The Jeep Cherokee is a true American automotive icon. Consumers have enjoyed its style and utility and it is one of Jeep's most recognizable models. We scoured the internet and asked the experts: "How much cargo weight can a Jeep Cherokee carry?"
Payload capacity is the same for all trims. For the 2022 Jeep Cherokee, there are five trims; with options of a 4x4 and front-wheel drive for the other four. And all have a payload rating of 1,000 lbs. They also include a 3.2-liter V6 engine with an impressive output of 271 horsepower.
Interested in learning more about the payload capacities of the Jeep Cherokee? Continue reading as we discuss trim models, the tow rating, reliability of Jeep engines, and more. We also included related articles worth checking out in this write-up, so you'll want to stay to the end.
How Much Weight Can You Put In A Jeep Cherokee?
The Jeep Cherokee is a compact SUV designed for urban and family use. It is spacious but still condensed, like a bigger sedan. With this in mind, the Cherokee will suffice for family road trips and can take on the load of passengers and their baggage.
With the figures given above, you can tell the Cherokee has a higher payload capacity because the configuration is 4x4 for the Latitude and the Latitude Plus.
But with the Latitude Lux and other trims, the front-wheel options have a higher payload capacity. This is something worth noting when choosing a trim, especially if you are looking for a good hauler.
Choosing a vehicle that has a higher payload capacity does not mean that it is the right vehicle for you. But there are some safety advantages. A higher payload capacity assures you won't experience overloading, as it's not common to keep a scale to weigh cars.
A family would rarely weigh their baggage before putting it in the back of the car for a road trip. Weigh-ins are usually done for haulers and truckers, and the Cherokee is not built for that.
But don't worry, most of the time you wouldn't come close to the limit on the lowest-rated payload capacity for a Jeep Cherokee. With seating capacity for five and cargo, the payload capacity of a thousand pounds is already enough for most cases.
Of course, going close to the haul limit will make it difficult for your vehicle. It won't only put a strain on your vehicle's engine, but it will also translate to poor gas mileage. This is especially true if you when driving through hilly or inclined roads.
What Is The Tow Rating Of A Jeep Cherokee?
The towing capacity of the Cherokee also varies from trim to trim, but you can expect a towing capacity of 2,000lbs out of your Jeep. It is also the same for all trims.
With the right aftermarket upgrades, this rating balloons up to 4,500 lbs. But such upgrades and modifications usually require thousands of dollars, depending on the style of customization you pick.
Also, if an upgrade is very complicated and technical, and done improperly, your vehicle could likely end up damaged.
But with an upgrade, the Cherokee becomes strong enough to tow small trailers and even small camper homes. These trailers have an average weight of 1900 lbs - 4000 lbs.
You also have to be careful, especially when weighing in your trailer. Do not overload it because this makes it difficult for your Cherokee to pull.
The Jeep Cherokee is built for passengers more than towing. If you need to pull bigger trailers, then the Cherokee is not the vehicle for you.
There are many ramifications if you pull something above the rated tow capacity of your vehicle. Your engine could easily overheat from the heavy load. And this would likely result in a shorter lifespan and could cause your engine to blow.
You can also damage your transmission by doing this. Again, this is because of the extra effort exerted for the vehicle to move forward, especially if you are driving on inclined roads.
Although you can pull small trailers with your Cherokee, its main design and purpose is not to be a tower. That is why its towing capacity is limited.
Getting a vehicle meant for towing, like the 2020 Jeep Gladiator, with a towing capacity of over 7,500 lbs is the right choice if you are not satisfied!
What Are The Available Trims For Jeep Cherokee?
Currently, the Jeep Cherokee has five trims in its lineup. It also includes the 4x2 and 4x4 ones available on the market. Check out the trims as listed below:
- Latitude 4x2 and 4x4
- Latitude Lux 4x2 and 4x4
- Latitude Plus 4x2 and 4x4
- Limited 4x42 and 4x4
- Trailhawk 4x4
The 4x2 option of the Cherokee comes with a front-wheel drive across its platform, from the Latitude to the Limited. While the Trailhawk is only available in the 4x4 configuration, as it is geared toward a more off-road or specific design.
One drawback of pure 4x4 vehicles is the lesser towing and payload. It is because they focus the power on more components to give away extra torque.
This makes the vehicle heavier compared to non-off-road specific cars, besides aftermarket upgrades that owners usually do to their vehicle. Therefore, 4x4s have a lower output in this department.
Luckily for the Jeep Cherokee, Jeep has designed its 4x4s to still be on par with its 4x2s, even with the off-road built Trailhawk trim. However, it is the lowest-rated miles per gallon, with only 20 mpg for city and highway mpg combined.
Jeep Cherokee Vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee - Which Is Better?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the big brother of the Cherokee. Its main advantage over the Cherokee is its space and size, as it is much bigger. But this does not mean that the Grand Cherokee is better.
It all boils down to your preference, personal needs, and features that will ultimately decide which Jeep model is better.
For the Cherokee, its compact stature makes it better for the city as it's easier to maneuver, especially in traffic. On smaller roads, tight spaces, and even parking, the Cherokee edges out the Grand Cherokee. It eats up less space and has a smaller turning radius.
On the other hand, the Grand Cherokee's bigger overall interior and exterior space means more luxury. It has more room to fit more people and more cargo.
It also has better legroom, which then translated to better comfort for its passengers, especially for those long road trips. And the new third-row seating gives it more accommodation for passengers with its new Grand Cherokee L.
Comparing engines, the Grand Cherokee's 3.6-liter V6 engine can pull out 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Note, this is its advantage for engine criteria. The smaller 3.2-liter V6 engine of the Cherokee Altitude has better gas mileage to combat that.
Regarding safety features and technology, both the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee are also very similar. Both Jeep models are also five-seater cars, but the new Grand Cherokee L now offers third-row seating for the first time.
How Long Do Jeep Vehicles Last?
Data shows that Jeep engines have an estimated life span of 200,000 to 300,000 miles before encountering major repairs. This assumes that the owner drives an annual average of 13,000 miles to 15,000 miles per year. In total, this would be 13 to 20 years of ownership.
However, for you to reach this minimum, you need to service and maintain the vehicle regularly. Driving habits also affect the vehicle, as reckless driving can cause your SUV to break down prematurely, or even worse, crash.
Jeeps are built to be used ruggedly. And if you ensure your vehicle's proper care, you can surely make reach the minimum lifespan of your car, or even longer!
In Review
The Jeep Cherokee can tow as much as 1,000-lbs for all of its trims. It is one of the most iconic and well-known compact SUVs available in the market today.
You can never go wrong with the Jeep Cherokee because it can seat up to five people and has ample cargo space. The vehicle's dimensions make it a great alternative if you are looking for a slightly smaller family car that is slightly bigger than a sedan.
And as promised, here are some related articles that we have previously written. Go ahead and check them out.