The all-new 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L has impressive towing capabilities for its class. With two powerful engine options and an available heavy-duty towing package, this three-row SUV can pull up to 7,200 pounds.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L towing capacity, including:
- Engine options and max towing for each
- Standard vs heavy-duty towing package
- Trailer sway control and sway damping
- Integrated trailer brake control
- Hitch receiver and wiring harness
- Tow/haul mode
- Load leveling rear suspension
- Towing assist technologies
- Tips for safe towing
Plus, we’ll compare the Grand Cherokee L to other Jeep models and full-size SUVs to give you context on its capabilities. Whether you’re towing a boat, RV, horse trailer, or toys, this new Jeep is up for the task.
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Engines and Max Towing Capacities
The 2022 Grand Cherokee L is available with two engine choices:
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 – 293 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque
- 5.7L V8 – 357 horsepower, 390 lb-ft of torque
With the standard Class III towing package, here are the max towing capacities for each engine:
- V6 – 6,200 pounds
- V8 – 7,200 pounds
The V8 provides a significant boost in towing capabilities over the V6. It offers an extra 1,000 pounds of towing capacity, which is enough for a medium-sized travel trailer or larger boat.
If your towing needs are more moderate, the V6 should suffice. It can easily handle a pop-up camper, small RV, or trailer with ATVs. But for larger, heavier trailers and toys, the more powerful V8 is recommended.
Heavy-Duty vs Standard Towing Package
Beyond the engine, the towing package is what gives the Grand Cherokee L its impressive capabilities. There are two packages available:
Standard Trailer Tow Package
- Class III hitch receiver
- 4 & 7-pin wiring harness
- Heavy-duty engine cooling
- Trailer sway damping
Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package (optional)
- Adds:
- 180-amp alternator
- Rear load-leveling suspension
- Full-size spare tire & wheel
- Trailer brake control
- Skid plates
The Heavy-Duty package boosts the Grand Cherokee L’s towing muscle for an additional $995 MSRP on most trims. With the stronger alternator, load-leveling suspension, and integrated brake controller, you’ll have more power and control for pulling heavy loads.
The full-size spare tire provides peace of mind, while the skid plates protect critical components. If your trailer approaches the maximum tow rating, the Heavy-Duty package is highly recommended.
Trailer Sway Damping and Control
Towing a trailer comes with the risk of sway, which can happen when crosswinds, passing trucks, or improper weight distribution are factors. It can be a frightening phenomenon if you don’t have the right safety tech.
The Grand Cherokee L comes standard with Trailer Sway Control that uses selective braking and throttle input to keep the SUV and trailer stable. This helps maintain control if sway occurs.
The available Trailer Sway Damping utilizes hydraulic pressure to keep the hitch ball stable within the receiver. This provides an extra layer of sway prevention for confident towing.
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller
Proper trailer braking is crucial for safe towing, especially with heavy loads. Rather than using an aftermarket unit, the Grand Cherokee L offers an integrated brake controller with the Heavy-Duty Tow Package.
This puts the brake controls right on the dashboard, allowing you to easily adjust the trailer brake intensity while driving. Having an integrated TBC makes things seamless and provides complete control over the trailer stopping power.
Hitch Receiver and Wiring Harness
The Grand Cherokee L comes equipped with a sturdy Class III hitch receiver that can handle up to 5,000 pounds of tongue weight. It provides a standard 2” opening for hitch balls and bike racks.
A 7-pin and 4-pin wiring harness connects your trailer’s electrical system to that of the Jeep. This powers the trailer lights, electric brakes, and charge line for batteries. Everything is pre-wired and ready to go from the factory.
Tow/Haul Mode
Tow/haul mode optimizes the transmission and engine performance when towing heavy loads. It holds lower gears longer to utilize more power, while also downshifting more quickly for engine braking.
With the trailer in tow, make sure to activate Tow/haul mode for the best transmission calibration and control. The Grand Cherokee L transmission is designed to handle the extra demands that come with towing.
Load Leveling Rear Suspension
The optional load leveling rear air suspension is another key towing feature for Grand Cherokee L models equipped with the Heavy-Duty Tow Package.
Once a heavy trailer is hooked up, the Jeep’s rear can sink down several inches from the tongue weight and payload. Load leveling improves this by automatically inflating the rear shocks to keep the Grand Cherokee riding high and stable when towing.
Towing Assist Technologies
There are also some high-tech towing aids available on the Grand Cherokee L to make hauling your trailer more convenient.
Surround View Camera
- Gives a 360 degree overhead view around the vehicle, which can be helpful when backing up to hitch a trailer.
Blind Spot Monitoring
- Alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot to make lane changes safer while towing.
ParkSense Front/Rear Park Assist
- Sounds an audible warning if obstacles are close to the front or rear bumper. Helps when backing into tight spaces.
Adaptive Cruise Control
- Automatically maintains a set following distance behind the vehicle ahead, even when towing. Makes highway cruising more convenient and controlled.
Tips for Safe Towing with the Jeep Grand Cherokee L
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Verify your trailer and SUV are rated for the total weight you intend to tow, including cargo and passenger weight. Do not exceed vehicle GAWR or GVWR ratings.
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Use a weight distribution hitch for better control and stability when towing heavy loads near the max capacity.
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Always load the trailer heavier in the front. The ideal tongue weight is 10-15% of total loaded trailer weight.
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Check tire pressures on both the Jeep and trailer for maximum load capacity and even wear.
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Inspect trailer brake wiring, connections, and fluid levels before each trip. Test brakes before towing.
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Activate Tow/haul mode for optimized powertrain calibration when towing.
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Take wide turns and go slow over bumps to improve stability around corners.
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Allow extra stopping distance while towing heavy trailers.
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Regularly check your hitch, ball, safety chains, electrical connections, and straps for wear.
How Does the Grand Cherokee L Compare to Other Jeep Towing Capacities?
With its max tow rating of 7,200 pounds, the new 3-row Grand Cherokee L has higher capabilities than any other current Jeep SUV besides the Grand Wagoneer. Here’s a quick towing comparison:
- Wrangler 2-door – 2,000 lbs
- Wrangler 4-door – 3,500 lbs
- Cherokee – 4,500 lbs
- Grand Cherokee – 7,200 lbs
- Grand Cherokee L – 7,200 lbs
- Wagoneer – 10,000 lbs
- Grand Wagoneer – 9,850 lbs
Among other Jeep models, the Grand Cherokee L ties the regular 5-passenger Grand Cherokee for max towing capabilities. Both offer robust towing when equipped with the V8 and Heavy-Duty tow package.
How the Grand Cherokee L Compares to Full-Size SUVs
Compared to other full-size SUVs, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L can hold its own in terms of towing:
- Ford Expedition – 9,300 lbs
- Chevy Tahoe – 8,400 lbs
- Toyota Sequoia – 7,400 lbs
- Nissan Armada – 8,500 lbs
- Jeep Grand Cherokee L – 7,200 lbs
While falling short of the Expedition and Armada, the Grand Cherokee L surpasses the Tahoe and Sequoia for max tow rating. Only the Expedition offers significantly higher capabilities in this class.
