Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing Guide: The Most Awarded SUV Ever

Know Your Engine: V6 vs. 4xe vs. V8

The Grand Cherokee lineup is diverse, and your towing capacity depends entirely on what is under the hood.

• The V6 Standard (6,200 lbs): The 3.6L Pentastar V6 is the most common engine on the road. Whether you have a 2-row or the 3-row Grand Cherokee L, this engine is rated for a respectable 6,200 lbs. This is 1,200 lbs more than a Toyota Highlander or Ford Explorer, giving you access to larger bunkhouse trailers.

• The 4xe Hybrid (6,000 lbs): The plug-in hybrid Grand Cherokee 4xe is a torque monster (470 lb-ft), but due to the weight of the batteries, its towing capacity is slightly lower at 6,000 lbs. However, the instant electric torque makes pulling trailers up boat ramps or steep hills feel effortless.

• The V8 Legacy (7,200 lbs): If you are lucky enough to own a 2024 or older model equipped with the 5.7L Hemi V8, you have the king of the lineup. These models are rated for 7,200 lbs, allowing you to tow significantly heavier trailers that approach the half-ton truck category. Note: The V8 was discontinued for the 2025 model year.

2-Row vs. Grand Cherokee L: Stability Matters

While both the 2-row and the extended "L" version share the same V6 towing rating (6,200 lbs), the Grand Cherokee L is the superior tow vehicle for longer trailers.

• Why? The longer wheelbase of the "L" provides better resistance to trailer sway, making it feel more planted on the highway when a semi-truck passes you.

• The Match: If you tow a 25-foot travel trailer, the Grand Cherokee L will offer a noticeably smoother ride than the shorter 2-row model.

What Can I Tow With 6,200 lbs?

The Grand Cherokee sits in the "Sweet Spot" of SUV towing.

• Spacious Bunkhouses: You can easily tow a Forest River Grey Wolf 23MK or Jayco Jay Feather 24BH. These units offer slide-outs and separate bedrooms while weighing in around 4,500–5,000 lbs loaded, leaving you a healthy safety margin.

• Adventure Trailers: The Jeep brand screams "Overland." Match your rig with a rugged No Boundaries (NoBo) or Ibex trailer. These high-clearance units can follow your Jeep down fire roads where standard trailers would bottom out.

• 4xe Matches: For hybrid owners, we recommend aerodynamic trailers like the Winnebago Micro Minnie to maximize your electric range and fuel economy.

The "Quadra-Lift" Advantage

Many Grand Cherokee trims (Overland, Summit, Trailhawk) come with Quadra-Lift Air Suspension.

• Auto-Leveling: Just like its big brother the Wagoneer, the Grand Cherokee can use air springs to level the vehicle when you hitch up. This keeps your headlights aimed correctly and improves braking performance.

• Hitch Mode: You can lower the vehicle to back under the trailer tongue, then raise it up to lift the hitch onto the ball—saving you from endless cranking on the trailer jack.

Essential Equipment for Jeep Owners

• Brake Controller: Most Grand Cherokees do not come with a factory brake controller, although higher trims may have a "Trailer Tow Prep Group." You typically need to install an aftermarket controller to tow legally. Our Service Department recommends the Redarc Tow-Pro, which installs cleanly in your center console.

• Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH): Even with air suspension, a WDH is critical. The Grand Cherokee is a unibody vehicle, and a WDH ensures the weight is transferred to your front tires for proper steering control.

Ready to Hit the Trail?

Your Jeep was built to go further.

• Shop Compatible RVs: Browse our inventory of Travel Trailers Under 6,000 lbs to find the perfect match for your V6 or 4xe.

• Get Outfitted: Need a brake controller or a hitch inspection? Schedule an appointment with our Service Team.

• Value Your Trade: Upgrade your tent camping setup to a rugged travel trailer today.