If you are eyeing a Grand Cherokee to pull a boat to the lake or a camper across the state, the question is simple: how much can it actually tow, and will it handle what you own? Here is the straight answer, plus the real-world setups we see families around here pulling.
This guide covers the 2026 Grand Cherokee's 6,200-pound rating, what the tow package adds, the trailers it is genuinely suited for, and how to confirm the exact rating on the specific vehicle you are buying.
How Much Can a 2026 Grand Cherokee Tow?
Properly equipped with the Trailer Tow Package, the 2026 Grand Cherokee tows up to 6,200 pounds. That figure applies to both the two-row and the Grand Cherokee L, and to both available engines.
Six-thousand-two-hundred pounds is a genuinely useful number for a family SUV. It covers the trailers most people out here actually own, and it does it without stepping up to a full-size truck you do not otherwise need. The key phrase is "properly equipped" — a Grand Cherokee without the tow package is rated lower, so if towing is on your list, make sure the package is on the build.
What Does the Trailer Tow Package Add?
The tow package is what unlocks the full 6,200-pound rating and makes the Grand Cherokee tow comfortably, not just legally.
- A Class IV receiver hitch
- Trailer wiring with a 7-pin and 4-pin connector
- Heavy-duty engine cooling for hot-day, heavy-load pulls
- A rear load-leveling suspension that keeps the back end from squatting under tongue weight
- A full-size spare so a flat on the road does not end your trip
What Can You Actually Tow With 6,200 Pounds?
Numbers are easier to picture as real trailers. Here is a rough guide to what fits comfortably under the rating.
| Trailer | Typical Loaded Weight | Grand Cherokee? |
|---|---|---|
| Fishing / ski boat on a trailer | 2,500–4,500 lbs | Comfortable |
| Small travel trailer or pop-up | 2,000–5,000 lbs | Comfortable |
| Utility trailer with two side-by-sides | 3,500–5,500 lbs | Within rating |
| Small single-axle stock trailer (short haul) | 4,000–6,000 lbs | At the upper end — watch tongue weight |
| Large fifth-wheel / gooseneck camper | 8,000+ lbs | Too heavy — step up to a truck |
Weights vary by trailer and how you load it, so always weigh your real setup. If your regular load is heavier than about 6,000 pounds, a half-ton like the Ram 1500 is the better tool.
Does the Engine Change How Much It Tows?
No — both engines carry the same 6,200-pound maximum. What changes is how the pull feels.
The 2.0L Hurricane turbo makes 332 lb-ft of torque versus the V6's 260, so it pulls a loaded trailer up a grade with a little less effort and downshifting. The 3.6L V6 still tows the full rating and does it smoothly — it just works a touch harder at the top of the range. If towing near the limit is a regular thing, the turbo's extra torque is the nicer companion; for lighter, occasional towing, the V6 is perfectly capable. Our engine comparison digs into the trade-off.
How to Verify Towing Capacity Before You Buy
Never guess on a tow rating. Confirm it on the specific vehicle in a couple of minutes.
- Confirm the tow package: ask us to verify the Trailer Tow Package is on that build — it is what unlocks 6,200 lbs.
- Check the door-jamb sticker: it lists weight ratings for that exact vehicle.
- Weigh your loaded trailer: use a scale with the gear and water you actually carry, not the dry weight on the brochure.
- Mind the tongue weight and passengers: people and cargo in the SUV count against the total, so leave a margin.
- Ask about a brake controller if your trailer has electric brakes.
Grand Cherokee or a Full-Size Truck for Towing?
| If you... | Best fit |
|---|---|
| Pull a boat, pop-up, or utility trailer under ~6,000 lbs | Grand Cherokee (with tow package) |
| Want one vehicle for family, winter, and light towing | Grand Cherokee |
| Regularly tow a big camper, gooseneck, or heavy stock trailer | A half-ton or heavier truck |
Worth it if: your trailers stay under the rating and you want SUV comfort the rest of the time.
Skip it if: your regular load is over 6,000 lbs — a truck will be happier and safer.
Key Takeaways
- Properly equipped, the 2026 Grand Cherokee tows up to 6,200 lbs — both engines, both body styles.
- The Trailer Tow Package unlocks the full rating and adds a Class IV hitch, wiring, HD cooling, and rear load-leveling.
- It is ideal for boats, small campers, and utility trailers; big goosenecks belong behind a truck.
- Always confirm the tow package and weigh your real, loaded trailer before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Grand Cherokee tow a camper?
Yes — small travel trailers and pop-ups that stay under 6,200 pounds are well within its rating. Larger fifth-wheel and gooseneck campers over roughly 8,000 pounds need a full-size truck instead.
Do both the two-row and the Grand Cherokee L tow the same?
Yes. Both the two-row Grand Cherokee and the three-row Grand Cherokee L carry the same 6,200-pound maximum when properly equipped, so you can pick the body style based on seating without giving up towing.
Does towing capacity include passengers and cargo?
The tow rating is a maximum for the trailer, but people and cargo in the SUV count toward the combined weight limits. Load up the family and gear and you have less margin, so leave room under the number rather than towing right at it.
Can I add the tow package after I buy?
It is far simpler to buy a Grand Cherokee that already has the factory Trailer Tow Package, since it includes the wiring, cooling, and load-leveling as a system. If you are shopping our lot, ask us which units are already tow-equipped and we will point them out.
My Take on Grand Cherokee Towing
Most of the towing questions I get on the lot are from families who do not need a truck for daily life but still want to pull a boat or a camper a few times a year. For that person, the Grand Cherokee is a great fit — you get an SUV that is comfortable and capable in winter, and it still handles the trailer when the weekend comes.
The honest line I give people: know your loaded trailer weight before you decide. If it is comfortably under 6,000 pounds, the Grand Cherokee with the tow package is plenty. If you are creeping past that with a big camper or a loaded stock trailer, I will point you at a Ram 1500 instead — the right tool matters more than squeezing a number.
Want the full picture on trims and engines? Our 2026 Grand Cherokee guide lays it out. And if you are near Bowdle, stop by Beadle's Chrysler Center and we will check which units on the lot are already tow-ready.
About the Author
Lexy Tabbert — Beadle's Chrysler Center, Bowdle, SD
Lexy Tabbert is the Director of Sales and Marketing at Beadle's Chrysler Center in Bowdle, South Dakota. She covers Ram, Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler vehicles — helping families, ranchers, and ag operators across the region find the right truck and configuration for their needs. Learn more about Lexy.