21 MPG combined only hints at what the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD 3.6L V6 offers. It’s not just about saving fuel but balancing on-road comfort with off-road capability. Buyers in this segment want space, towing capacity, and Jeep’s 4×4 system, knowing that fuel economy might be slightly lower.

City and highway performance

The Grand Cherokee’s EPA estimates are 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The city figure shows the impact of stop-and-go traffic, where the vehicle’s weight and engine power are most noticeable. The 25 MPG highway rating is easier to achieve on long trips. The 3.6L V6, with an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivers enough power for merging and passing, but doesn’t target maximum fuel efficiency. The transmission shifts smoothly and quickly finds higher gears to lower engine RPMs when cruising.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD 3.6L V6 at $2,100. This is based on 15,000 miles per year, a mix of city and highway driving, and average fuel prices. Actual costs will vary based on driving habits and local fuel prices, but $2,100 provides a standard point for comparison.

Real-world expectations

The Grand Cherokee’s real-world fuel economy is often a little lower than the EPA estimates, especially in city traffic or with frequent 4×4 use. Driving style, heavy loads, and aftermarket parts can also hurt fuel efficiency. Owners seeking better fuel savings can see numbers closer to 20 MPG. The Grand Cherokee can also safely tow and handle snowy roads, which reduces fuel economy compared to lighter vehicles. You can see GRAND MPG across all years for specific numbers based on owner submissions.

How it compares

The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD 3.6L V6 has average fuel economy compared to its rivals. The Toyota 4Runner 4WD, known for its reliability, only gets 17 MPG combined. A Ford Explorer with a 2.3L EcoBoost engine does better at 22 MPG combined, but lacks the Grand Cherokee’s off-road ability. The Nissan Murano, a car-like SUV, gets 24 MPG combined. The Dodge Durango, which shares a platform with the Grand Cherokee, offers similar fuel economy, but with a third-row seat. Grand Cherokee buyers accept slightly lower fuel economy for its blend of luxury, capability, and brand recognition. See all Jeep fuel economy data for more.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid quick acceleration and hard braking. The Grand Cherokee is heavy, and fast acceleration uses a lot of energy. Gentle acceleration helps save fuel, especially in the city.

Keep tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more gas. Check your tire pressure often and inflate to the recommended level.

Remove extra weight. Carrying unnecessary items in the Grand Cherokee adds weight and reduces fuel economy. Remove any unneeded items.

Use cruise control on the highway. Maintaining a consistent speed is more efficient than speeding up and slowing down a lot. Cruise control helps you maintain a steady pace.

Think about using a fuel additive to help fuel economy. Many products clean fuel injectors and intake valves, which may slightly improve MPG by helping the engine work better.