Cars

Full Review: 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and Towing Test

JH
John H
Senior Cars Expert
8 min read

Full Review: 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and Towing Test

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L continues the legacy of one of the most respected names in the SUV market, blending rugged capability with refined interior comfort and advanced technology. As families and outdoor enthusiasts demand more from their vehicles — especially in terms of space, performance, and towing capacity — Jeep has answered with a full-size, three-row SUV that doesn’t compromise on its off-road DNA. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into every aspect of the 2025 Grand Cherokee L, including a real-world towing test that puts its capabilities to the ultimate challenge.

Design and Exterior Features

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintains the brand’s signature boxy yet modern aesthetic, combining bold lines with a commanding road presence. The front fascia features a seven-slot grille framed by sleek LED headlights, giving the SUV a rugged yet sophisticated appearance. The 'L' in the name stands for 'long,' and that’s immediately evident in its extended wheelbase, which accommodates a third-row seat without sacrificing cargo space or overall balance.

Available in trims ranging from the base Laredo to the top-tier Summit Reserve and high-performance Grand Cherokee L Trailhawk, the model lineup ensures something for every driver. The Trailhawk, designed for off-road dominance, comes with skid plates, a lifted suspension, and all-terrain tires, while the Summit Reserve focuses on luxury with chrome accents, 21-inch wheels, and a panoramic sunroof.

One of the most notable upgrades for 2025 is the refreshed exterior lighting. Full LED headlights and taillights are now standard across all trims, improving visibility and enhancing nighttime aesthetics. Optional adaptive lighting helps illuminate corners during night driving, increasing safety on winding roads.

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L towing a boat on a highway

Interior Comfort and Space

Step inside the 2025 Grand Cherokee L, and you're greeted with a cabin that rivals many luxury SUVs. Premium materials like Nappa leather, open-pore wood trim, and soft-touch surfaces are standard in higher trims. The three-row seating configuration comfortably fits up to seven or eight passengers, depending on whether second-row captain’s chairs or a bench are selected.

Second-row legroom is generous, making long trips tolerable for adults, and the third row, while best suited for children or shorter adults, is a significant improvement over previous models and competitors in its class. The power-folding third row, accessible via buttons in the cargo area or through the infotainment screen, makes cargo loading a breeze when extra space is needed.

Cargo capacity behind the third row is 12.9 cubic feet — enough for a couple of suitcases or grocery bags. With the third row folded, that number jumps to 49.6 cubic feet, and when both rear rows are down, you get a maximum of 80.5 cubic feet of cargo space. That’s competitive with rivals like the Ford Explorer and Toyota Highlander, though slightly less than the Chevrolet Traverse.

Other interior highlights include heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and available massaging front seats on Summit Reserve models. Ambient lighting with 64 color options enhances the luxurious feel, and the available 23-speaker McIntosh audio system delivers concert-hall sound quality — a rare treat in the SUV segment.

Technology and Infotainment

The 2025 Grand Cherokee L features Jeep’s latest Uconnect 5 infotainment system, accessible through a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen or an optional 10.3-inch display. The system is intuitive, responsive, and compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, either wired or wirelessly. Over-the-air software updates ensure the system remains current without requiring a dealership visit.

One standout feature is the available 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, which can be customized to display navigation, off-road data, or vehicle performance metrics. Higher trims offer a 12.3-inch version for even greater clarity and functionality.

Additional tech highlights include:

Driver assistance features are also robust. The 2025 model includes standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a rearview camera. Available safety tech includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a semi-autonomous driving mode called Active Driving Assist, which allows for hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways for up to 15 minutes at a time.

Performance and Powertrain Options

The 2025 Grand Cherokee L offers a range of powertrains to suit different driving styles and towing needs. The standard engine is a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that produces 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. While adequate for daily driving, it’s the optional 5.7-liter HEMI V8 that truly elevates the driving experience, delivering 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking even more performance, the Grand Cherokee L also offers a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 in the new Overland and Summit Reserve trims, boosting output to 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.

All engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, known for its smooth shifts and responsive gear changes. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard, but four-wheel drive (4WD) is available and highly recommended, especially for off-road use or towing in adverse conditions.

The Quadra-Lift air suspension system, available on higher trims, allows for adjustable ride height and contributes to both on-road comfort and off-road capability. With this system, the Grand Cherokee L can raise itself for improved ground clearance or lower for easier entry and improved aerodynamics at highway speeds.

Fuel economy varies depending on the engine and drivetrain. The V6 model with RWD achieves an EPA-estimated 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. The V8 models drop to around 15 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, which is expected given the increased power output.

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Towing Test: Real-World Performance

One of the most critical features for many SUV buyers is towing capability — and the 2025 Grand Cherokee L does not disappoint. Depending on the trim and engine, the towing capacity ranges from 6,200 lbs to a maximum of 7,200 lbs when properly equipped.

To put this to the test, we conducted a real-world towing evaluation using a fully loaded 24-foot travel trailer with a total weight of approximately 6,800 pounds. The test vehicle was a 2025 Grand Cherokee L Overland with the 5.7L HEMI V8 and Quadra-Trac II 4WD system — the most popular configuration for towing.

On-Road Towing Experience

Starting on flat highways, the Grand Cherokee L felt composed and confident. The V8 engine provided ample power for merging and passing, even with the trailer attached. The transmission shifted smoothly, holding gears appropriately on inclines and downshifting promptly when extra power was needed.

One of the standout towing features is the Trailer Tow Group package, which includes:

The integrated trailer brake controller was easy to calibrate and provided consistent, reliable braking performance. The Tow/Haul mode reduced gear hunting on hills and improved throttle response, making the towing experience more efficient and less stressful.

Handling and Stability

Despite the added weight, the Grand Cherokee L remained stable and predictable. The adaptive suspension helped absorb road imperfections, and the SUV’s wide track contributed to a planted feel during cornering. The standard trailer sway control worked seamlessly in the background, intervening only when crosswinds or sharp turns caused instability.

During high-speed cruising at 65–70 mph, wind noise was minimal, and the cabin remained quiet — a testament to the SUV’s aerodynamic design and sound insulation. The rearview camera with dynamic guidelines and trailer hitch assist made backing up significantly easier, especially in tight spaces.

Off-Road and Hill Climbing

We also tested the Grand Cherokee L’s towing ability on a steep, gravel-covered incline commonly used for off-road vehicle evaluations. With the trailer attached, the Quadra-Trac II system distributed power effectively between the axles, and the traction control prevented wheel spin.

The air suspension raised the ride height at the touch of a button, improving approach and departure angles. The SUV climbed steadily without overheating or excessive strain on the transmission. The engine temperature remained stable throughout, thanks to the upgraded cooling system included in the towing package.

Towing Verdict

The 2025 Grand Cherokee L proved itself a capable and trustworthy tow vehicle. With proper configuration, it can handle large travel trailers, small boats, and horse trailers with confidence. While not quite at the level of heavy-duty trucks, it offers a rare combination of comfort, technology, and towing muscle in a family-friendly SUV package.

Off-Road Capability: Trailhawk Trim Review

No Jeep review would be complete without addressing off-road prowess. The Grand Cherokee L Trailhawk trim is specifically engineered for rugged terrain, featuring:

During our off-road test, the Trailhawk tackled rocky trails, mud, and steep inclines with ease. The Rock mode optimized throttle response and transmission behavior for low-speed crawling, while the locking rear differential provided superior grip on uneven surfaces.

The Trailhawk also comes with underbody cameras that give the driver a view beneath the vehicle — a helpful tool when navigating tight trails or deep ruts. With a ground clearance of up to 10.9 inches (when air suspension is raised), the Trailhawk can go places most three-row SUVs simply can’t.

Comparison with Competitors

How does the 2025 Grand Cherokee L stack up against rivals like the Ford Explorer, Toyota Highlander, and Chevrolet Traverse?

Ford Explorer: The Explorer offers a powerful 3.0L EcoBoost V6 with 400 horsepower and a 5,600-lb towing capacity — slightly less than the Grand Cherokee L. However, the Explorer provides more third-row space and a lower starting price. Still, the Jeep offers superior off-road options and a more upscale interior in higher trims.

Toyota Highlander: The Highlander excels in fuel efficiency, especially with its hybrid powertrain, but maxes out at 5,000 lbs of towing capacity. Its off-road capability is limited, and the interior, while comfortable, doesn’t match the luxury of the Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve.

Chevrolet Traverse: The Traverse offers the most third-row and cargo space in its class and starts at a lower price point. However, its 3.6L V6 produces only 310 horsepower, and its towing capacity is capped at 5,000 lbs. The Grand Cherokee L wins in performance, towing, and off-road flexibility.

In short, the Grand Cherokee L stands out by offering a unique blend of luxury, capability, and towing power — especially when compared to mainstream three-row SUVs that focus solely on passenger comfort.

Pricing and Trim Breakdown

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L starts at $42,995 for the base Laredo trim. Prices increase significantly with higher trims and options: