Jeep Towing Capacity: SUV Trail Runners Go Trailering
Most folks think of Jeep SUVs as dedicated off-roaders. But Jeep has baked more than just all-terrain capability into its models – they also have some towing capacity to offer.
Jeep SUVs are for more than just off-roading now
All new Jeep models are rated for at least some towing capacity, from the Renegade to the Wagoneer.
Drivers’ expectations for the Jeep brand have evolved over the years. It used to be that all a Jeep needed was four-wheel drive, some ground clearance, and a couple of seats to satisfy buyers. Now, drivers want their Jeeps to do a bit of everything. Modern Jeeps carry families, haul groceries, take on road trips, and more.
Jeep vehicles have developed impressive towing capacities as part of their evolution toward jacks-of-all-trades. Though, some are better than others. Here’s a quick breakdown of Jeep SUV towing maximum capacities.
| Jeep Wagoneer & Grand Wagoneer | 9,800 Pounds |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee & Cherokee L | 7,200 Pounds |
| Jeep Cherokee | 4,000 Pounds |
| Jeep Wrangler | 3,500 Pounds (four-door), 200 Pounds (two-door) |
| Jeep Compass | 2,000 Pounds |
| Jeep Renegade | 2,000 pounds |
Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer have truck-like towing capabilities
The 2023 Jeep Wagoneer and Wagoneer L have the best towing capacities in the lineup at 9,800 pounds. That is no surprise since the Wagoneer twins share a platform with the Ram 1500.
Jeep developed the Wagoneer as a true full-size SUV to compete with the Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition. It’s the brand’s first entrant in the segment in decades. Like its rivals, the Wagoneer is based on a truck platform with a long wheelbase. It’s available with either the corporate Stellantis 5.7-liter V8 or the new turbocharged “Hurricane” inline-six. According to Kelley Blue Book, it all comes together to provide a maximum towing capacity of 9,800 pounds.
Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L towing capacities impress
Coming off a fresh redesign, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee is as capable as ever with a towing capacity over 7,000 pounds. Jeep leaned into the Grand Cherokee’s premium side with its latest update – but the SUV can still get it done off-road. It holds its own as a towing vehicle as well. Kelley Blue Book reports a maximum towing capacity of 7,200 pounds for V8 models.
Jeep Cherokee is a capable towing crossover
The Jeep Cherokee punches above its weight as a crossover and offers a maximum towing capacity of 4,000 pounds. In a segment awash with crossovers that have SUV looks but less capability, it’s refreshing to see a model like the Cherokee. Jeep’s compact SUV has more rugged capability than most models in its class, including towing performance. According to Kelley Blue Book, turbocharged examples can tow up to 4,000 pounds – the highest towing capacity in its segment.
Wrangler is better on the trail than with a trailer
The 2023 Jeep Wrangler is can tow up to 2,000 pounds in two-door configuration and 3,500 in four-door configuration.
The Jeep Wrangler has long been an off-road specialist, which doesn’t change with the 2023 model. Its commitment to all-terrain purity compromises its maximum towing capacity. According to Kelley Blue Book, two-door Wranglers are limited to a 2,000-pound towing capacity, while four-door models can tow up to 3,500 pounds. It’s enough for moving trailers and other light duties, but the Wrangler simply isn’t a heavy towing vehicle.
Compass and Renegade do the towing minimum
The 2023 Renegade and 2023 Compass are the weakest towing vehicles in the Jeep lineup. Jeep deserves commendation for coaxing respectable off-road performance from these crossovers. But they aren’t as rugged and capable as other Jeep models. That’s shown in a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds for each model.
Are Jeep SUVs good for towing?
Historically, Jeep hasn’t been the best brand for towing performance. It has always prioritized off-road capability over trailering. But its new lineup does offer some good performers in the towing category. The Grand Cherokee and Wagoneer offer impressive trailering performance, while the 2023 Cherokee continues to punch above its weight. The Wagoneer and Wagoneer L even lead their segments in towing capacity. It’s also worth mentioning that the brand’s lone non SUV, the 2023 Gladiator pickup, can tow over 7,000 pounds. Still, Jeep SUVs are at their best while off-roading.
