17 MPG combined is what owners of the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L 4WD with the 5.7L V8 get. While this figure might be high for those wanting better efficiency, it’s a price many Grand Cherokee L buyers are willing to pay for reliable capability, spaciousness, and V8 charm. These owners prioritize towing capacity, off-road ability, and the sound of American muscle over saving gas. They understand that the Grand Cherokee L isn’t trying to be fuel efficient; it’s designed for specific tasks.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates provide a breakdown of the Grand Cherokee L’s fuel consumption in various driving conditions. The city rating is 14 MPG, reflecting the engine’s thirst during stop-and-go traffic. On the open road, the highway rating improves to 22 MPG, due to the engine’s ability to cruise at lower RPMs. While the highway number isn’t terrible, the combined rating reflects daily driving, where city and highway miles are mixed.

Annual fuel cost

According to the EPA, the estimated annual fuel cost for the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L 4WD 5.7L 8-cyl 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. The calculation uses national average fuel prices, which can change throughout the year, meaning your actual fuel costs could be higher or lower depending on where you live and your driving habits. The $3,100 figure is a benchmark for understanding the potential financial commitment of owning this Grand Cherokee L configuration.

Real-world expectations

While EPA estimates provide a baseline, real-world fuel economy can vary depending on individual driving styles, terrain, and cargo. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and continuous uphill climbs will all lower fuel consumption. Towing a trailer, a frequent activity for many Grand Cherokee L owners, will greatly reduce MPG. Wind resistance, tire pressure, and even the type of fuel used can play a role. Therefore, it’s reasonable to expect that many owners will see figures somewhat lower than the EPA estimates, especially if they regularly use the vehicle as designed.

How it compares

Compared to other large SUVs with similar capabilities, the Grand Cherokee L 5.7L V8’s fuel economy is in the expected range. A comparable 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD with the 5.3L V8 gets around 16 MPG combined, while the Ford Expedition 4×4 with its EcoBoost V6 comes in slightly better at 19 MPG combined. For those considering other Jeep models, see all Jeep fuel economy data, or perhaps you want to know about total GRAND MPG across all years. The Toyota Sequoia, recently redesigned, offers a hybrid powertrain and gets a higher 22 MPG combined. Ultimately, drivers choose the Grand Cherokee L for its brand recognition, off-road history, and the V8, features that the gas-conscious Sequoia buyer might not prioritize. The Dodge Durango R/T with its similar Hemi V8 also lands near 17 MPG combined, making it another comparable choice for V8 fans.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While it’s difficult to significantly change the fuel economy of a large V8-powered SUV, there are techniques that will allow owners to save fuel. Gentle acceleration and anticipating traffic flow can minimize fuel use. Avoid aggressive starts and hard braking, as these actions consume more fuel in a heavy vehicle like the Grand Cherokee L.

Ensure that your tires are properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and waste fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially during temperature changes.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Carrying extra cargo increases the load on the engine and lowers fuel economy. Remove any items from the cargo area that you don’t need regularly.

If your driving route allows, maintaining a steady speed on the highway helps with fuel consumption. The Grand Cherokee L’s eight-speed automatic transmission is designed to optimize fuel economy, and using cruise control on flat terrain promotes consistent, efficient operation.

Consider using a lighter weight synthetic oil at your next oil change and cleaning your fuel injectors with an additive regularly. Anything that optimizes an engine for fuel efficiency will help.