The 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD with the 3.6L V6 engine gets 19 MPG combined. This fuel economy won’t impress those seeking lower fuel costs, but it satisfies buyers who want a comfortable SUV that’s suitable for daily driving and weekend trips. The Grand Cherokee combines good on-road handling with off-road ability, so even though its gas mileage isn’t great, the overall package still appeals to a certain kind of buyer.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2015 Grand Cherokee 4WD 3.6L gets 17 MPG in the city and 24 MPG on the highway. In stop-and-go city driving, the Grand Cherokee’s weight and four-wheel-drive system reduce fuel economy. The eight-speed automatic transmission helps manage the engine’s power, but frequent acceleration and idling still hurt gas mileage. The Grand Cherokee does better on the highway because the transmission shifts to higher gears and the engine speed decreases. To reach the 24 MPG highway rating, drivers need to accelerate slowly and avoid high speeds.

Annual Fuel Cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD 3.6L is $2,300. This estimate assumes 15,000 miles of driving per year, using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel expenses may be higher or lower, depending on where you live and the time of year, as fuel prices fluctuate. This calculation lets you easily compare the fuel costs of different vehicles. Drivers who drive fewer miles each year, or mostly on the highway, should see a lower annual fuel cost. However, those who often drive in city traffic or off-road will likely spend more than $2,300. Be sure to check all Jeep fuel economy data.

Real-world expectations

EPA ratings are a helpful point of reference, but real-world fuel economy varies based on driving habits, terrain, and vehicle condition. Grand Cherokee owners who frequently tow trailers or carry heavy loads can expect lower MPG. Similarly, using the four-wheel-drive system often, especially in difficult off-road situations, lowers fuel efficiency. Driving aggressively, meaning quick acceleration and hard braking, also hurts fuel economy. Besides that, keeping proper tire pressure, maintaining the vehicle regularly, and considering weather conditions can all affect your gas mileage.

How it compares

The 2015 Grand Cherokee 4WD 3.6L’s fuel economy is similar to other mid-size SUVs. A 2015 Toyota 4Runner 4WD, which is also known for its off-road ability, gets 18 MPG combined with its V6 engine. By comparison, the Nissan Murano, which is more focused on road driving, gets 24 MPG combined. The Murano is a better choice if fuel economy is your top priority. However, if you want true off-road capability, the Grand Cherokee’s 19 MPG might be an acceptable tradeoff. It all depends on what you value: a 2015 Ford Edge offers more modern technology and gets 23 MPG combined, but it doesn’t have the Jeep’s unique character. See GRAND MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

One of the best things you can do is drive more smoothly. Avoid accelerating quickly and braking hard, and try to keep a steady speed on the highway. Watch the traffic flow and let the vehicle coast when you can. Doing this is particularly important in the Grand Cherokee because its weight requires you to press the accelerator a lot just to get it moving.

Keep your tires inflated properly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the level recommended on the sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Low tire pressure can easily reduce your gas mileage by 1-2 MPG, especially at highway speeds.

Remove extra weight from your vehicle. If you have extra cargo in the trunk or back seat, the engine has to work harder, which uses more fuel. Remove anything you don’t need. Even a few hundred pounds of extra weight can noticeably reduce the Grand Cherokee’s MPG in city driving.

If your vehicle has an “Eco” mode, consider using it. This mode usually changes the engine and transmission settings to save fuel. It might slightly reduce performance, but it can help you get better gas mileage, especially in city driving. Throttle response may feel slow when “Eco” mode is enabled.