Jeep Cherokee Engine Options & Towing Guide

jeep cherokee engine

Meet the New Jeep Cherokee

Designed to upgrade everyday adventures, the Jeep Cherokee engine delivers rugged strength that compliments its sleek exterior design and refined interior features. Our inventory at McGee CDJR of Barre features a range of vehicle options sure to delight every driver in your family.

To give you a complete overview of this new midsize five-seat SUV, our team has compiled all the key information you need to know about the Jeep Cherokee engines, performance specs, and towing capabilities.

2023 Jeep Cherokee Engine Performance & Specs

The new Jeep Cherokee for sale offers your choice of two robust powertrains. Let's decide which one delivers the power and performance you need.

2023 Jeep Cherokee Altitude Lux

The Altitude Lux is fitted with a 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir engine that uses its 16 valves, four cylinders, and flow-control valve intake to deliver 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. The nine-speed auto transmission provides smooth shifting and excellent performance. All of this combined helps this model achieve an EPA-estimated 21/29/24 Jeep Cherokee MPG (City/Highway/Combined).1

With this engine, this base trim offers a sufficient 2023 Jeep Cherokee towing capacity of 2,000 pounds,2 allowing you to tow small watercraft for your next family adventure.

2023 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

Tackle any trail with the 2.0-liter direct-injection turbo engine of the Trailhawk. This efficient powertrain delivers 270 Jeep Cherokee horsepower and an EPA-estimated 20/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).3 The off-road suspension helps provide a more comfortable ride, while the Jeep Cherokee engine gives you 295 pound-feet of torque.

This turbocharged engine bumps up the towing capacity to 4,000 pounds,2 giving you even more capability and power. You can test drive a Jeep Cherokee to experience its performance first-hand or check out our engine comparison chart below to see which option you prefer.

2023 Jeep Cherokee Altitude Lux 4x42023 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4x4
Engine2.4-L I4 with ESS2.0-L Turbo I4
Transmission9-Speed Automatic9-Speed Automatic
Horsepower180270
Torque171 lb-ft295 lb-ft
EPA-Est. MPG (City/Hwy/Comb)21/29/24 MPG120/26/22 MPG3
Drivetrain4WD4WD
Max Towing Capacity2,000 lbs24,000 lbs2
Standard SuspensionNormal DutyOff-Road

2023 Jeep Cherokee Trim Levels

Enjoy two 2023 Jeep Cherokee trim levels, each featuring a unique set of interior options, technology upgrades, and safety features. While both trims are available only in 4x4, one is geared toward high-end comfort while the other is equipped to tackle every terrain head-on.

2023 Jeep Cherokee Altitude Lux

Get premium cabin comforts like Nappa leather-trimmed bucket seats and a heated steering wheel in the Altitude Lux trim. The 8.4-inch touch screen display means you're always just one click away from Apple CarPlay® and Android Audio™. The Jeep Uconnect 4C NAV system helps you navigate any route while Adaptive Cruise Control adjusts to your speed to help you stay safe on the roads.

Exterior LED fog lamps, headlamps, daytime running lamps, and taillamps light your way no matter the time of day. Explore these features by checking out the Jeep Cherokee trim levels in even more detail.

2023 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk

The Trailhawk trim gives you Trail-Rated capability with its Selec-Terrain Traction Management System with five drive modes. Skid plates, off-road wheel flares, and a Trail-Rated 1-inch raised ride height let you easily handle most any terrain. Signature red tow hooks and exterior badging show off this trim's 4x4 and Trail-Rated capabilities, while black headlamp bezels and hood decals elevate its confident vibe.

Inside the cabin, drivers can enjoy black cloth or premium leather seating, red accent stitching, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. The Trailhawk trim also features a 7-inch driver information digital cluster display.

Frequently Asked Questions

What engine options are available for the Jeep Cherokee?

The 2023 Jeep Cherokee engine options include the 2.0-liter turbo powertrain of the Trailhawk trim and the 2.4-liter engine of the Altitude Lux trim. The latter engine is equipped with Engine Stop/Start functionality. The 2.4-liter engine generates 180 horsepower and 171 pound-feet of torque. For maximum power, choose the Trailhawk trim and its 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.

What is the fuel efficiency of the Jeep Cherokee?

The fuel efficiency of the Jeep Cherokee varies by engine and trim. The Altitude Lux has a 2.4-liter engine that delivers an EPA-estimated 21/29/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),1 and the Trail-Rated Trailhawk trim has a 2.0-liter engine that gives drivers an EPA-estimated 20/26/22 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).3

What is the maximum tongue weight for towing with the Jeep Cherokee?

Tongue weight is the downward force a trailer exerts on the hitch ball. The maximum tongue weight for a Jeep Cherokee towing capacity of 4,000 pounds when properly equipped is 400 pounds. When properly equipped, the maximum tongue weight for a Jeep Cherokee towing capacity of 2,000 pounds is 200 pounds. Tongue weight should always be considered as part of the load on your vehicle to help ensure safe towing.



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1EPA-estimated 21 city MPG with 2.4-L I4 engine with and nine-speed automatic transmission. Actual mileage may vary. EPA-estimated 29 hwy MPG with 2.4-L I4 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission. EPA-estimated 24 combined MPG with 2.4-L I4 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission. Actual mileage may vary.

2When properly equipped. See dealer for details.

3EPA-estimated 20 city MPG with 2.0-L I4 DOHC DI Turbo Engine and nine-speed automatic transmission, 4x4. Actual mileage may vary. EPA-estimated 26 hwy MPG with 2.0-L I4 DOHC DI Turbo Engine and nine-speed automatic transmission, 4x4. Actual mileage may vary. EPA-estimated 22 combined MPG with 2.0-L I4 DOHC DI Turbo Engine and nine-speed automatic transmission, 4x4.