towing practices. Failure to do so could damage the vehicle and the trailer or cause severe injury or death.

How To Increase Towing Capacity Of Jeep Grand Cherokee?

what is the towing capacity of a jeep grand cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is already known for its impressive towing capacity, but if you want to increase it further, here are some methods to consider:

Increase the Weight of Your Jeep

Increasing the weight of your Jeep Grand Cherokee can also help increase its towing capacity. You can add sandbags or weights to the axles to help support more weight.

Install a Weight Distribution Hitch

Installing a weight distribution hitch can also help increase the towing capacity of your Jeep Grand Cherokee. This hitch helps distribute weight evenly, making towing more accessible and safer. However, this upgrade can be more expensive than upgrading the hitch alone.

Install an Aftermarket Transmission Cooler

Towing heavy loads can increase the heat produced by the transmission or engine of your Jeep Grand Cherokee. Installing a transmission cooler can help absorb the heat produced while towing, thus increasing your Jeep’s towing capacity.

Upgrade Suspensions and Axles

Upgrading the suspensions and axles of your Jeep Grand Cherokee can help distribute the trailer weight evenly across all axles, bringing more weight to the front of the Jeep. This can make your Jeep more balanced and safer when towing heavy loads.

Upgrade the Brakes

The brakes are an essential part of the towing ability of your Jeep Grand Cherokee. Upgrading to high-quality, well-maintained brakes can ensure that your Jeep can stop safely and effectively when needed, regardless of the load it’s carrying.

Upgrade the Hitch

Upgrading to a heavy-duty hitch can increase the towing capacity of your Jeep Grand Cherokee. A high-quality hitch is designed to handle the shock of heavy loads, making it a safe and effective option.

Upgrade the Tires

Upgrading to higher-capacity tires can also help expand your Jeep’s towing capacity. Tires with a higher load capacity can handle heavier loads and provide better handling and stability when towing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Exceed The Recommended Towing Capacity Of My Jeep Grand Cherokee?

It is recommended to stay within the towing capacity of your Jeep Grand Cherokee, as it can cause damage to your vehicle and increase the risk of accidents. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and stay within the maximum towing capacity.

2. What Factors Can Affect The Towing Capacity Of My Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Several factors can affect the towing capacity of your Jeep Grand Cherokee, including engine size and power, transmission type, axle ratio, trailer hitch type and weight rating, vehicle weight, payload capacity, road conditions, and weather.

3. Do I Need A Weight Distribution Hitch For Towing With My Jeep Grand Cherokee?

If you tow a heavy load with your Jeep Grand Cherokee, a weight distribution hitch can help distribute the weight evenly and improve stability. Using a weight distribution hitch is recommended if you are towing more than 50% of your vehicle’s weight.

4. Can Towing Affect The Fuel Efficiency Of My Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Yes, towing can affect the fuel efficiency of your Jeep Grand Cherokee as it requires more power to move the additional weight. You may experience a decrease in fuel efficiency when towing.

5. What Should I Do If I Experience Sway Or Instability When Towing With My Jeep Grand Cherokee?

If you experience sway or instability when towing with your Jeep Grand Cherokee, reduce your speed and adjust the weight distribution. Consider upgrading your equipment or seeking professional advice if the problem persists.

See Also: How long does a Jeep Grand Cherokee last

Finally, Here Are Some Safe Towing Practice Tips For You

To summarize, towing can be a convenient way to transport heavy loads, but it can also be dangerous if not done correctly. Here are some safe towing practice tips to keep in mind:

Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and never exceed the recommended towing capacity of your vehicle.

  • Use proper equipment and accessories for safe towing, including a high-quality hitch, weight distribution hitch, and transmission cooler.
  • Make sure your trailer is balanced correctly and distribute the weight evenly.
  • Use proper braking techniques, including applying brakes early and using trailer brakes if available.
  • Be aware of the road conditions and weather and adjust your driving accordingly.
  • Take breaks often and regularly to check the condition of your vehicle and trailer.
  • Practice safe driving practices, including maintaining a safe speed and keeping a safe distance from other vehicles.

By following these safe towing practice tips, you can ensure a safe and successful towing experience. Always prioritize safety and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself, your passengers, and others on the road.

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