The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a functional and versatile SUV known for its ruggedness, comfort, and off-road capabilities. This midsize SUV stands as an embodiment of American automotive ingenuity and a testament to the seamless fusion of luxury and rugged performance. So, the Grand Cherokee has evolved into an ultimate symbol of versatile mobility, catering to the desires of both urban adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
One of the most remarkable features of the Jeep Grand Cherokee is related to its impressive towing capacity. In this blog post, we will delve into the Jeep Grand Cherokee towing capacity, considering various factors that influence its towing capabilities. We can sort out these factors as engine options, drivetrains, any available towing packages, and aftermarket parts improving towing capacity. So, if you want to improve your Jeep Grand Cherokee towing capacity, all you need to do is read this blog until the end.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing Capacity: Exploring the True Power of this SUV
The Jeep Grand Cherokee towing capacity can vary based on several factors including the model year, engine option, drivetrain, any available towing packages, car modifications, etc. Generally, the towing capacity of Jeep Grand Cherokee ranges from around 3,500 pounds to 7,200 pounds, but it is important to note that these numbers can change based on specific configurations.
For instance, earlier models might have lower towing capacities compared to more recent ones due to advancements in technology and engineering. Additionally, models with larger and more powerful engines, such as V8 options, tend to have higher towing capacities than those with smaller engines. So, let’s look at the Grand Cherokee towing capacity in terms of its different trim levels.
What are Jeep Grand Cherokee Trim Levels and Towing Capacities?
There are currently five different trim levels available for the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup. Each offers different features and options to suit different needs and preferences. Trim levels allow customers to choose a vehicle that meets their specific needs and preferences while also offering different levels of luxury, performance, and towing capacity at different price points. So, here are the current trim levels for the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee:
Enhance Your Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Towing Performance with These Tips
- Engine: 3.6-liter V6 engine producing around 290 horsepower.
- Towing Capacity: Up to 6,200 pounds when properly.
- Interior: Uconnect infotainment system, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, and comfortable seating. equipped.
- Exterior: Distinctive Jeep grille, LED headlights, and alloy wheels.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
- Engine: 3.6-liter V6 engine or optional 5.7-liter V8 engine.
- Towing Capacity: Up to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped.
- Interior: Leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, heated front, and second-row seats, larger infotainment display, and advanced safety features.
- Exterior: Chrome accents, larger alloy wheels, and a power liftgate.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk
- Engine: 3.6-liter V6 engine or optional 5.7-liter V8 engine.
- Towing Capacity: Up to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped.
- Interior: Leather and suede-trimmed seats, Trailhawk-themed interior accents, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen.
- Exterior: Off-road enhancements including skid plates, distinctive Trail Rated badging, and red tow hooks.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
- Engine: 3.6-liter V6 engine or optional 5.7-liter V8 engine.
- Towing Capacity: Up to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped.
- Interior: Nappa leather seats, wood interior accents, advanced technology, and luxurious features.
- Exterior: Premium finishes, larger alloy wheels, and a panoramic sunroof.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Altitude
- Engine: 3.6-liter V6 engine or optional 5.7-liter V8 engine.
- Towing Capacity: Up to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped.
- Interior: Blacked-out interior details, tech upgrades, and comfort features.
- Exterior: Blacked-out exterior accents, unique badging, and sporty styling.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit
- Engine: 3.6-liter V6 engine or optional 5.7-liter V8 engine.
- Towing Capacity: Up to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped.
- Interior: Premium quilted leather seats, advanced safety features, and a wealth of luxury amenities.
- Exterior: Premium exterior finishes and detailing.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve
- Engine: 3.6-liter V6 engine or optional 5.7-liter V8 engine.
- Towing Capacity: Up to 6,500 pounds when properly equipped.
- Interior: Quilted Palermo leather seats, real wood accents, and a top-tier infotainment system, offering an even higher level of luxury.
- Exterior: Premium finishes, chrome accents, and distinctive Summit badging.
Is Jeep Grand Cherokee Reliable in terms of Towing Capacity?
The reliability of the Jeep Grand Cherokee towing capacity can depend on several factors, including the specific model year, engine choice, and how well the vehicle has been maintained. The Grand Cherokee has historically been known for its capability in towing, but it is important to consider a few key points:
- Engine Options: The Grand Cherokee offers various engine options, and the towing capacity can vary depending on the engine you choose. Some engines, like the V8 options, generally have higher towing capacities compared to the V6 options.
- Model Year: Towing capacities can differ from one model year to another due to engineering improvements and updates. Newer model years might have higher towing capacities due to enhancements in the vehicle's design.
- Trim Level: Different trim levels of the Grand Cherokee may have varying towing capacities. Higher trim levels with more powerful engines and additional towing features might offer higher towing capabilities.
- Terrain and Conditions: Towing capacity can be affected by factors such as the terrain, weather conditions, and altitude. So, when it comes to tough terrain and conditions, the reliability of towing capacity is changeable.
- Optional Towing Packages: Some Grand Cherokee models come with optional towing packages that include features like heavy-duty cooling systems, reinforced suspension, and trailer sway control. These packages can enhance the Grand Cherokee towing capabilities.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial for any vehicle’s towing reliability. Ensuring that the vehicle’s engine, transmission, brakes, and other components are well-maintained can contribute to a more reliable towing experience.
- Realistic Load Consideration: While the Grand Cherokee is capable of towing, it is important to consider the weight of the trailer and cargo you intend to tow. Overloading the vehicle can impact its performance, reliability, and safety.
As you can see, some factors such as the engine type, towing package, and overall design play a significant role in determining the reliability of the Jeep Grand Cherokee towing capacity. Then, let’s discuss the main factors that influence the Grand Cherokee towing capacity.
What are the Main Factors that Influence Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing Capacity?
The towing capacity of Jeep Grand Cherokee depends on some factors, each contributing to the vehicle’s ability to safely tow trailers, boats, or other heavy loads. Here are the main factors that significantly impact the towing capacity of Jeep Grand Cherokee:
Engine Performance and Power
The engine performance is a critical factor in determining towing capacity. A more powerful engine with higher horsepower and torque can handle heavier loads more effectively. So, Jeep Grand Cherokee trim levels with larger, more potent engines are typically capable of towing heavier trailers due to their increased power output.
Engine Type and Configuration
The type of engine also plays a role. Vehicles with turbocharged or supercharged engines tend to offer more torque at lower RPMs, enhancing their towing capabilities. Additionally, engines with multiple cylinders, such as V6 or V8 configurations, generally provide better towing performance compared to smaller, less powerful engines. The engine options can vary based on the trim level and market. So, let’s look at the 2022 Grand Cherokee’s engine options:
- V6 Engine: A mid-range V6 engine is often a popular choice for the Grand Cherokee, offering a good balance of power and efficiency.
- V8 Engine: A more powerful V8 engine might be offered as an option on higher trim levels, providing increased performance and towing capabilities.
- Diesel Engine: The diesel engine option of the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers an efficient and powerful driving experience, combining the rugged capabilities of the Grand Cherokee with the fuel efficiency and torque of a diesel powertrain. So, it is another good choice for those seeking high torque and better fuel economy for towing and long-distance driving.
- Turbocharged Engine: The turbocharged engine variant of the Jeep Grand Cherokee is well-regarded for its enhanced towing capabilities, making it an appealing choice for those who require a vehicle that can confidently handle towing trailers, boats, or other heavy loads.
- Hybrid Powertrain: The Jeep has been moving towards electrification. The 2022 Grand Jeep Cherokee has a hybrid powertrain option which also provides better fuel efficiency and lower emissions. This can be particularly advantageous for towing, as the electric motor can supply instant torque from a standstill, aiding in moving heavy loads.
Transmission and Gear Ratios
The transmission and gear ratios influence a vehicle’s ability to transfer power effectively to the wheels. Vehicles with transmissions designed for towing, such as those with additional gears for better torque distribution, can handle heavier loads more efficiently. So, the Grand Cherokee models equipped with towing-specific modes or manual shifting options can optimize gear selection for towing tasks.
Axle Ratio and Drivetrain
The axle ratio determines how many times the driveshaft must rotate for the wheels to make one complete turn. Lower axle ratios provide more torque, which is crucial for towing. Additionally, vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) systems offer better traction and stability when towing, especially in challenging conditions. So, the Grand Cherokee models equipped with 4WD or AWD have better towing capacity.
Suspension and Chassis Design
The suspension system and chassis design impact the vehicle’s stability and control while towing. So, like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, vehicles with tow packages including upgraded suspension systems, rear air suspension, or load-leveling systems can maintain a more level ride height even with heavy loads, contributing to safer towing.
Cooling Systems
Towing generates additional heat in the engine and transmission. Vehicles equipped with better cooling systems, such as larger radiators and transmission coolers, are better equipped to handle the increased heat load associated with towing heavy trailers. Since the Jeep Grand Cherokee has an advanced cooling system, it is capable of towing and heavy-duty use.
Braking Systems
The ability to safely control and stop the combined weight of the vehicle and the trailer is crucial for towing safety. Vehicles with larger and more robust braking systems, such as heavy-duty brake components or trailer brake controllers, can handle the increased demands of towing. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is typically equipped with an ABS system, which helps prevent wheel lockup during hard braking. So, it has a reliable towing capability.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Payload Capacity
The GVWR, which represents the maximum weight the vehicle can safely carry, includes passengers, cargo, and the tongue weight of the trailer. Vehicles with higher GVWRs and payload capacities can generally handle heavier trailers. For the Jeep Grand Cherokee, GVWR can vary between different model years, trims, and drivetrain options. It can range from around 5,300 to 6,800 pounds, or more, depending on the specific configuration.
Regulatory and Safety Considerations
Towing capacity is also influenced by legal and safety regulations. Vehicle manufacturers set towing capacities based on factors such as engine performance, frame strength, and braking capability to ensure safe towing operations. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, like all vehicles, is subject to various regulatory and safety considerations to ensure its compliance with safety standards and regulations. These considerations encompass a range of aspects, including crashworthiness, emissions, occupant protection, and more.
Towing Package and Upgrades
Some Jeep Grand Cherokee models offer towing packages or options that include upgraded components such as trailer sway control, integrated trailer brake controllers, and other features designed to enhance towing safety and performance.
Car Modifications
Car modifications, in other words, aftermarket parts have the potential to significantly contribute to enhancing the towing capacity of Jeep Grand Cherokee by addressing specific facets of the vehicle's performance that influence its towing capabilities. These components are carefully designed to either replace or supplement the existing factory parts, thereby offering targeted advantages tailored to towing needs. By strategically enhancing critical areas, aftermarket parts aim to optimize the vehicle’s overall towing capacity, allowing it to handle heavier loads and challenging towing conditions more effectively.
Which Car Mods Improve Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing Capacity?
There are several car mods, in other words, aftermarket parts or performance parts that can enhance the towing capacity of Jeep Grand Cherokee. These aftermarket parts are designed to optimize various aspects of the vehicle, such as engine power, handling, suspension, and braking. Keep in mind that when modifying your vehicle with performance parts, it is important to ensure compatibility, quality, and adherence to local laws and regulations. Here are some performance parts that can improve the towing capacity of Jeep Grand Cherokee:
Cold Air Intake System
A cold air intake system can indirectly influence towing capacity. It is designed to replace the restrictive factory air intake components. Since the cold air intake system supplies cooler and denser air to the engine, the combustion process becomes more efficient. This can lead to a modest increase in horsepower and torque, which could potentially help with towing heavier loads. So, if you want to improve your Jeep Grand Cherokee towing capacity, you can buy a cold air intake system.
Performance Chip Tuning
One of the most effective but complex car mods improving the towing capacity of Jeep Grand Cherokee is performance chip tuning. It involves modifying the engine's computer (ECU) to optimize various parameters such as fuel injection timing, ignition timing, and throttle response. So, performance chip tuning improves engine performance for towing scenarios, adjusting parameters such as fuel delivery, ignition timing, and transmission shift points. This can result in increased torque at lower RPMs, which is valuable for towing heavy loads and maintaining steady power delivery.
Suspension Upgrades
Suspension upgrades, such as enhanced shocks and sway bars, can directly impact towing stability. When towing heavy loads, the vehicle's suspension can compress, leading to a sagging rear end and reduced control. Upgraded shocks with improved damping control can help maintain a more level stance, enhancing stability. For example, stiffer sway bars reduce body roll during turns, which is particularly important when towing to maintain control.
High-Performance Brakes
Upgrading the brake system is crucial when increasing towing capacity. Towing adds additional weight to the vehicle, which requires more braking force to come to a stop safely. High-performance brake systems with larger rotors and better brake pads can provide the necessary stopping power, preventing brake fade and ensuring confidence while towing heavy trailers. So, this aftermarket part is particularly important if you want to increase your Grand Cherokee towing capacity.
Supercharger or Turbocharger Kit
Superchargers and turbochargers are both forms of forced induction that increase the engine’s air intake. Superchargers are mechanically driven by a belt connected to the engine's crankshaft, while turbochargers utilize exhaust gasses to spin a turbine that compresses incoming air. Both performance parts result in more air entering the engine, leading to increased power output, in other words, towing capacity. However, superchargers and turbochargers may void your car warranty because of their direct intervention in the vehicle engine.
Throttle Response Controllers
One of the most reliable and practical car mods that has an indirect effect on improving the towing capacity of Jeep Grand Cherokee is the throttle response controller. It is designed to improve by modifying the signals sent between the accelerator pedal and the engine's throttle body. So, using a throttle response controller can provide a more immediate and predictable response when applying the accelerator pedal. It is valid for towing. This can make it easier to control the throttle input, especially when you need to maintain a consistent speed or make minor adjustments while towing a heavy load. If you want to learn the best throttle response controller on the market, all you need to do is keep reading.
How to Improve the Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing Capacity with Pedal Commander?
Are you looking to improve your Jeep Grand Cherokee towing capacity or whatever your car is? Look no further than the Pedal Commander! It is the most practical and reliable throttle response controller on the market. As an electronic throttle control, Pedal Commander has an indirect but effective role in improving towing capacity. How? Pedal Commander offers a more immediate and predictable response when applying the accelerator pedal, so it is valid during towing.
Towing capacity is primarily determined by the vehicle’s structural strength, engine power, transmission, suspension, cooling system, and other related components. However, many aftermarket parts improving these components are complex, risky, and expensive. Unlike superchargers, turbochargers, and suspension upgrades, Pedal Commander respects the factory settings of your vehicle engine. So, it doesn’t void your car warranty. If you have just 10-15 minutes, you can easily install it on your own. This means you don’t have to pay an extra fee for professional help.
Furthermore, Pedal Commander has a cutting-edge mobile application and Bluetooth control thanks to its advanced technology. So, whenever you want, you can customize your acceleration with the easy usage of the Pedal Commander app. You don't know half of it! Pedal Commander considers your comfort in all seasons and road conditions with its four adjustable driving modes: Eco mode, City mode, Sport mode, and Sport+ mode. So, when you buy Pedal Commander, you may feel like you are driving four different cars.
As a result, Pedal Commander makes the engine respond faster to inputs coming from the accelerator pedal, so it promises you a comfortable driving experience while towing. If you want to learn more about how Pedal Commander can improve your vehicle’s towing capacity indirectly but effectively, all you need to do is watch our YouTube video below: