Towing isn’t typically something that families purchase new cars for. However, it is a helpful trick to have up your sleeve because emergencies happen. You might need to tow your car or someone else’s!
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is an extremely capable vehicle in terms of performance, capability, and reliability; all three are strong selling points when it comes to buying a vehicle. But, how much can it tow? We cover that, and more.
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How Much Can A Jeep Grand Cherokee Tow?
Jeep’s popular SUV, the Grand Cherokee, offers many different options for tows. The towing capacity of each model depends on which engine and transmission are installed in the vehicle.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds when properly equipped with a trailer package. This is one of the highest capacities of vehicles in the same class.
The base engine on the WKII model is a 3.6-liter flex-fuel V6 with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It can tow as much as 5,000 lbs when it’s equipped with 4-wheel drive.
When you have to tow your vehicle in an emergency, this is the Jeep Grand Cherokee towing capacity you need. Some models are available with a diesel engine which increases the tow capacity significantly.
Again, before you buy any Jeep or, in fact any car that you might want to tow with, check the towing guide. Many cars will have their towing capacity listed on their website. A quick online search should bring it right up for you.
For example, the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s site has the towing capacity table for each model year from 2014 – 2022 vehicles of the same class.
Please note that seatbelts, load limits, and other important safety factors are not included in such charts. If you’re planning on towing anything that carries people or cargo, be sure to double-check your vehicle’s seat belt capacities.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing Capacity by Model Year
| Year | Towing Capacity |
| 2014 | 6,200 lbs – 7,200 lbs |
| 2015 | 3,500 lbs – 7,200 lbs |
| 2016 | 3,500 lbs – 7,200 lbs |
| 2017 | 3,500 lbs – 7,200 lbs |
| 2018 | 3,500 lbs – 7,200 lbs |
| 2019 | 3,500 lbs – 7,200 lbs |
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trims Max Towing Capacities
| Trim | Max Towing Capacity |
| Laredo E | 3,500 lbs. |
| Freedom | 3,500 lbs. |
| Laredo X | 3,500 lbs. |
| Limited | 3,500 lbs. |
| 80th Anniversary | 3,500 lbs. |
| Limited X | 3,500 lbs. |
| Trailhawk | 6,200 lbs. |
| Overland | 3,500 lbs. |
| High Altitude | 6,200 lbs. |
| Summit | 3,500 lbs. |
| SRT | 7,200 lbs. |
| Trackhawk | 7,200 lbs. |
Can a Jeep Grand Cherokee Tow 7000 lbs?
Yes, the 4-wheel drive 2014 and newer Jeep Grand Cherokees can all tow up to 7,000 pounds when equipped with the right options.
Check out your vehicle’s specs on your car manual, or the manufacturer’s website to see if you have what it takes.
The maximum towing capacity of the Jeep Grand Cherokee increases by about 1,000 pounds from 2014 – 2017. Then by 1,000 pounds again from 2018 – 2022.
Talk about going in the right direction!
Which Grand Cherokee Trim Has The Highest Towing Capacity?
The Limited model is top of the line in performance and should have the best towing capacity. It’s among the most expensive, too.
That said, there are several other trims that have high enough towing capacities to meet your needs.
They include:
- Limited with a tow rating of 7,000 lbs
- Overland with a towing capacity of 6,200 lbs
- Laredo with a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.
Common Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing Questions
Can a Jeep Grand Cherokee Pull a Camper?
Short answer – Yes.
The Grand Cherokee has a maximum trailer weight rating of 7,400 pounds when properly equipped with a tow package.
That said, the 2014 – 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 4-wheel drive can tow one or two person camping trailers, utility trailers, and light duty campers that weigh less than 7000 lbs when appropriately equipped. Check your owner’s manual for specific towing guidelines.
The 2012-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, is equipped with an advanced Multilink rear suspension that delivers class-leading articulation for better off-road capability and a smoother ride on the freeway. With this suspension you should have no problem towing a camper – as long as your camper doesn’t weigh more than 7,400 lbs, of course.
Can a Jeep Grand Cherokee Tow a Boat?
Yes, the maximum towing capacity of Jeep Grand Cherokees with 4-wheel drive is 7000 lbs. That should be more than enough power for light fishing boats and kayaks.
To be more specific, the 2012-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee is equipped with a 3.6L V6 engine which allows it to tow up to 7,400 lbs. It also has the muscle to pull that weight. 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque makes it easy to haul your boat.
I know – some models do come standard with this option but will need to be checked out. But, generally, a jeep grand cherokee can tow a boat when properly equipped and hooked up with the proper hitch system.
Make sure your Jeep Grand Cherokee has appropriate options for towing before you start towing.
Can a Jeep Grand Cherokee v6 Tow a Boat?
The short answer is yes.
The longer answer is – the V6 engine in the 2012-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee can tow up to 7,400 pounds when equipped with all wheel drive and a 3.73 axle ratio. Let’s break it down further.
The 3.0-liter V6 engine that comes with the Grand Cherokee has a maximum towing capacity of 4,500 pounds and 2,000 pounds when properly equipped for single towing. It can tow up to 7,400 pounds when properly equipped with the 8-speed transmission (with tow/haul mode).
Please note that if you are towing this through an automatic transmission, it is recommended that you use a weight distribution hitch.
The bottomline? You can tow a small fishing boat or kayak with the V-6 engine of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The maximum towing capacity for these models is 7400 lbs which should be plenty of power to pull even heavier watercraft weight.
But, you should consider the size of the boat and how much power your Grand Cherokee’s V-6 engine will actually be using in order to make a smart decision about whether or not towing is a good idea.
Can a Jeep Grand Cherokee Pull a Horse Trailer?
Yes, and No. Check this out.
The Grand Cherokee can handle up to 7,400 pounds of tongue weight and it can tow a maximum of 7,400 pounds. The maximum gross combined weight for this vehicle is 8,600 pounds which includes cargo and passengers.
So, here’s the thing – the Jeep Grand Cherokee is equipped with plenty of power to tow a horse trailer. As long as your trailer doesn’t weigh more than 7,400 pounds and your axle ratio is 3.73 or lower, the V6 engine in the 2012-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee will have no problem towing it.
Please note that we recommend not towing anything too heavy because it could strain the transmission and result in costly repairs if something were to happen.
Can a Jeep Grand Cherokee Tow a Car?
Yes, you can tow another vehicle behind your Jeep Grand Cherokee. The maximum towing capacity for the Grand Cherokee is 7400 lbs.
Unfortunately, not all Jeep Grand Cherokees can. The 2012-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, for instance, is not equipped with the towing capacity needed to pull a small vehicle like a car behind it.
In fact, it is only safe for you to tow something as small as 1,500 pounds, which is about one third of the total towing capacity.
Can a Jeep Grand Cherokee Tow a Travel Trailer?
Short answer – Yes!
Towing a travel trailer with your Jeep Grand Cherokee isn’t always as simple as just towing it though. There are important factors that will influence the overall success of towing the travel trailer.
These include taking into consideration not only the weight but also how much room you have in your vehicle, how much weight you are already carrying, the type of trailer you plan on towing and what modifications or accessories are required.
While many Grand Cherokees come with a tow package, if you plan on pulling a travel trailer, it would be best to look for one that has the rear-mounted 7-pin connector. Why? Because this particular option comes with an electrical system that can handle an electric brake controller.
However, even if your vehicle isn’t equipped from the factory, many trailer brake control systems are easy to install.
Can a Jeep Grand Cherokee Pull an Airstream
Yes, but you will need to upgrade the Grand Cherokee’s drive train.
The Grand Cherokee was not meant for this type of load so you will need a very capable engine and enough additional horsepower. Not only do you need the loading capacity, but you will also want some ground clearance as well as stronger transmission and driveline components.
The airstream weighs about 3,000 lbs dry (that is the full trailer with everything stripped out of it). It will probably weigh more loaded up with your stuff inside. The Grand Cherokee max tow rating is 6500lbs so it should be able to tow it.
Of course, it’s also going to depend on the Grand Cherokee you have so you’ll need to check your owner’s manual to see what yours can handle.
You’ll also need to find an airstream with working brakes (or remove your own), and it helps if the airstream is empty. And of course, be very careful when doing this test for the first time. You don’t want to damage your jeep or airstream, but it can be done.
What Does the Jeep Grand Cherokee Tow Package Include?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is capable of towing up to 7,400 pounds when properly equipped with the 3.6-liter V6 engine and 8HP70 eight speed automatic transmission.
A number of features are included within the package that help make this possible.
Some of these features include:
- Class ll receiver
- Class IV tow hitch
- Case skid plates
- Integrated brake controller
- Seven-pin wiring harness with independent fused trailering circuits and brake controller
- Transmission oil cooler
- Supplemental radiator for automatic transmission model only
- Full size spare tire w/17″ wheel & tire
- Heavy duty engine cooling system
- P265/70R17 all-terrain white letter tires
Other parts include front and rear fog lamps, rock rails with black inserts, matte black grille with body-color surround, Laredo or Limited badging on the rear quarter panels and a full-size spare tire.
Some other amenities given to those who choose the fully integrated tow package include an upgraded rear axle, auxiliary transmission and transfer case oil coolers, and a disconnecting rear sway bar.
This means that the suspension is specially tuned to handle a weight distribution system; and the transfer case and transmission have their own cooling system. The sway bar disconnect also allows the Grand Cherokee to maintain its composure while being towed.
Specific to the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee tow package is an upgraded radiator with a cooling fan, shock absorbers, and tow hooks. The tow hooks are integrated into the front bumper while the rear also includes a standard receiver hitch.
A fully integrated seven-pin wiring harness means that no additional wiring is needed to connect the vehicle’s seven-pin connector.
If your 2014 Grand Cherokee is outfitted with a diesel engine, then you’ll need to opt for the Limited or Overland trims in order to get all of these features as part of the EcoDiesel tow package.
Along with the Grand Cherokee’s standard front and rear tow hooks for up to 7,200 pounds of towing, this package also includes a Class IV trailer hitch which is the same one used on the gas model.
Conclusion
The Jeep Grand Cherokee tow capacity is definitely something that any off-roader should take into consideration.
It adds to the overall capability of the vehicle, making it more versatile for those who like to spend time outdoors, even if they’ll be bringing some extra cargo along with them.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a great car for towing, especially if you have the maximum towing package. What makes it particularly good at towing is its supercharged engine that gives it an increased amount of horsepower and torque.
