Every driver wants to know what their vehicle can handle, especially when it comes to towing. If you own or plan to buy a 2019 Jeep Cherokee, understanding its towing capability is essential.
Whether you’re thinking about hauling a small trailer, boat, or camper, knowing the limits helps you stay safe and avoid costly mistakes. Let’s break down how much the 2019 Jeep Cherokee can tow, what affects its towing power, and how you can tow smarter.
Jeep Cherokee 2019 Towing Capacity Overview
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee is popular for its mix of comfort, off-road ability, and practicality. Towing is one of its strong points, but the maximum capacity depends on the engine, trim, and equipment. The 2019 model comes with three engine options, each offering different towing strengths.
Maximum Towing Capacity By Engine
- 2.4L Tigershark® MultiAir® 2 (4-cylinder): Up to 2,000 pounds
- 3.2L Pentastar® V6: Up to 4,500 pounds (with Trailer Tow package)
- 2.0L Turbocharged I4: Up to 4,000 pounds
Not all Cherokees can tow the maximum. The V6 with the right package gives the highest rating, but the base engine is much lower.
Always check your specific vehicle’s equipment before towing.
What Affects Towing Capacity?
Several factors play a role in how much your Cherokee can safely tow.
- Engine type – Bigger engines usually tow more.
- Drivetrain – 4×4 models may have different ratings than front-wheel drive.
- Trailer Tow Package – This package includes a hitch, wiring, and engine cooling, boosting capacity.
- Vehicle weight – More passengers or gear in the SUV mean you can tow less.
- Hitch rating – The hitch itself must match the weight of the trailer.
Even a small detail, like tire condition, can impact safety when towing.
Towing Capacity By Trim Level
Different trims of the 2019 Cherokee offer different towing limits. Here’s a quick look:
| Trim Level | Base Engine | Max Towing (lbs) | Trailer Tow Package? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latitude | 2.4L I4 | 2,000 | No |
| Latitude Plus | 2.4L I4 | 2,000 | No |
| Limited | 3.2L V6 | 4,500* | Yes* |
| Trailhawk | 3.2L V6 | 4,500* | Yes* |
| Overland | 3.2L V6 | 4,500* | Yes* |
*With Trailer Tow Package
If you own a Limited, Trailhawk, or Overland trim with the V6 and Trailer Tow package, you get the top capacity. Lower trims or those without the package will tow much less.
Real-world Towing Examples
To make things clearer, here are some items you might tow and if the Cherokee can handle them.
| Item | Average Weight (lbs) | Can 2.4L Tow? | Can V6 Tow? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small utility trailer | 1,000 | Yes | Yes |
| Motorcycle trailer | 1,500 | Yes | Yes |
| Pop-up camper | 2,000 | Max | Yes |
| Small boat | 3,000 | No | Yes |
| Medium travel trailer | 4,000 | No | Yes |
Notice that with the 2. 4L engine, you’ll be limited to very light loads. The V6 is much more flexible.
What’s Included In The Trailer Tow Package?
The Trailer Tow Group is a must-have if you want maximum towing. It includes:
- Class III receiver hitch
- 4- and 7-pin wiring harness
- Engine oil cooler
- Full-size spare tire
These features protect your engine and transmission, making towing safer and easier.
Two Insights Most Miss
Many owners forget that towing ratings are tested with a nearly empty vehicle. If you fill your Cherokee with family and gear, you must subtract their weight from your towing limit.
For example, if your SUV is full of camping equipment, you might only be able to tow 3,700 pounds safely, not the 4,500-pound maximum.
Another point: tongue weight matters. The tongue is the part of the trailer that presses down on your hitch. For the Cherokee, the tongue weight should not exceed 450 pounds. Too much tongue weight can make the SUV unstable, even if you’re under the max towing limit.
Common Mistakes When Towing
Many people focus only on the towing number and ignore the rest. Here are mistakes to avoid:
- Not checking the trailer brakes. Trailers over 2,000 pounds should have their own brakes.
- Skipping sway control. This helps keep the trailer straight, especially in wind.
- Ignoring tire pressure. Both vehicle and trailer tires need to be properly inflated.
- Overloading with gear. Remember, every pound in your SUV reduces your safe towing weight.
Comparing Cherokee To Other Suvs
How Does The 2019 Cherokee Stack Up Against Similar Suvs?
| Model | Max Towing (lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jeep Cherokee (V6) | 4,500 | Best with Tow Package |
| Honda CR-V | 1,500 | Only one engine |
| Ford Escape | 3,500 | With 2.0L EcoBoost |
| Toyota RAV4 | 3,500 | With AWD Adventure trim |
The V6 Cherokee is a leader for towing in the compact SUV class.
How To Tow Safely With A 2019 Cherokee
- Check your manual. Always confirm the limits for your exact vehicle.
- Balance your load. Put heavier items over the trailer axle.
- Use mirrors. Bigger mirrors help you see around the trailer.
- Drive slower. Towing adds weight, so give yourself extra stopping distance.
- Practice backing up. Reversing with a trailer takes skill—practice in an open area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Maximum Towing Capacity Of A 2019 Jeep Cherokee?
With the 3.2L V6 and Trailer Tow package, the 2019 Cherokee can tow up to 4,500 pounds. Lower engines and trims have lower ratings.
Can I Tow A Camper With The 2.4l Engine?
You can tow a very small pop-up camper (around 2,000 pounds) with the 2. 4L engine. Larger campers are too heavy and unsafe.
Do I Need Trailer Brakes For Heavy Loads?
If your trailer weighs more than 2,000 pounds, it should have its own brakes. This is important for safety and legal reasons.
What Happens If I Exceed The Towing Limit?
Overloading can damage your engine, brakes, and transmission. It also increases the risk of losing control or having an accident.
Where Can I Find Official Towing Specs?
Check your owner’s manual or visit the official Jeep website for the most accurate data.
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee is a strong performer for towing in its class, especially with the V6 engine and Trailer Tow package. If you plan to tow, always check your specific model’s limits, and don’t push them.
With the right setup and careful planning, your Cherokee can handle many adventures safely and confidently.
