Depending on the drivetrain and engine it is equipped with, a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s maximum towing capacity falls somewhere between 5,000 and 7,400 pounds.
While it may not be the first Jeep model you think of when it comes to off-roading or overlanding, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is more than capable of hauling everything you need for your next outdoor adventure.
Knowing how much weight your vehicle can safely tow is incredibly important and helps avoid costly damages and potentially deadly accidents—that’s why we’ve put together the following guide detailing everything you need to know about the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s various towing capacities.
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2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee towing capacity
How much can a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee tow? The short answer is between 5,000 - 7,400 pounds, though the exact towing capacity depends on the trim level and engine option you choose.
If you purchase the standard 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee—without any additional packages or upgrades—you can tow up to 5,000 pounds. That’s enough for you to haul:
A 16-foot livestock trailer
A tow dolly with a lighter vehicle
This is the standard maximum towing capacity of any 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee equipped with the base level 3.6L V6 engine or the 6.4L V8 engine, regardless of whether the vehicle is rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.
If you decide to outfit your 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the optional 5.7L V8 HEMI engine, however, your maximum towing capacity will be much higher—those outfitted with RWD can tow up to 7,200 lbs, whereas those with 4WD can tow up to 7,400 lbs.
With the exception of the SRT8—which is only available with a 6.4L V8 engine—any 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee submodel may be equipped with the larger 5.7L V8 HEMI engine.
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee towing technology
Now that you know how much a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee can tow, let’s talk about how it actually manages that added weight.
As one might expect, a powerful engine is the most important component when it comes to efficient towing. The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s standard 3.6L V6 engine is capable of producing 290 horsepower @ 6,400 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque, whereas the upgraded 5.7L V8 engine is capable of generating a whopping 360 hp @ 5,150 rpm and 390 lb-ft of torque.
The SRT8, on the other hand, is equipped with a 6.4L V8 engine capable of producing 470 hp @ 6,000 rpm and 465 lb-ft of torque.
The 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee also has a dedicated “Tow/Haul” mode that can be switched on and off, which allows the transmission to stay in gear longer before upshifting—this puts less strain on the engine and gives better pulling power due to the fact that the lower gears are allowed to reach high RPM before upshifting.
Does the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee come with a trailer hitch?
Despite having such a high towing capacity, the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee does not actually come standard with a trailer hitch—you’ll have to buy and install one yourself unless you purchase the additional tow package at the dealership.
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