The Jeep Grand Cherokee has always been synonymous with rugged capability, a luxurious cabin, and impressive towing ability. Whether you’re hauling a trailer, camper, or boat, knowing the towing capacity of each model year and trim level is key. In this guide, we provide Grand Cherokee towing specs organized by year, model, trim, engine, and official specs.

Built for off-road capability, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a powertrain lineup of powerful engines, advanced towing technologies, and Jeep’s legendary 4×4 systems. Depending on the model year, the capacity is generally varying between engines, drivetrains, and trims. Let’s explore more.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing Capacity by Year

Model Year 2023

The 2023 Grand Cherokee carries on the Jeep legacy with a towing range of 3,500 lbs to 7,200 lbs, depending on the trim and engine:

• 3.6L Pentastar V6 (293 hp, 260 lb-ft torque) – Max Tow: 6,200 lbs
• 5.7L HEMI V8 (357 hp, 390 lb-ft torque) – Max Tow: 7,200 lbs
• 4xe Plug-In Hybrid (375 hp, 470 lb-ft torque) – Max Towing: 6,000 lbs

The 5.7L V8 is ideal for serious towing, and the 4xe Hybrid offers decent towing power for excellent fuel efficiency.

Grand Cherokee 2022

The 2022 model year brought a new Grand Cherokee L and a redesigned, two-row Grand Cherokee, providing for:

• V6 Engine: 6,200 lbs max towing
• V8 Engine: 7,200 lb tow capacity

The 2022 Grand Cherokee was designed for towing with new options, such as improved trailer sway control, adaptive suspension, and Quadra-Lift air suspension.

Model Year 2021

The 2021 Grand Cherokee has a towing range of 3,500 lbs and 7,200 lbs, depending on the trim level:

• 3.6L V6 Pentastar: Max Towing: 6,200 lbs
• 5.7L HEMI V8: Max Towing: 7,200 lbs
• 6.4L SRT V8 (475 hp, 470 lb-ft torque): Max Towing: 7,200 lbs
• Supercharged 6.2L Trackhawk V8 (707 hp, 645 lb-ft torque): Max Towing: 7,200 lbs.

The Trackhawk and SRT models combine high-performance speed with serious towing prowess.

Jeep Grand Cherokee 2020

The 2020 Grand Cherokee had, just like its 2021 successor, a maximum towing capacity of 7,200 lbs while having everything from a V6 to a high-performance Trackhawk engine in its various configurations.

2017

The 2017 model had:

• 3.6L V6: 6,200 lbs max towing
• 5.7L V8: 7,200 lbs max towing
• 6.4L SRT V8 — 7,200 lbs max towing

Even the older 2017 Grand Cherokee had impressive pull over the scales.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing Capacity by Year & Engine

Trim-Level Towing Differences

There are several Jeep trims with varying towing capacities:

Laredo & Limited (Base Trims)

• It comes with a 3.6L V6 engine, with a maximum tow of 6,200 lbs.
• Great for smaller boats and light trailers.

Overland & Summit (Luxury Trims)

• It can tow up to 7,200 lbs with the 5.7L HEMI V8.
• Best for towing big stuff without compromising comfort.

Trailhawk (Off-Road Focused)

• Includes Quadra-Drive II 4WD.
• Towing is the same as Overland, up to 7,200 lbs.

SRT & Trackhawk (Performance Models)

• SRT 6.4L V8: 7,200 lbs
• Trackhawk 6.2L Supercharged V8: 7,200 lbs
• Super-lite for speed but still very capable as a hauler

The table below breaks down maximum towing capacity by engine type.

Jeep has also had several engine options through the years, and each has a different towing capacity:

Towing Tip: If you plan on towing anything, you’ll want to verify whether your model is equipped with the Trailer Tow Package, which boosts your towing capacity by adding a Class IV hitch receiver, heavy-duty cooling, and upgraded brakes.

Towing Features

A range of towing-enhancing features are built into the Jeep Grand Cherokee, resulting in improved stability, handling, and performance. These features help make certain that towing is safe and efficient over a range of road conditions.

Trailer Sway Control (TSC): This system can sense trailer sway and then automatically applies selective braking and reduces engine power to help stabilize the vehicle and trailer. This feature comes in handy in high winds or on the road alongside large trucks, where sudden trailer movements could create a dangerous situation.

Quadra-Lift® Air Suspension: For upper trims like the Overland and Summit, this adjustable air suspension system increases the vehicle’s ride height when towing, improving ground clearance and stability. It also keeps the vehicle level by balancing the weight of the trailer.

Selec-Terrain® Traction Management System: This system optimizes throttle response, braking, and suspension settings for the road surface. The specialized Snow, Sand, Mud, and Auto modes adjust traction, ensuring better grip and control while towing in various conditions.

Integrated Trailer Brake Controller: This in-dash system allows drivers to manage the trailer brakes directly from the dashboard, enhancing braking efficiency and safety. This also guarantees that the vehicle and trailer will decelerate without difficulty, in turn avoiding jackknifing or loss of control.

Rear Load-Leveling Suspension and Tow Hooks: Standard on off-road-focused trims like the Trailhawk, these features help maintain vehicle balance when towing, especially when going on uneven terrain. Load-leveling suspension keeps the Jeep level while towing heavy trailers for better handling and stability.

Heavy-Duty Cooling System: When you tow, you’re putting extra stress on the engine, and a heavy-duty cooling system keeps engine temps in check to prevent overheating. The inclusion of a drop-in filter pre-filter from the factory makes it essential for performance consistency during long-distance towing or in high-temperature environments.

Towing Accessories & Safety

To ensure stability, control, and safety when towing, the right accessories are a must. Proper equipment means the difference between an easy towing experience and one that results in your vehicle or trailer getting damaged in some way.

Top Hitches for the Jeep Grand Cherokee

Factory-installed hitches or aftermarket options are available for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, depending on desired towing capabilities.

Factory Towing Package:

• Class IV Hitch: Specifically made for heavier trailers (capacity: 7,200 lbs max, when combined with the right engine).
• 4- and 7-Pin Wiring Harness: Keeps trailer lights, brakes, and signals working properly.
• Heavy-duty engine cooling: Added to avoid heat buildup when towing heavy loads.

Aftermarket Hitch Options:

• CURT Class IV Trailer Hitch: Rated at 7500 lbs towing capacity. Making it one of the strongest aftermarket options.
• Draw-Tite Max-Frame Hitch: Offers additional stability for heavy loads, minimizing trailer sway and enhancing durability.

Trailer Brake Controllers

If you are towing trailers that weigh over 3,000 lbs, you must have a trailer brake controller. That arrangement synchronizes the trailer’s brakes to the Jeep’s braking system for improved control and stopping power.

It distributes braking force evenly between the vehicle and the trailer, reducing strain on the Jeep’s brakes. It also prevents trailer swaying and instability while reducing stopping distances, improving overall safety.

Recommended Tow Brake Controllers:

• Tekonsha P3 Trailer Brake Controller: Best for towing heavy trailers while providing advanced braking customization and diagnostics.
• Redarc Tow-Pro Elite: Compact, easy to install, and provides smooth braking response depending on trailer weight.

Weight Distribution with Sway Control

Getting the weight of the trailer distributed correctly is vital for stability while towing heavier loads. This evenly distributes the weight from the Jeep to the trailer via a weight distribution hitch, which should solve any issues with sagging or uneven weight.

Recommended Hitches for Weight Distribution:

• Blue Ox SwayPro: This type of system helps distribute the load evenly but also actively prevents sway while traveling on highways, making it a great choice for long-distance road travel.
• Husky Center Line TS Hitch: A weight distribution hitch that includes sway control, giving it both smoothness and balance.
• Reese Strait-Line Hitch: Provides superb weight distribution for sway control on larger trailers, especially beneficial when towing in high-speed or long-haul conditions.

Safety Tows for Your Jeep Grand Cherokee

Following best practices for load management, driving adjustments, and vehicle maintenance can help you experience safe towing.

• Know Your Towing Limits: Don’t exceed the maximum towing capacity of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, as you’ll place the engine under tremendous strain. It could be damaging to the transmission and result in unsafe driving conditions.
• Ensure Tire Pressure & Load Ratings: Tire inflation and load ratings that are proper for the weight that is being towed are important for traction and for preventing blowouts.
• Secure the Load Properly: Make sure to use ratchet straps, safety chains, and locking pins to prevent trailer or cargo shift while on the road.
• Drive Cautiously: Slow down when towing, especially on sharp turns and downhill slopes, as heavier loads can affect braking and handling.
• Check Brakes and Lights Before Each Trip: Ensure that the trailer brake lights, turn signals, and the electric braking system are operational before you start driving.

Conclusion: Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee Good for Towing?

When it comes to towing capacity, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a great choice, thanks to its combination of power, off-roading ability, and modern technology. Best for pulling boats, campers, and utility trailers with a 5.7L HEMI V8 and factory towing package.

For those needing fuel economy but still wanting a capable tow rig, the 4xe Hybrid is a nice option, with a maximum tow rating of 6,000 lbs. High-performance models like the 6.4L SRT and Trackhawk still feature the same 7,200-lb towing limit but much more speed and power.

Final Recommendations:

• Ideal for Light Towing: 3.6L V6 and 6,200 lbs towing capacity – perfect for smaller trailers, jetskiss, and light campers.
• Best for Heavy Towing: 5.7L HEMI V8 w/ 7,200 lbs towing capacity — best for larger campers, boats, and heavy utility trailers.
• Ideal for Performance and Power: 6.4L SRT and Trackhawk – same towing capacity, 7,200 lbs, but sporty driving experience.
• Best for Fuel Economy and Moderate Towing: 4xe Hybrid (towing up to 6,000 lbs) an eco-friendly alternative without sacrificing towing capability

With the proper towing features, accessories, and safe driving practices, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the most capable and versatile SUVs on the market for towing needs.

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