1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing Capacity

If you’re searching for a versatile SUV, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is an excellent choice. The Grand Cherokee was introduced in 1993 and remains popular today. But what is the towing capacity of a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee tow capacity can vary based on a few different factors such as engine size, drivetrain, trim level, and others which we’ll cover in this guide.

How Much Can The 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Tow?

The 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a max towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee tow capacity is affected by other factors like engine type, drivetrain, the weight of cargo and passengers, and whether your vehicle has a towing package equipped or not.

We’ll cover all these different factors and specify each of the related towing capacities in this guide.

You can always reach out to your local Jeep dealership for details to confirm how much your Grand Cherokee can tow.

You can also read our guide on what makes a vehicle towing capacity to learn all the aspects that go into it.

1996 Grand Cherokee Towing Capacity By Trim Level

Trim Level	Engine	Towing Capacity (lbs)
1996	SE	5,000
1996	SE	6,500
1996	Laredo	5,000
1996	Laredo	6,500
1996	TSi	5,000
1996	TSi	6,500
1996	Limited	5,000
1996	Limited	6,500
1996	Orvis Edition	5,000
1996	Orvis Edition	6,500

There are many trim levels for the 1996 Grand Cherokee. Some engines and features are not available on certain configurations, so they can each have different max towing limits.

Here’s the max tow capacity broken down for each package on the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee:

1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing Capacity by Trim Level

• The 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee SE max towing capacity is 6,500 pounds.
• The 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo max towing capacity is 6,500 pounds.
• The 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee TSi max towing capacity is 6,500 pounds.
• The 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited max towing capacity is 6,500 pounds.
• The 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Orvis Edition max towing capacity is 6,500 pounds.

Towing Capacity By Engine Size & Drivetrain

1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Engine Towing Specs

There are two engine options for the 1996 Grand Cherokee:

4.0L I-6: this engine has 190 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque, and has a max tow capacity of 5,000 pounds.

• 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0L I6 Engine towing capacity: 5,000 pounds.

5.2L V8: This engine produces 220 horsepower and 285 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

• 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.2L V8 engine towing capacity: 6,500 pounds.

1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Drivetrain Towing Specs

The 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes standard with 4-wheel drive.

1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD Towing Capacity: 6,500 pounds

Your Jeep Grand Cherokee may have a lower towing capacity based on the drivetrain, axle ratio, and if your vehicle has a towing package installed.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Tow Package Info

Does The Jeep Grand Cherokee Have A Tow Package?

Jeep offers a Trailer Tow Group package on the 1996 Grand Cherokee:

Trailer Tow Group

The Trailer Tow Group package includes the following (and some are recommendations by Jeep):

• Class III Hitch: A frame-mounted Class III hitch was required for achieving the maximum towing capacities. This hitch type is robust and designed to handle heavier loads securely.
• Automatic Transmission: The towing packages required an automatic transmission, which is better suited to handle the stresses of towing compared to manual transmissions.
• Auxiliary Transmission Cooler: To manage the extra heat generated by towing, an auxiliary transmission cooler was included. This helps prevent the transmission from overheating and ensures its longevity.
• Heavy-Duty Engine Cooling: Enhanced engine cooling systems, including larger radiators and additional cooling fans, were part of the towing package to maintain optimal engine temperatures under load.
• Wiring Harness: The package included a 4 and 7 pin wiring harness for connecting trailer lights and brakes, ensuring that trailers could be towed safely and legally.
• Weight-Distributing Hitch: For heavier loads, a weight-distributing hitch was recommended or required. This type of hitch helps to evenly distribute the weight across the vehicle and trailer, improving stability and control.
• Trailer Brake Controller: For trailers exceeding 2,000 lbs, a trailer brake controller was required. This device helps synchronize the trailer’s brakes with the vehicle’s brakes, improving stopping power and safety.
• Rear Tow Hook: Some models included a rear tow hook as part of the package, useful for additional towing or recovery scenarios.
• Upgraded Suspension Components: The towing package often included heavy-duty springs and shocks to handle the increased weight and maintain ride stability.

These features collectively ensure the vehicle can handle the additional stress of towing larger loads safely and efficiently. The heavy-duty engine cooling and rear load leveling suspension are particularly crucial for maintaining vehicle performance and stability while towing.

Can You Install A Trailer Hitch On a Jeep Grand Cherokee?

If you plan on towing anything with your Jeep Grand Cherokee, you’ll need a tow hitch and wiring harness.

Depending on what you’re towing, you’re going to need a ball mount (aka a trailer ball hitch) so you can attach items for towing.

Make sure to get the right trailer ball size that matches your hitch and trailer.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Tow Hitch

Trailer hitches come in different hitch classes, which are rated for different vehicle sizes and weight limits.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee can use a Class 3 or Class 4 hitch.

Here’s a great option for a Class III 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee trailer hitch:

Here’s a great ball mount option so you can hook up different types of trailers for towing with your Grand Cherokee:

1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailer Hitch Installation

Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.

Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Jeep Grand Cherokee trailer hitch installation:

1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailer Hitch Installation Cost

If you’re considering having a tow hitch added to your Grand Cherokee, expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed (excluding the cost of the tow hitch and wiring harness).

If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.

Does My 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Have A Tow Hitch?

You can start by looking under the rear bumper of your Grand Cherokee to see if you notice a trailer hitch or trailer ball.

That will give you a good indication of if you have a tow hitch already installed on your Grand Cherokee.

Another way to research this is by checking the paperwork that came with your vehicle or taking it to a local dealer to see what’s installed.

Make sure to have your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) handy if you call the dealer so they can look up the exact specs and whether or not your Grand Cherokee has any towing packages or features installed on it.

1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Payload Capacity

The maximum payload capacity of the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee is 1,150 pounds.

This means that the 1996 Grand Cherokee can carry up to 1,150 pounds worth of passenger and cargo weight in the vehicle, which makes it great for road trips and hauling heavier items.

Note that the max payload capacity of your 1996 Grand Cherokee will vary based on factors like the engine type, drivetrain, trim level, and whether or not a towing package that includes other features like an engine oil cooler or transmission oil cooler is installed.

1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Max Payload Capacity: 1,150 pounds

You can always contact your local dealership for extra details if you’re unsure of your vehicle’s payload capability.

1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Towing Capacity Vs Competitors

The 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a maximum tow rating of 6,500 pounds, which makes it capable of medium-duty towing.

The 1996 Grand Cherokee’s tow capability is similar to its main competitors which are the 1996 Ford Explorer and the 1996 Chevy Tahoe.

Here are some similar vehicles to the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee and their towing capacities below:

1996 Ford Explorer: 6,500 pounds

1996 Chevy Tahoe: 7,000 pounds

1996 Toyota 4Runner: 5,000 pounds

Data Accuracy

We’ve gathered all data represented here from the official 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner’s Manual on Jeep’s site and have checked all data thoroughly for accuracy.

Having said that, we still recommend you refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual yourself before towing with a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee.