The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a three-row, mid-size SUV produced by Stellantis under the Jeep brand. It was introduced as a distinct model for the 2021 model year as part of the fifth-generation WL platform, extending the standard Grand Cherokee with a longer wheelbase and additional seating row. Production continues through the current 2025 model year.
This guide covers towing capacity by model year and configuration, including engine options, maximum trailer weight, payload capacity, and hitch requirements. Understanding manufacturer-rated towing limits helps protect the engine, transmission, cooling system, and braking components during hauling operations.
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2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 3.6L Pentastar V6 (293 HP / 260 lb-ft), 5.7L HEMI V8 (357 HP / 390 lb-ft) |
| Drivetrain | 4×2 or 4×4 |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 7,200 lbs (3,266 kg) with V8; 6,200 lbs (2,812 kg) with V6 |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | 7,200 lbs (3,266 kg) with V8; 6,200 lbs (2,812 kg) with V6 |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | Up to 1,280 lbs (581 kg) |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | Approx. 13,800 lbs (6,260 kg) with V8; approx. 12,800 lbs (5,806 kg) with V6 |
| Tongue Weight Limit | Up to 720 lbs (327 kg) with V8; up to 620 lbs (281 kg) with V6 |
| Hitch Class | Class IV |
| Factory Tow Package | Optional (Trailer-Tow Group) |
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L achieves a maximum towing capacity of 7,200 lbs when fitted with the 5.7L HEMI V8 and the factory Trailer-Tow Package. The standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 configuration supports a rated trailer weight of 6,200 lbs, suitable for mid-size boats and enclosed cargo trailers. Selecting the correct drivetrain and tow-group equipment directly determines the achievable trailer weight limit.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 3.6L Pentastar V6 (293 HP / 260 lb-ft), 5.7L HEMI V8 (357 HP / 390 lb-ft) |
| Drivetrain | 4×2 or 4×4 |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 7,200 lbs (3,266 kg) with V8; 6,200 lbs (2,812 kg) with V6 |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | 7,200 lbs (3,266 kg) with V8; 6,200 lbs (2,812 kg) with V6 |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | Up to 1,280 lbs (581 kg) |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | Approx. 13,800 lbs (6,260 kg) with V8; approx. 12,800 lbs (5,806 kg) with V6 |
| Tongue Weight Limit | Up to 720 lbs (327 kg) with V8; up to 620 lbs (281 kg) with V6 |
| Hitch Class | Class IV |
| Factory Tow Package | Optional (Trailer-Tow Group) |
The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L with the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine reaches a maximum towing capacity of 7,200 lbs when properly equipped with the factory tow package. The 5.7L HEMI V8 is offered exclusively on the Grand Cherokee L within the Grand Cherokee lineup for this model year, distinguishing it from the standard two-row variant. The V6 engine option delivers 6,200 lbs of trailer weight capacity with the correct tow group configuration.
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 3.6L Pentastar V6 (293 HP / 260 lb-ft), 5.7L HEMI V8 (357 HP / 390 lb-ft) |
| Drivetrain | 4×2 or 4×4 |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 7,200 lbs (3,266 kg) with V8; 6,200 lbs (2,812 kg) with V6 |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | 7,200 lbs (3,266 kg) with V8; 6,200 lbs (2,812 kg) with V6 |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | Up to 1,280 lbs (581 kg) |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | Approx. 13,800 lbs (6,260 kg) with V8; approx. 12,800 lbs (5,806 kg) with V6 |
| Tongue Weight Limit | Up to 720 lbs (327 kg) with V8; up to 620 lbs (281 kg) with V6 |
| Hitch Class | Class IV |
| Factory Tow Package | Optional (Trailer-Tow Group) |
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L tows up to 7,200 lbs when equipped with the 5.7L V8 engine and the factory Trailer-Tow Group. V6-equipped models carry a maximum trailer weight rating of 6,200 lbs across 4×2 and 4×4 configurations. Payload capacity must be factored alongside tongue weight when determining safe total vehicle loading.
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 3.6L Pentastar V6 (293 HP / 260 lb-ft), 5.7L HEMI V8 (357 HP / 390 lb-ft) |
| Drivetrain | 4×2 or 4×4 |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 7,200 lbs (3,266 kg) with V8; 6,200 lbs (2,812 kg) with V6 |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | 7,200 lbs (3,266 kg) with V8; 6,200 lbs (2,812 kg) with V6 |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | Up to 1,280 lbs (581 kg) |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | Approx. 13,800 lbs (6,260 kg) with V8; approx. 12,800 lbs (5,806 kg) with V6 |
| Tongue Weight Limit | Up to 720 lbs (327 kg) with V8; up to 620 lbs (281 kg) with V6 |
| Hitch Class | Class IV |
| Factory Tow Package | Optional (Trailer-Tow Group) |
The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was the first full production year of the WL-generation three-row model, offering a maximum towing capacity of 7,200 lbs with the HEMI V8. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 remains the standard engine on most trims and supports a 6,200-lb trailer weight limit. Aftermarket Class IV receiver hitches rated up to 7,500 lbs gross trailer weight are available and compatible with this model year.
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Towing Capacity
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 3.6L Pentastar V6 (293 HP / 260 lb-ft), 5.7L HEMI V8 (387 HP / 360 lb-ft) |
| Drivetrain | 4×2 or 4×4 |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 7,200 lbs (3,266 kg) with V8; 6,200 lbs (2,812 kg) with V6 |
| Conventional Towing Capacity | 7,200 lbs (3,266 kg) with V8; 6,200 lbs (2,812 kg) with V6 |
| Fifth-Wheel / Gooseneck Capacity | N/A |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | Up to 1,280 lbs (581 kg) |
| Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) | Approx. 13,800 lbs (6,260 kg) with V8; approx. 12,800 lbs (5,806 kg) with V6 |
| Tongue Weight Limit | Up to 720 lbs (327 kg) with V8; up to 620 lbs (281 kg) with V6 |
| Hitch Class | Class IV |
| Factory Tow Package | Optional (Trailer-Tow Group) |
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L launched with a maximum towing capacity of 7,200 lbs when the 5.7L HEMI V8 and tow package are specified. This introductory model year established the towing benchmark for the three-row Grand Cherokee platform carried forward into subsequent years. The V8 output for the 2021 model year is rated at 387 HP and 360 lb-ft of torque.
Towing Equipment and Setup
Equipping the Jeep Grand Cherokee L correctly is essential to reaching rated towing limits and maintaining vehicle stability.
Factory Tow Package
The factory Trailer-Tow Group includes a Class IV receiver hitch integrated into the vehicle frame, a 7-pin and 4-pin wiring harness, and rear load-leveling suspension. This package distributes towing forces across reinforced mounting points within the unibody structure, reducing localized stress. Omitting the factory tow group can reduce rated towing capacity and void applicable manufacturer warranties.
Trailer Brake Controller
A trailer brake controller is required by law in most jurisdictions when towing trailers with brakes, typically those exceeding 3,000 lbs. The Grand Cherokee L supports proportional brake controllers that communicate with the vehicle’s electronic braking system. Proportional controllers adjust trailer braking force in real time based on vehicle deceleration, improving stopping distances with heavy loads.
Weight-Distributing Hitch
A weight-distributing hitch is recommended for trailers approaching the maximum towing capacity. These systems redistribute tongue weight across all axles of the tow vehicle and trailer, reducing front axle lift and improving steering response. Aftermarket Class IV hitches compatible with the Grand Cherokee L are rated for up to 7,500 lbs gross trailer weight and 1,125 lbs tongue weight.
Normal Towing vs. Heavy Towing Setup
| Component | Normal Towing (Under 4,000 lbs) | Heavy Towing (4,000-7,200 lbs) |
|---|---|---|
| Hitch Type | Standard ball mount | Weight-distributing hitch recommended |
| Trailer Brakes | Optional below 3,000 lbs | Required in most jurisdictions |
| Transmission Cooler | Factory unit sufficient | Auxiliary cooler recommended |
| Tire Load Rating | Standard load | Verify max load index on both vehicle and trailer |
| Trailer Sway Control | Optional | Recommended |
Tire load ratings on both the Grand Cherokee L and trailer must accommodate the total loaded weight. Activating Tow/Haul mode optimizes transmission shift points and engine braking response when towing heavy loads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of a Jeep Grand Cherokee L?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L has a maximum towing capacity of 7,200 lbs (3,266 kg). This rating requires the 5.7L HEMI V8 engine, 4×4 drivetrain, and the factory Trailer-Tow Group package. V6-equipped models are rated at 6,200 lbs (2,812 kg) maximum trailer weight.
How much can a Jeep Grand Cherokee L tow with the tow package?
With the factory tow package installed, the Grand Cherokee L tows up to 7,200 lbs when paired with the V8 engine, or up to 6,200 lbs with the V6 engine. The tow package provides the Class IV hitch receiver, wiring harness, and load-leveling suspension required to reach those rated limits. Towing without the factory tow group may reduce safe trailer weight limits.
Does the 4×4 drivetrain affect Jeep Grand Cherokee L towing capacity?
The 4×4 drivetrain is required on V8-equipped Grand Cherokee L models to achieve the 7,200-lb towing rating. The 4×2 configuration is available on V6 trims and supports up to 6,200 lbs maximum trailer weight. Drivetrain selection affects axle load distribution and manufacturer-stated towing limits.
What trailer weight is safe for a Jeep Grand Cherokee L?
A safe trailer weight depends on the specific engine, drivetrain, and tow package configuration of the individual vehicle. Loaded trailer weight, tongue weight, passenger weight, and cargo weight must all fit within the GCWR and payload limits simultaneously. The tongue weight should remain between 10 and 15 percent of the total loaded trailer weight.
Do I need a weight-distributing hitch for a Jeep Grand Cherokee L?
A weight-distributing hitch is not mandatory for all towing but is recommended when tongue weight approaches the rated limit or when towing near the maximum trailer weight. This type of hitch levels the vehicle, reduces rear sag, and improves braking and steering response. For trailers under 4,000 lbs on level terrain, a standard ball mount is generally adequate.
What hitch class does the Jeep Grand Cherokee L use?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L uses a Class IV hitch receiver with a 2-inch square receiver opening. Class IV hitches support up to 7,500 lbs gross trailer weight and up to 1,125 lbs tongue weight in aftermarket configurations. The factory Trailer-Tow Group integrates the Class IV receiver directly into the vehicle frame structure.
Conclusion
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L tows between 6,200 lbs and 7,200 lbs depending on engine and equipment configuration across all production years from 2021 through 2025. The 5.7L HEMI V8, available exclusively on the Grand Cherokee L within the Grand Cherokee lineup, provides the highest trailer weight rating when combined with the 4×4 drivetrain and factory tow package. The standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 supports 6,200 lbs of maximum towing capacity across all model years in both 4×2 and 4×4 configurations. Payload capacity, tongue weight, and GCWR limits apply simultaneously, meaning all weight variables must be evaluated together before each tow. Always verify specifications using the vehicle’s owner’s manual and door-jamb placard before towing heavy loads.
