If you’re wondering how much does a jeep grand cherokee tow, the answer isn’t one simple number. The Grand Cherokee’s towing capacity depends heavily on its engine choice and factory-installed towing package.
This SUV can pull anywhere from 3,500 pounds up to a whopping 7,200 pounds. That’s a huge range, and knowing where your specific model lands is key to safe towing.
Let’s break down every engine option, trim level, and towing package so you know exactly what your Grand Cherokee can handle.
How Much Does A Jeep Grand Cherokee Tow By Engine
The engine under the hood is the biggest factor. Here’s the full breakdown for current and recent model years.
3.6L Pentastar V6 Engine
This is the standard engine on most Grand Cherokees. It’s reliable and efficient for daily driving.
- Without towing package: 3,500 pounds
- With Class II towing package: 5,000 pounds
- With Class III towing package: 6,200 pounds
Most V6 models on dealer lots come with the Class III package. Always check the window sticker or your owner’s manual to confirm.
5.7L HEMI V8 Engine
The HEMI adds serious muscle. It’s perfect for heavier trailers and boats.
- Standard towing: 6,200 pounds
- With Class IV towing package: 7,200 pounds
The 7,200-pound rating is the maximum for any Grand Cherokee. This setup includes a heavy-duty cooling system and a trailer brake controller.
6.4L SRT V8 Engine
The high-performance SRT model trades some towing for speed and handling.
- Towing capacity: 7,200 pounds
Despite its sporty nature, the SRT can still tow a substantial load. Just remember that fuel economy will suffer dramatically while towing.
3.0L EcoDiesel V6 Engine
Discontinued after 2020, but still common on used lots. The diesel offers excellent torque for towing.
- Towing capacity: 6,200 pounds
The diesel’s real advantage is fuel range. You can tow a heavy trailer for hundreds of miles without refueling.
4Xe Plug-In Hybrid Engine
The newest addition to the lineup. It combines a 2.0L turbo four-cylinder with an electric motor.
- Towing capacity: 6,000 pounds
This is impressive for a hybrid SUV. The electric motor provides instant torque, which helps when starting from a stop with a trailer.
How Towing Package Affects Capacity
Your Grand Cherokee might have the engine for heavy towing, but without the right package, you’re limited.
Class II Towing Package
This is the basic setup. It includes a hitch receiver and a 4-pin wiring harness.
- Max capacity: 5,000 pounds
- Best for: Small trailers, jet skis, lightweight campers
Class III Towing Package
The most common package on V6 models. It adds a 7-pin wiring harness and a heavier-duty hitch.
- Max capacity: 6,200 pounds
- Best for: Medium campers, boats up to 22 feet
Class IV Towing Package
Reserved for HEMI V8 models. It includes a trailer brake controller and upgraded cooling.
- Max capacity: 7,200 pounds
- Best for: Large campers, horse trailers, heavy boats
How Trim Level Affects Towing
Higher trims often come with the bigger engine and better towing package as standard.
Laredo And Altitude Trims
These base models usually have the V6 engine. Towing ranges from 3,500 to 6,200 pounds depending on options.
If you buy a used Laredo, check if the previous owner added the towing package. Many didn’t.
Limited And Overland Trims
These mid-range trims often come with the V6 and Class III package. You can also find them with the HEMI V8.
Maximum towing with these trims is typically 6,200 pounds with V6, or 7,200 with HEMI.
Summit And High Altitude Trims
Luxury trims that prioritize comfort. They usually have the V6 or HEMI V8.
Towing capacity is the same as Limited and Overland. Just make sure the air suspension is set to normal height before hitching up.
Trackhawk And SRT Trims
Performance models with the supercharged 6.2L V8 or 6.4L V8.
The Trackhawk actually has a lower towing capacity than the SRT. It’s rated at 7,200 pounds, same as the HEMI.
Real World Towing Considerations
Numbers on paper are one thing. Real-world towing is another story entirely.
Payload Capacity Matters
Your Grand Cherokee’s payload limit is the total weight of passengers, cargo, and tongue weight combined.
- Typical payload: 1,000 to 1,200 pounds
- Tongue weight should be 10-15% of trailer weight
- A 7,200-pound trailer means 720-1,080 pounds of tongue weight
If you load the SUV with four adults and luggage, you might exceed payload before reaching max towing capacity.
Trailer Weight Distribution
Using a weight distribution hitch can help. It spreads the tongue weight across all axles.
- Weigh your fully loaded trailer
- Calculate tongue weight with a scale
- Adjust the hitch to level the trailer
- Check all connections before driving
Cooling System Limits
Towing in hot weather or up steep grades can cause overheating. The heavy-duty cooling system in the Class IV package helps.
If you plan to tow frequently in mountains or desert, get the HEMI V8 with the full towing package.
How To Find Your Grand Cherokee’s Exact Towing Capacity
Don’t rely on general numbers. Every vehicle is different. Here’s how to find your specific rating.
Check The Owner’s Manual
Your manual has a towing section with exact capacities for your engine and package combination.
Look for the “Towing” or “Trailer Towing” chapter. It will list capacities by engine and drivetrain.
Look At The Window Sticker
If you still have the original window sticker, it will show the towing package and capacity.
Used car buyers can ask the dealer for a copy. Some online databases also have this information.
Check The VIN Number
Your VIN can tell you the factory-installed equipment. Use an online VIN decoder or ask a Jeep dealer.
- Find the VIN on the dashboard or driver’s door jamb
- Enter it into a VIN decoder website
- Look for “Towing Package” in the results
- Cross-reference with your owner’s manual
Look Under The Bumper
The hitch receiver itself can give clues. Class II hitches are smaller, while Class III and IV are larger.
Count the pins in the wiring harness. A 4-pin harness means Class II. A 7-pin harness means Class III or higher.
Towing Equipment You’ll Need
Having the right gear makes towing safer and easier. Don’t skip these essentials.
Hitch Receiver
Your Grand Cherokee needs a hitch receiver rated for the weight you’re towing. Most come factory-installed.
- Class II: 1.25-inch receiver, max 3,500 pounds
- Class III: 2-inch receiver, max 6,200 pounds
- Class IV: 2-inch receiver, max 7,200 pounds
Trailer Brake Controller
Required for trailers over 3,000 pounds in most states. The factory package includes one.
Aftermarket controllers are available if your SUV didn’t come with one. They mount under the dashboard.
Weight Distribution Hitch
Highly recommended for trailers over 5,000 pounds. It prevents sag and improves stability.
You’ll also need sway control bars to reduce trailer sway at highway speeds.
Towing Mirrors
Standard mirrors might not give you enough visibility. Clip-on towing mirrors are affordable and easy to install.
Some Grand Cherokee models have power-folding mirrors that work well with small trailers.
Common Towing Mistakes To Avoid
Even experienced towers make errors. Here are the most common ones with the Grand Cherokee.
Exceeding Payload Capacity
It’s easy to overload the SUV itself. Remember that passengers, cargo, and tongue weight all count.
Weigh your fully loaded vehicle at a truck stop scale to be sure.
Ignoring Tongue Weight
Too little tongue weight causes sway. Too much overloads the rear axle.
Aim for 10-15% of trailer weight on the tongue. Use a tongue weight scale to check.
Skipping The Break-In Period
New Grand Cherokees need a break-in period before towing heavy loads. Follow the owner’s manual guidelines.
Typically, you should drive 500 miles without towing to let the engine and transmission settle.
Using The Wrong Hitch Ball
The hitch ball must match the trailer coupler size. Common sizes are 1-7/8 inch, 2 inch, and 2-5/16 inch.
Using the wrong size can cause the trailer to disconnect while driving.
Towing Capacity By Model Year
Older Grand Cherokees have different capacities. Here’s a quick overview.
2011-2021 Grand Cherokee (WK2)
This generation covers most models on the road today. Capacities are similar to current models.
- V6: 3,500-6,200 pounds
- V8: 6,200-7,200 pounds
- Diesel: 6,200 pounds
2005-2010 Grand Cherokee (WK)
Older models have lower capacities. The 5.7L HEMI was available but with less power.
- V6: 3,500 pounds
- V8: 6,500 pounds
- SRT8: 3,500 pounds
1999-2004 Grand Cherokee (WJ)
These older SUVs are still capable. The 4.7L V8 was the top engine.
- 4.0L I6: 5,000 pounds
- 4.7L V8: 6,500 pounds
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Jeep Grand Cherokee tow a boat?
Yes, most models can tow boats up to 6,000-7,000 pounds. A V6 with Class III package handles a 20-foot boat easily. The HEMI V8 can tow larger boats up to 24 feet.
What is the towing capacity of a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The 2023 model has the same capacities as earlier years. V6 models tow up to 6,200 pounds. The 4xe hybrid tows 6,000 pounds. The HEMI V8 tows up to 7,200 pounds.
Does the Jeep Grand Cherokee come with a tow hitch?
Not all models come with a hitch. You need the factory towing package. Without it, you can add an aftermarket hitch, but capacity will be lower than factory-rated maximums.
How much does a Jeep Grand Cherokee tow in pounds?
The range is 3,500 to 7,200 pounds. The exact number depends on your engine, towing package, and trim level. Always check your specific vehicle’s rating before towing.
Can a Jeep Grand Cherokee tow a travel trailer?
Yes, but choose your trailer carefully. A V6 with Class III package can tow small to medium travel trailers up to 5,000 pounds. The HEMI V8 can handle larger trailers up to 7,200 pounds. Always factor in payload and tongue weight.
Final Tips For Towing With Your Grand Cherokee
Knowing how much does a jeep grand cherokee tow is just the first step. Here are some final tips to keep you safe.
Always check your tire pressure before towing. Underinflated tires can overheat and fail. The recommended pressure for towing is usually higher than normal driving.
Use tow/haul mode if your Grand Cherokee has it. This changes shift points and helps with engine braking on downhill grades.
Practice backing up with a trailer in an empty parking lot. It takes time to get used to the opposite steering direction.
Keep your speed reasonable. The maximum safe towing speed is usually 55-65 mph, even if the speed limit is higher.
Finally, have your transmission serviced regularly if you tow often. Towing puts extra stress on the transmission fluid and filters.
With the right setup and knowledge, your Grand Cherokee can handle most towing jobs with confidence. Just make sure you know your exact capacity and never exceed it.