17 MPG combined, that’s what you can expect when considering a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD with the 5.7L V8. Some buyers happily accept this, acknowledging the trade-off for the strong power and all-weather capability this configuration delivers. This isn’t a vehicle purchased for its fuel efficiency; it’s chosen for its balance of on-road comfort, off-road potential, and towing capability, characteristics that appeal to a specific group of drivers.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates are clear: 14 MPG in the city compared to 22 MPG on the highway. Stop-and-go driving takes its toll, as the V8 engine works harder to accelerate the Grand Cherokee’s weight. The highway figure is better, underscoring that steady throttle input at cruising speed is key for best efficiency.

Understand that these numbers are affected by driving style; a heavy foot will quickly reduce even the highway estimate. While some owners might see slightly better numbers, particularly on long road trips, these EPA figures are a reasonable starting point.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD 5.7L 8-cyl is $3,100. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Your actual costs can vary depending on local fuel prices and your driving habits. If you live in an area with high gas prices or frequently find yourself in traffic, expect that $3,100 figure to increase substantially.

Real-world expectations

Plan to visit gas stations regularly. The 5.7L V8, while offering satisfying power, consumes fuel. Short trips around town will likely yield numbers closer to the EPA’s city rating, while longer highway journeys, driven conservatively, might approach or slightly exceed the 22 MPG estimate. Towing will have a major impact, decreasing fuel economy. Owners who frequently tow should anticipate single-digit MPG figures during those times. Manage your expectations, the Grand Cherokee V8 is not designed for maximum MPG.

How it compares

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s fuel economy is similar to other mid-size SUVs with available V8 power and four-wheel drive. For example, a 2019 Dodge Durango with the 5.7L V8 and four-wheel drive also gets around 14 MPG city and 22 MPG highway.

A Toyota 4Runner, offering only a V6, achieves around 17 MPG city and 20 MPG highway, making it a slightly better choice for those prioritizing less gas. Even opting for the V6 Grand Cherokee results in savings, with models achieving around 19 MPG combined. The buyer choosing the 5.7L likely dismisses these gains, prioritizing raw power and torque over efficiency.

You can explore all Jeep fuel economy data, including a wide range of Grand Cherokee configurations, or review GRAND MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is best. Avoid sudden bursts of speed, as the V8 engine will quickly burn fuel when pushed hard. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady pace. The Grand Cherokee’s weight requires more energy to accelerate, so smooth inputs will minimize fuel consumption.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder. Check your tire pressures regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications, found on the driver’s side doorjamb. This is a simple way to improve fuel economy.

Minimize idling. Idling wastes fuel, if you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern vehicles restart quickly, and the fuel savings from avoiding idling can add up. This is relevant in city driving, where frequent stops are common.

Use cruise control on the highway to maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy on long highway journeys. By avoiding fluctuations in throttle input, you can minimize fuel consumption and potentially exceed the EPA’s highway estimate.

Consider a fuel additive. Certain fuel additives claim to improve fuel economy by cleaning fuel injectors and optimizing combustion, but this is not guaranteed. Research reputable brands and follow the instructions for best results. This might be worthwhile for those looking to squeeze every last mile from a gallon of fuel.