wrangler or grand cherokee

[Glenn]

Hey all, the wife and I are looking at replacing my old XJ Cherokee, I want a JK 4 door and she wants grand Cherokee. We want something that will tow our 17ft pop top caravan which has gvm of 1500kg and do some fairly mild off roading, the car will probably do less than 20 thousand km a year, we aren't planning on any outback touring towing the caravan or anyting. Anyone on here done any towing with a petrol wrangler? any thoughts on power and fuel economy? thanks Glenn

[rjl3175]

From someone who has both, the GC is a far better tow car.

[shep]

I have both as well and they are completely different cars.
Best thing to do is buy both so have the best of both worlds

[Dan96XJ]

Based on my ownership experience, the Grand (2014 WK2 limited, petrol 8 spd auto) is by far most comfortable, better handling, better fuel economy and better for towing. The 08 JKU Rubi (manual) towed the old Jayco Dove camper quite well, but the Grand did it better and effortlessly (Grand replaced the JKU). The post 2012 JKs have same motor (3.6 pentastar) as Grand, but with different transmission. Im sure newer JKs or JLs would tow better than older JKs, but would hazard a guess that the Grand would be superior for towing and fuel economy. Of course for offroad performance the JK wins.

[samft]

I believe the fuel usage when towing with a petrol wrangler can go through the roof? especially the older 3.8 engine

[NTRubicon]

Wrangler advantages:
- very capable off road
- lots of fun to drive
- adaptable to lifestyle whims(freedom tops, hard top, soft top, no top)
- aftermarket has lots of options

Grand cherokee advantages:
- more creature comforts on board
- sharper looking interior
- more comfortable for long distances
- better towing

I've towed 1.8t camper with my 2013 JKU and fuel was noticeably more consumed, but not terribly so if you stay off the cruise control and keep your speed under control.

[SnakeDoctor]

Have a JK with the 3.6 and the WK2 Grand Cherokee with 3.0 diesel / 8 speed.

If you have to ask which one to buy, probably best with the Grand Cherokee, it's far more comfortable on the road and tows far easier/better.