Both the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango can tow - but how much, and with which engine, matters enormously when you’re pulling a boat out of Jones Beach marina or hauling a camper upstate for the weekend. The Durango holds a clear advantage at the top end, but the Grand Cherokee is no slouch - and the right choice depends on what you’re towing, how often, and what else you need the vehicle to do.
This guide breaks down towing capacity by trim and engine, explains the specs that actually matter (tongue weight, payload, hitch class), and helps Long Island owners match the right SUV to their towing needs.
Bottom Line:
- Durango V8 tows up to 8,700 lbs - the clear winner for heavy loads like large boats and dual-axle trailers
- Grand Cherokee V8 tows up to 7,200 lbs - strong for most recreational towing needs
- Both V6 models tow 6,200 lbs - adequate for single-axle trailers and small boats
- If towing is your primary use case, the Durango V8 is the answer. If you tow occasionally and want a more refined daily driver, the Grand Cherokee handles it well
Towing Capacity by Engine and Trim
| Vehicle | Engine | Max Towing Capacity | Payload Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Cherokee Laredo/Limited (V6) | 3.6L Pentastar V6 (293 hp) | 6,200 lbs | 1,250 lbs |
| Grand Cherokee Overland/Summit (V8) | 5.7L HEMI V8 (357 hp) | 7,200 lbs | 1,350 lbs |
| Grand Cherokee 4xe (Hybrid) | 2.0L Turbo + Electric (375 hp) | 6,000 lbs | 1,180 lbs |
| Grand Cherokee Trackhawk-spec (V8) | 6.4L HEMI V8 (475 hp) | 7,200 lbs | 1,300 lbs |
| Durango GT/Citadel (V6) | 3.6L Pentastar V6 (295 hp) | 6,200 lbs | 1,260 lbs |
| Durango R/T (V8) | 5.7L HEMI V8 (360 hp) | 8,700 lbs | 1,510 lbs |
| Durango SRT (V8) | 6.4L HEMI V8 (475 hp) | 8,700 lbs | 1,440 lbs |
The Durango’s V8 advantage is significant. An extra 1,500 lbs of towing capacity over the Grand Cherokee V8 - 8,700 vs. 7,200 lbs - opens up an entirely different class of trailers, boats, and cargo. For Long Island boaters in Merrick, Freeport, and Bellmore pulling anything larger than a 21-foot center console, the Durango V8 is the safer bet.
Understanding the Numbers That Matter
Towing capacity gets the headline, but three other specs determine whether a tow setup is safe and legal.
Tongue Weight
Tongue weight is the downward force the trailer exerts on the hitch ball - typically 10–15% of the total trailer weight. Exceeding tongue weight capacity causes rear suspension sag, front-end lightness, and dangerous handling.
| Vehicle | Max Tongue Weight |
|---|---|
| Grand Cherokee V6 | 620 lbs |
| Grand Cherokee V8 | 720 lbs |
| Durango V6 | 620 lbs |
| Durango V8 | 870 lbs |
For boat owners: A 5,000 lb boat-and-trailer combination puts approximately 500–750 lbs of tongue weight on the hitch. The Grand Cherokee V8 handles this at the edge of its rating; the Durango V8 has margin to spare.
Payload Capacity
Payload includes everything you add to the vehicle - passengers, cargo, tongue weight, and any accessories. Many owners forget that five adult passengers add roughly 750 lbs to payload before a single bag is loaded.
This is where towing math gets real. A Grand Cherokee V8 with a 1,350 lb payload capacity, carrying four adults (600 lbs) and a cooler/gear (100 lbs), has only 650 lbs of payload remaining - and the tongue weight of your trailer counts against that number.
The Durango V8’s higher payload capacity (1,510 lbs) provides more breathing room for real-world towing scenarios where the vehicle is fully loaded with passengers and gear.
Hitch Receiver Class
Both vehicles accept a Class III hitch receiver (2-inch square) for most towing applications. The Durango V8’s higher capacity means the hitch, wiring, and cooling systems are engineered for heavier sustained loads.
Both vehicles come with a trailer hitch receiver as standard equipment on tow-capable trims. If your trim doesn’t include it, the dealer-installed tow package adds the receiver, 7-pin wiring harness, and - on V8 models - a transmission oil cooler and auxiliary engine cooling.
"On the South Shore, towing capacity is one of the first questions we get. Merrick and Freeport boat owners need real numbers, not marketing claims. The Durango V8 at 8,700 lbs handles the large center consoles and dual-axle trailers that are common in our area. The Grand Cherokee V8 at 7,200 lbs is excellent for smaller boats and utility trailers. We help buyers match the vehicle to what they're actually towing."
General Manager, Merrick Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram
Tow Packages and Equipment
Both vehicles’ factory tow packages include a Class III hitch receiver, 7-pin and 4-pin wiring, heavy-duty engine cooling, and Trailer Sway Control - which detects trailer oscillation and applies individual wheel brakes to counteract it. Both also include an integrated trailer brake controller on V8 trims.
The Durango adds a full-size transmission oil cooler, heavy-duty engine oil cooler, and available load-leveling rear suspension that automatically adjusts ride height under tongue weight. Combined with the Durango’s longer wheelbase, this provides inherently more stable towing dynamics - a meaningful advantage for heavy loads.
What Long Island Boat Owners Need to Know
Towing a boat on Long Island involves specific considerations that generic towing guides overlook.
Ramp grades. South Shore marina ramps - Jones Beach, Point Lookout, Freeport - have moderate grades, but wet concrete and algae reduce traction. Both vehicles offer 4WD low-range for controlled launches and retrieves.
Saltwater exposure. Rinse the hitch receiver, wiring connections, and undercarriage after every saltwater ramp launch. Salt corrosion on trailer wiring and brake lines is the leading cause of towing electrical failures on Long Island.
Common boat sizes and what you need:
| Boat Type | Typical Trailer Weight | Recommended Vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| 16–18 ft aluminum fishing boat | 1,500–2,500 lbs | Either vehicle, V6 fine |
| 19–21 ft center console | 3,000–4,500 lbs | Either vehicle, V8 preferred |
| 22–24 ft center console | 5,000–6,500 lbs | Grand Cherokee V8 or Durango V8 |
| 25–27 ft cabin cruiser | 6,500–8,500 lbs | Durango V8 required |
| Dual-axle heavy trailer | 7,000–8,500 lbs | Durango V8 required |
The Daily Driver Tradeoff
The Durango wins on towing numbers, but the Grand Cherokee wins on daily driving refinement. For owners who tow 10–20 times per year and drive the vehicle daily the rest of the time, this tradeoff matters.
Grand Cherokee strengths as a daily driver: More composed highway ride, tighter steering feel, better interior materials at comparable price points, available air suspension for ride quality adjustment, and significantly better off-road capability for owners who also venture onto trails.
Durango strengths beyond towing: Third-row seating (7–8 passengers), more cargo volume with all seats folded (84.5 vs. 68.3 cu ft), and the SRT trim’s performance credentials for owners who want towing capability and straight-line speed in the same package.
For a broader comparison covering interior, technology, off-road capability, and pricing, see our full Grand Cherokee vs Durango comparison.
Ready to see both in person? Merrick Jeep CDJR on Merrick Road keeps both models in stock - including V8 tow-ready configurations.
Browse current inventory at Merrick Jeep →
Schedule a service appointment →
For owners considering the Wrangler or Gladiator instead, our Wrangler vs Gladiator comparison covers towing differences between those two models as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tow with the Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid?
Yes. The Grand Cherokee 4xe is rated for 6,000 lbs of towing capacity - slightly less than the standard V6 due to the hybrid battery’s impact on payload. For small boats and utility trailers, the 4xe handles towing well. The electric motor provides strong low-end torque that actually benefits trailer launches from a stop. However, expect significantly reduced electric-only range while towing.
Do I need a weight-distribution hitch for either vehicle?
For loads approaching each vehicle’s maximum towing capacity, a weight-distribution hitch is strongly recommended - and required by some trailer manufacturers. The hitch redistributes tongue weight across both axles, improving handling and reducing rear squat. For loads under 5,000 lbs, a standard ball mount is typically sufficient.
What transmission do both vehicles use for towing?
Both the Grand Cherokee and Durango use the ZF 8HP 8-speed automatic transmission - one of the most respected automatic transmissions in the industry. In tow mode, shift points are recalibrated for load, and downshifts on grades are more aggressive to reduce brake reliance. Both vehicles handle towing without transmission temperature issues under normal conditions.
How does towing affect fuel economy?
Significantly. Expect fuel economy to drop 30–50% while towing, depending on trailer weight, speed, and terrain. The V6 models are more affected proportionally because they’re working harder relative to their output. The V8 models have power in reserve, which typically results in better towing fuel economy than the V6 pulling a similar load - the engine operates in a more efficient part of its power band.
Can I install a tow package after purchase?
Yes. Dealer-installed tow packages are available for both vehicles and include the hitch receiver, wiring, and any necessary cooling upgrades. The cost is typically $500–$1,200 depending on the vehicle and components included. Factory-ordered tow packages are slightly less expensive and are integrated during assembly, but dealer-installed packages are functionally identical.