Does Tow Mode of 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Affect Fuel Mileage When Towing

Updated 05/16/2019 | Published 05/15/2019

Question:

When towing my 21ft trailer with my new 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee the Jeep automatically goes into tow mode when I connect the trailer harness. The Jeep is equipped with the factory installed tow package. There is no manual on/off mode for towing. This is fine except that when in tow mode it changes the shifting pattern of the tranny and therefore provides excellent towing performance at the expense of poor gas mileage. I have found that my gas consumption is 60 worse when towing l.e. From 10.2 l/100km to 16l/100kms. I have accepted the fact that when towing my mileage would be worse but I have been unable to find anywhere on the car or in the manual an option to override the tow mode. Would you happen to know if that is possible? Thank you.

asked by: Peter P

Helpful Expert Reply:

Even if you could undue the shifting programming of your vehicle in tow mode you'd find that the fuel mileage is going to still be just as bad. The weight and wind resistance of your trailer is what is killing the mileage more than the way it shifts. Unless it's not letting you shift into overdrive on the highway the tow mode would not be affecting your mileage more than just towing.

expert reply by: Jameson C