17 MPG combined is the reality for owners of the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD with the 5.7L Hemi V8. Nobody buys this specific Grand Cherokee configuration for its fuel efficiency. They purchase it for its reliable towing capacity (7,200 lbs), its muscular V8 soundtrack, and its confident all-weather, all-terrain capability, all wrapped in a package that doesn’t scream “utilitarian vehicle.” This is the Grand Cherokee of choice for those who value ruggedness and performance over Prius-like efficiency, and they’re willing to pay the price at the pump.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2017 Grand Cherokee 4×4 5.7L break down to 14 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway. The difference reflects the engine’s thirst in stop-and-go traffic, where the eight-cylinder engine frequently has to work hard to get the heavy SUV moving. Once up to speed on the open road, the 8-speed automatic transmission helps to keep the engine in its most efficient range, contributing to the slightly better highway figure. However, aggressive acceleration or sustained high speeds will quickly negate any potential fuel savings. Consider these figures a best-case scenario under ideal driving conditions.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for this Grand Cherokee is $3,100. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway, using national average fuel prices. Individual spending could be more or less depending on gas prices and driving style and the total miles driven annually. It is a substantial annual expense, but buyers of this particular model tend to factor this into their ownership costs from the outset. To do this, they can review all Jeep fuel economy data and compare it for themselves.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA figures provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy can vary significantly. Expect to see numbers closer to the city figure in mixed driving, especially if your commute involves heavy traffic. Towing will plummet fuel economy into the single digits. Off-roading, even at low speeds, consumes fuel at an alarming rate. The onboard trip computer is a useful tool for monitoring your fuel consumption and adapting your driving style, but don’t expect miracles. Many owners average around 15 MPG in combined driving, a far cry from the EPA’s 17 MPG estimate.

How it compares

The Grand Cherokee’s fuel economy is definitively subpar compared to other SUVs in its class, especially those with smaller engines or hybrid powertrains. A 2017 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road, another body-on-frame SUV with off-road aspirations, manages around 18 MPG combined with its V6 engine. A 2017 Ford Explorer with the 2.3L EcoBoost engine achieves around 22 MPG combined, and even the V6 Explorer gets slightly better mileage than the V8 Grand Cherokee. Of course, none of these offer the same level of towing power as the Grand Cherokee 5.7L. Looking within the Jeep family, one can see GRAND MPG across all years to further evaluate a better option.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 5.7L Hemi isn’t known for sipping fuel, but there are a few things you can do to improve your MPG. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The Hemi’s torque is readily available, so there’s no need to floor it to get up to speed. Gentle inputs on the throttle and brakes will make a difference over time.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which forces the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended level in the owner’s manual.

Avoid unnecessary idling. Modern engines don’t need to be warmed up for extended periods of time. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. This is especially important in city driving where idling is common.

Plan your trips efficiently. Combine errands into a single trip to reduce cold starts, which are particularly fuel-intensive. Avoid peak traffic times whenever possible. Remember that aerodynamics are also important at higher speeds, so remove roof racks or cargo carriers when they’re not in use.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed helps to optimize fuel efficiency. However, be mindful of hilly terrain, as cruise control may downshift unnecessarily, negating any potential savings. In those situations, it is best to reduce use of cruise control.