Before hitching a trailer to your Grand Cherokee, checking its specific engine and towing package reveals the actual weight it can handle. So, can a Jeep Cherokee tow? The short answer is yes, but the real number depends on which Cherokee you drive. Not all Cherokees are built the same, and guessing can lead to serious safety issues.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about towing with a Jeep Cherokee. We will cover engine options, towing packages, and real-world limits. You will leave knowing exactly what your Cherokee can pull.
Can A Jeep Cherokee Tow
The Jeep Cherokee is a capable compact SUV, but its towing capacity varies widely. The key factors are the engine under the hood and whether it has the factory towing package. Without the package, your capacity drops significantly.
Most modern Jeep Cherokees (2014 and newer) can tow between 2,000 and 4,500 pounds. That range covers small trailers, pop-up campers, jet skis, and lightweight boats. You cannot tow a large travel trailer or a heavy boat with a standard Cherokee.
Engine Options And Their Towing Capacities
Your Cherokee’s engine is the biggest factor in its towing ability. Here is a quick breakdown of the three main engines:
- 2.4L Tigershark I4: This base engine produces 184 horsepower. With the towing package, it can pull up to 2,000 pounds. Without it, the limit is just 1,500 pounds.
- 3.2L Pentastar V6: This is the most common engine. It makes 271 horsepower. With the towing package, capacity jumps to 4,500 pounds. Without the package, it is limited to 2,000 pounds.
- 2.0L Turbo I4: Found in newer models (2019+), this engine offers 270 horsepower. Its towing capacity matches the V6 at 4,500 pounds with the package.
So, can a Jeep Cherokee tow a small camper? Yes, if you have the V6 or turbo engine with the towing package. The 2.4L engine is best for light loads only.
The Towing Package: What It Includes
The factory towing package is not just a hitch. It includes several upgrades that make towing safer and more reliable. Here is what comes with the package:
- Class II or Class III hitch receiver: This is the metal frame that attaches to your Cherokee’s frame.
- Heavy-duty engine cooling: A larger radiator and fan keep the engine from overheating under load.
- Transmission oil cooler: This prevents the transmission from getting too hot while towing uphill.
- Power steering cooler: Helps maintain steering control when the front end is lighter.
- Trailer sway control: This system uses the brakes to reduce trailer sway automatically.
- 7-pin or 4-pin wiring harness: Connects your trailer’s lights and brakes to the Cherokee.
Without this package, your Cherokee lacks critical cooling and control systems. Towing near the maximum capacity without it is risky.
How To Check If You Have The Towing Package
Not sure if your Cherokee has the package? Here are three quick ways to check:
- Look under the rear bumper for a hitch receiver. If you see a square metal tube, you likely have the package.
- Check the glove box for a build sheet or window sticker. It will list “Trailer Tow Group” or similar.
- Look for a transmission cooler. It looks like a small radiator in front of the main radiator. If you see extra cooling fins, you have the package.
If you do not have the package, you can add an aftermarket hitch. However, you still miss the cooling upgrades. Your towing capacity remains at the lower limit.
Real-World Towing Scenarios For The Jeep Cherokee
Knowing the numbers is one thing. Understanding what you can actually tow is another. Let us look at common items people tow with a Cherokee.
Small Trailers And Utility Trailers
A small utility trailer for hauling furniture, yard waste, or building materials is easy. Most weigh under 1,500 pounds empty. Even the base 2.4L engine can handle this. Just keep the total weight (trailer plus cargo) under 2,000 pounds.
For example, a 5×8 utility trailer weighs about 800 pounds. You can load up to 1,200 pounds of cargo safely. That is plenty for a weekend project.
Pop-Up Campers
Pop-up campers are popular because they are light. Most weigh between 1,500 and 3,000 pounds. A Cherokee with the V6 and towing package can handle most pop-ups. You will want to check the camper’s dry weight and add your gear.
A typical pop-up camper like the Rockwood Freedom weighs around 2,200 pounds. With gear and water, you might hit 2,800 pounds. That is well within the 4,500-pound limit.
Jet Skis And Small Boats
Jet skis are very light. A single jet ski on a trailer weighs about 1,500 pounds total. Even the base Cherokee can tow this. Double jet ski trailers weigh around 2,500 pounds, which is fine for the V6.
Small boats like a 16-foot aluminum fishing boat are also fine. They weigh around 1,500 pounds with the trailer. A 17-foot fiberglass boat might weigh 2,500 pounds. Stay under 4,500 pounds and you are good.
Travel Trailers And Larger Campers
Here is where you need to be careful. Most travel trailers weigh over 4,000 pounds. A Cherokee cannot tow a 24-foot travel trailer. The weight is too high, and the trailer’s wind resistance will push the Cherokee around.
If you want a travel trailer, look for “teardrop” or “micro” campers. These weigh between 1,500 and 3,500 pounds. Brands like T@B, nuCamp, and Little Guy make models that work.
Always check the trailer’s GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). This is the maximum weight when fully loaded. Do not exceed your Cherokee’s towing capacity.
Important Towing Safety Tips For Your Cherokee
Towing changes how your Cherokee handles. Follow these tips to stay safe on the road.
Know Your Limits: GVWR And GCWR
Your Cherokee has two important weight limits. The GVWR is the maximum weight of the Cherokee itself (including passengers, cargo, and tongue weight). The GCWR is the combined weight of the Cherokee and the trailer.
Do not exceed either number. You can find these on the driver’s door jamb sticker. Overloading your Cherokee can cause brake failure, tire blowouts, and poor handling.
Tongue Weight Matters
Tongue weight is the downward force the trailer puts on the hitch. It should be 10-15% of the trailer’s total weight. For a 4,000-pound trailer, tongue weight should be 400-600 pounds.
Too little tongue weight makes the trailer sway. Too much overloads the rear suspension. Use a tongue weight scale to check before you drive.
Braking Distance Increases
Your Cherokee’s brakes are designed for the SUV alone. Adding a trailer doubles your stopping distance. Leave extra space between you and the car ahead. Drive slower than usual, especially on hills.
If your trailer weighs over 1,500 pounds, it should have its own brakes. Most states require trailer brakes for trailers over 3,000 pounds. Check your local laws.
Use A Weight Distribution Hitch For Heavy Loads
If you are towing near 4,000 pounds, consider a weight distribution hitch. This hitch uses spring bars to spread the tongue weight across all axles. It keeps the Cherokee level and improves steering control.
Without it, the rear of the Cherokee will sag. This reduces front tire traction and makes the headlights point up. A weight distribution hitch fixes both issues.
Common Questions About Towing With A Jeep Cherokee
Here are answers to frequent questions owners ask. These cover real-world concerns beyond the basic numbers.
Can A Jeep Cherokee Tow A Camper?
Yes, but only small campers. Look for pop-up campers, teardrop trailers, or micro travel trailers under 4,500 pounds. The Cherokee cannot tow a full-size travel trailer. Always check the camper’s GVWR.
Can A Jeep Cherokee Tow A Boat?
Yes, for small boats. A 16-foot aluminum boat or a single jet ski is fine. A 19-foot fiberglass boat might be too heavy. Check the boat and trailer combined weight before hitching up.
Can A Jeep Cherokee Tow A Car?
No, not safely. A typical car weighs 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. The trailer adds another 1,500 pounds. That puts the total over 4,500 pounds. A Cherokee cannot tow another vehicle. Use a truck or large SUV for car towing.
Does The Jeep Cherokee Have A Tow Mode?
Yes, models with the towing package have a Tow/Haul mode. This button is near the shifter. It changes the transmission shift points to reduce gear hunting. It also activates trailer sway control. Always use Tow/Haul mode when towing.
What Is The Towing Capacity Of A 2020 Jeep Cherokee?
The 2020 Cherokee follows the same rules. With the 2.4L engine and towing package, it tows 2,000 pounds. With the 3.2L V6 or 2.0L turbo and the package, it tows 4,500 pounds. Without the package, all engines are limited to 2,000 pounds.
How To Maximize Your Cherokee’s Towing Performance
You want to get the most out of your Cherokee without damaging it. Here are practical steps to improve towing performance.
Maintain Your Cooling System
Towing generates extra heat. Make sure your coolant is fresh and at the correct level. Check the radiator fan works properly. If your Cherokee has an external transmission cooler, keep it clean of debris.
Overheating is the most common issue when towing with a Cherokee. Stop and let the engine cool if the temperature gauge climbs too high.
Check Your Tires
Tire pressure is critical when towing. Inflate your Cherokee’s tires to the maximum pressure listed on the sidewall. This handles the extra weight and reduces heat buildup. Do not forget the trailer tires too.
Underinflated tires can overheat and blow out. Check pressure before every trip, especially in hot weather.
Distribute Weight Evenly In The Trailer
Load the trailer so the weight is balanced from side to side. Put heavier items over the trailer axle. Avoid putting all weight at the front or back. This prevents fishtailing and keeps the Cherokee stable.
Use a trailer scale or a public truck stop scale to verify your load distribution. It is worth the few dollars for safety.
Drive Smoothly And Plan Ahead
Accelerate gently and brake early. Avoid sudden steering inputs. On highways, stay in the right lane and drive 5-10 mph below the speed limit. Wind from passing trucks can push a small trailer, so keep both hands on the wheel.
Plan your route to avoid steep hills and tight turns. If you must climb a long grade, downshift to keep the engine in its power band. This reduces strain on the transmission.
When You Should Not Tow With A Jeep Cherokee
There are situations where towing is not a good idea. Knowing these limits prevents accidents and costly repairs.
If You Have The Base Engine Without The Package
The 2.4L engine is not built for heavy towing. Even with an aftermarket hitch, the cooling system is insufficient. Stick to very light loads like a small utility trailer or a single jet ski. Do not attempt to tow a camper.
If Your Cherokee Has High Mileage
High-mileage Cherokees may have worn transmissions or cooling systems. Towing puts extra stress on these parts. If your Cherokee has over 100,000 miles, get a mechanic to inspect the transmission fluid and cooling system before towing.
If The Trailer Exceeds The Cherokee’s Length
A long trailer creates more wind resistance and leverage. Even if the weight is within limits, a 20-foot trailer can push a Cherokee around. Stick to trailers under 18 feet in length for stable handling.
Final Thoughts On Towing With A Jeep Cherokee
So, can a Jeep Cherokee tow? Yes, it can, but only within its limits. The Cherokee is a capable compact SUV for light to medium duty. It is not a substitute for a full-size truck or SUV.
Always verify your specific model’s capacity. Check the door jamb sticker and your owner’s manual. If you are unsure, visit a weigh station or consult a dealer. Towing safely is about knowing your limits and respecting them.
With the right engine, towing package, and proper setup, your Cherokee can handle small campers, boats, and utility trailers. Just keep the weight under 4,500 pounds and drive carefully. Your Cherokee will reward you with reliable service for years.
Remember to check your trailer’s lights and brakes before every trip. A quick walk-around can prevent a breakdown on the road. Towing is a skill that improves with practice. Start with light loads and work your way up.
Your Jeep Cherokee is a versatile vehicle. It can handle daily driving and weekend adventures. With the information in this guide, you can tow confidently and safely. Happy towing, and enjoy the open road.