Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing Capacity: How Much Can It Tow?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a legendary name in the SUV world, known for its rugged off-road capability, luxurious interior, and impressive towing capacity. Whether you're towing a boat for a weekend trip, hauling a camper for an outdoor adventure, or moving heavy equipment, the Grand Cherokee’s towing performance makes it a top choice for those who need both luxury and utility.

In this blog post, we'll break down the Jeep Grand Cherokee towing capacity across its various trims and engine options, helping you determine just how much this versatile SUV can pull. We’ll also dive into some key towing features, what you can tow with the Grand Cherokee, and tips for maximizing towing performance.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing Capacity Overview

The towing capacity of the Jeep Grand Cherokee varies depending on the engine, drivetrain, and trim level. The Grand Cherokee is available with a range of powertrains, from a fuel-efficient V6 to a high-powered V8, giving it an impressive towing range.

Towing Capacity by Engine and Trim:

  • 3.6L V6 Engine: Up to 6,200 lbs

  • 5.7L V8 Engine: Up to 7,200 lbs

  • 6.4L V8 Engine (SRT): Up to 7,200 lbs

  • 6.2L Supercharged V8 Engine (Trackhawk): Up to 7,200 lbs

The 3.6L V6 engine comes standard on most trims, offering a respectable 6,200 lbs of towing capacity. For those who need more towing power, the 5.7L V8 engine increases that capacity to 7,200 lbs, which is more than enough for most recreational trailers, boats, or campers.

The high-performance trims like the SRT and Trackhawk come with the larger V8 engines, providing both enhanced towing capacity and thrilling performance on the road and off-road. These trims maintain the 7,200 lbs towing limit but offer additional performance benefits.

Key Features That Enhance Towing Performance

The Jeep Grand Cherokee isn’t just about raw power—it’s also packed with features designed to make towing safer, easier, and more efficient. Here are some of the features that contribute to its impressive towing capabilities:

1. Trailer Tow Package

When you opt for the Trailer Tow Package, your Grand Cherokee gets several upgrades to help you tow heavier loads:

  • Upgraded radiator for better cooling during towing.

  • Heavy-duty rear axle to handle the stress of hauling.

  • Class IV hitch receiver to accommodate larger trailers and other equipment.

  • Wiring harness for trailer lights and brake systems.

This package is available on most trims and is essential for anyone planning to tow near the vehicle’s maximum capacity.

2. Quadra-Lift Air Suspension

The available Quadra-Lift Air Suspension system provides adjustable ride heights to improve towing stability. This system helps to keep the vehicle level when towing large or heavy loads, reducing the risk of trailer sway and enhancing overall stability. You can adjust the ride height with just a push of a button, providing extra ground clearance when needed.

3. Selec-Terrain and Quadra-Drive II 4WD Systems

For off-road enthusiasts who also want to tow, the Selec-Terrain traction management system and Quadra-Drive II 4WD system come in handy. These systems allow you to select different driving modes (e.g., snow, sand, mud, rock) to optimize traction, making it easier to tow in challenging conditions, whether you’re hauling on dirt roads or snowy terrain.

4. Rearview Camera and Parking Sensors

The rearview camera and parking sensors make hitching up your trailer or boat a lot easier. These technologies provide real-time visibility and warnings when reversing, reducing the risk of collisions while parking or hooking up your trailer.

5. Integrated Trailer Brake Controller

The integrated trailer brake controller helps you manage the braking of both the Grand Cherokee and the trailer. This feature allows you to apply the brakes more effectively, ensuring a smooth and safe towing experience, especially with heavier loads.

What Can You Tow with the Jeep Grand Cherokee?

With a towing capacity of up to 7,200 lbs, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is capable of hauling a wide variety of loads. Here are a few common examples of what you can tow with the Grand Cherokee:

  • Boats: Whether you have a small fishing boat or a larger recreational boat, the Grand Cherokee’s towing capacity is more than sufficient to handle most watercraft.

  • Travel Trailers and Campers: From lightweight pop-up campers to larger travel trailers, the Grand Cherokee can tow your camping gear with ease.

  • ATVs and Motorcycles: The Grand Cherokee can tow an ATV or motorcycle on a small trailer, perfect for off-roading weekends.

  • Horse Trailers: For those who need to transport horses, the Grand Cherokee’s towing capacity can easily accommodate a horse trailer.

  • Utility Trailers: Whether for moving heavy equipment, hauling landscaping materials, or transporting furniture, the Grand Cherokee is up for the job.

If you're towing near the Grand Cherokee’s maximum capacity, be sure to use the Trailer Tow Package and make sure your trailer is properly balanced and loaded to avoid overstraining the vehicle.

How Does the Jeep Grand Cherokee Compare to Other SUVs?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee stands out in the midsize SUV category for its towing capabilities. Let’s compare its towing capacity to some of its competitors in the same class:

Vehicle Towing Capacity
Jeep Grand Cherokee Up to 7,200 lbs
Toyota 4Runner Up to 5,000 lbs
Ford Edge Up to 3,500 lbs
Chevrolet Traverse Up to 5,000 lbs
Honda Pilot Up to 5,000 lbs

As you can see, the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a higher towing capacity than many of its competitors, particularly those like the Ford Edge and Honda Pilot, which are better suited for lighter loads. With the 7,200 lbs towing capacity, the Grand Cherokee is perfect for those who need to haul larger trailers or equipment regularly.

Maximizing Your Jeep Grand Cherokee’s Towing Performance

To ensure the best towing experience, here are some tips for maximizing your Jeep Grand Cherokee’s towing performance:

1. Regular Maintenance

Ensure your vehicle is in top condition with regular maintenance. Check the engine, transmission, brakes, and tires, as these components play an essential role in towing. Make sure your coolant and transmission fluid levels are properly maintained, especially if you're towing frequently.

2. Use the Right Hitch

When towing, always use the proper hitch for your load. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is equipped with a Class IV hitch when you opt for the Trailer Tow Package, which is suitable for hauling most trailers. Ensure that your trailer’s hitch weight and tongue weight are within the Grand Cherokee’s towing limits.

3. Proper Trailer Load Distribution

Make sure your trailer is loaded properly. The weight should be evenly distributed, and approximately 10-15% of the total trailer weight should be placed on the hitch. This helps ensure that the trailer is stable and doesn’t sway while driving.

4. Avoid Overloading

Never exceed the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s towing capacity. Overloading your vehicle can lead to engine strain, brake issues, and safety concerns. Always ensure that you’re within the recommended towing limits to avoid potential damage or accidents.

Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee a Good Towing Vehicle?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is an excellent choice for those who need a powerful, reliable, and comfortable SUV that can also handle heavy-duty towing. With a maximum towing capacity of 7,200 lbs (on V8 models), it can easily haul boats, trailers, campers, and more, making it ideal for both adventure-seekers and those who need to tow for work.

Whether you opt for the base V6 engine or the more powerful V8 engine, the Grand Cherokee delivers impressive performance, advanced towing features, and a smooth driving experience. If you’re looking for a midsize SUV that combines luxury, performance, and towing capability, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is definitely worth considering.

What do you plan to tow with your Jeep Grand Cherokee? Share your experiences or ask any questions in the comments below! For more towing tips and vehicle reviews, explore our other articles.


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