2019 Jeep Cherokee Towing Capacity & Payload Guide

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee can tow a maximum of 4,500 pounds when properly equipped with the 3.2-liter Pentastar V6 engine and the factory Trailer Tow Group package. As a versatile compact crossover, the 2019 Cherokee offers an impressive mix of daily drivability and weekend utility, provided you choose the right engine and towing equipment. Because actual limits depend heavily on the specific configuration, it is critical to understand the nuances of this vehicle's ratings. All towing limits adhere to the SAE J2807 standard for reliable real-world benchmarking.

Quick answer

• Max Towing Capacity: 4,500 lbs (with 3.2L V6 and Trailer Tow Group)
• Max Payload Capacity: 1,000 lbs (approximate, varies slightly by trim and drivetrain)
• Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): 5,050 to 5,500 lbs (depending on FWD vs. 4WD and engine)
• Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR): Up to 9,000 lbs (when equipped for max towing)
• Curb Weight: 3,590 to 4,250 lbs
• Hitch Class: Class III (when equipped with factory Tow Group)
• Max Tongue Weight: 450 lbs (10% of max tow capacity)

Tow ratings by engine & trim

Towing capacity in the 2019 Jeep Cherokee is strictly dictated by the engine under the hood and the presence of the factory tow package. Without the package, the vehicle is restricted to a 2,000-pound limit regardless of the engine.

Always verify your specific vehicle's payload and GVWR by checking the door-jamb sticker on the driver’s side.

Tow package contents

To achieve the 4,500-pound (V6) or 4,000-pound (2.0L Turbo) towing limits, the 2019 Cherokee must be equipped with the factory Trailer Tow Group. This package provides crucial hardware to handle the extra stress of pulling a load. The package includes:

• Class III Hitch Receiver: Integrated cleanly into the rear bumper fascia.
• 7-Pin and 4-Pin Wiring Harness: Ready to connect to most standard trailer lighting setups.
• Heavy-Duty Engine Cooling: Upgraded fans and radiator capacity to prevent overheating.
• Auxiliary Transmission Oil Cooler: Essential for protecting the 9-speed automatic transmission from thermal breakdown.
• Trailer Sway Damping: Integrated into the Cherokee’s Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system to automatically apply individual brakes if the trailer begins to sway.
• Full-Size Spare Tire: Replacing the standard temporary spare for emergency towing safety.

Note: The 2019 Cherokee does not come with an integrated brake controller from the factory. If your trailer has electronic brakes (highly recommended for trailers over 2,000 lbs), you will need to install an aftermarket electronic brake controller.

5th-wheel & gooseneck

Because the 2019 Jeep Cherokee is a compact, unibody crossover SUV, it is not capable of towing 5th-wheel or gooseneck trailers. These hitches require the open bed and heavy-duty frame structure of a full-size or HD pickup truck. The Cherokee is strictly limited to conventional bumper-pull towing via its rear hitch receiver.

Weight distribution & WDH requirements

For conventional towing, a Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH) is generally recommended when your trailer weight exceeds 2,000 lbs or when the trailer weight is more than half of the vehicle's curb weight. By transferring some of the tongue weight forward to the Cherokee's front axle, a WDH helps maintain steering response, braking efficiency, and keeps the rear suspension from sagging.

Always check your owner's manual for specific WDH recommendations, and remember that even with a WDH, you must never exceed the 450-pound maximum tongue weight or the Cherokee's rear Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR).

Real-world towing tips for this vehicle

• Mind the 9-Speed Transmission: The 2019 Cherokee utilizes a 9-speed automatic transmission. When towing, you may notice it hunting for gears on hilly terrain. Use the Electronic Range Select (ERS) to manually lock out the higher overdrive gears. This keeps engine RPMs in the powerband and prevents transmission overheating.
• Watch the Payload: The 1,000-pound payload limit includes the tongue weight of your trailer. If you have 450 lbs of tongue weight, you only have 550 lbs remaining for passengers, cargo, and interior accessories.
• Aerodynamics Matter: Towing a boxy travel trailer will drastically reduce fuel economy and strain the powertrain much more than a pop-up camper or boat of the exact same weight.

Common towing-related issues

• Transmission Heat: Even with the auxiliary cooler, pulling near the 4,500-lb limit on steep grades in the summer can cause the 9-speed transmission fluid temperatures to spike. Monitor your dashboard gauges closely.
• Rear Suspension Sag: The Cherokee features a relatively soft, car-like independent rear suspension. Maxing out the tongue weight without a WDH can lead to significant rear-end sag, causing poor handling and blinding oncoming drivers with your headlights.
• Aftermarket Hitch Limitations: Installing an aftermarket Class III hitch on a Cherokee that did not come with the factory Tow Group does not increase your tow rating to 4,500 lbs. Without the heavy-duty cooling components, the vehicle is still mechanically limited to 2,000 lbs.

Whenever you need maintenance, a pre-trip inspection, or an aftermarket brake controller installed for your Jeep Cherokee, rely on the professionals. Find a trusted shop on Repairius.