2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee MPG
EPA ratings for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee run from 13–22 mpg in town to 19–30 on the highway, or 15–25 combined, depending on which of its 6 versions you look at.
The most efficient pairs the 3.0-liter turbo 6-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, at 25 mpg combined. The thirstiest version uses the 6.4-liter 8-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission and all-wheel drive and is rated 15 mpg combined. That matches the best gasoline version of the 2015 model.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Cherokee 2WD | 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | Diesel · 408 g CO₂/mi |
| Grand Cherokee 4WD | 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | Diesel · 432 g CO₂/mi |
| Grand Cherokee 2WD | 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | Regular · 413 g CO₂/mi |
| Grand Cherokee 4WD | 3.6 L 6-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | Regular · 427 g CO₂/mi |
| Grand Cherokee 4WD | 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 22 | 17 | Midgrade · 533 g CO₂/mi |
| Grand Cherokee SRT8 4WD | 6.4 L 8-cyl | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 15 | Premium · 592 g CO₂/mi |
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee fuel cost per year
Driving 15,000 miles a year on diesel at the September 2026 U.S. average of $6.29 a gallon, the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee costs about $3,770 a year to fuel in its most efficient form (25 mpg combined), or roughly 25 cents a mile.
The thirstiest priced version (24 mpg combined) comes to about $3,930 a year, $160 more.
This is an estimate from EPA combined mpg and the EIA national average price; your cost depends on how and where you drive and on local prices.
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee specs
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee buyers could choose between 4 engines, according to EPA records: 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo, 3.6 L 6-cyl, 5.7 L 8-cyl and 6.4 L 8-cyl. It came with an automatic transmission, in four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive versions. The EPA classes it as a standard sport utility vehicle.
| Engine size (L) | Cylinders | Transmissions | Drive | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L turbo | 6 | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive; 4-Wheel Drive | 2 |
| 3.6 L | 6 | Automatic 8-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive; 4-Wheel Drive | 2 |
| 5.7 L | 8 | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 1 |
| 6.4 L | 8 | Automatic 8-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 1 |
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems
Owners have filed 311 complaints about the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee with NHTSA, the U.S. vehicle-safety agency, as of October 2026.
Power train is the most-reported area (18% of component mentions), followed by engine (17%) and electrical system (14%).
Spread over its time on sale, that is 28 complaints a year: fewer than the 2015 (113 a year) and the 2017 (36 a year).
That ranks 15th of 17 Jeep Grand Cherokee model years (2008–2024), counting from the most complaints per year.
Of the 311, 27 mention a crash, 7 a fire and 16 an injury.
| Component | Mentions | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 78 | 18% |
| Engine | 76 | 17% |
| Electrical system | 61 | 14% |
| Unknown or other | 31 | 7% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 28 | 6% |
| Service brakes | 22 | 5% |
| Vehicle speed control | 22 | 5% |
| Steering | 16 | 4% |
| Air bags | 12 | 3% |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 12 | 3% |
| Diesel fuel system | 12 | 3% |
| Seats | 11 | 2% |
| Structure | 11 | 2% |
| Exterior lighting | 10 | 2% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 8 | 2% |
| Wheels | 6 | 1% |
| Forward collision avoidance | 5 | 1% |
| Gasoline fuel system | 5 | 1% |
| Seat belts | 4 | <1% |
| Visibility/wiper | 4 | <1% |
| Hydraulic service brakes | 3 | <1% |
| Suspension | 3 | <1% |
| Tires | 3 | <1% |
What owners told NHTSA
Tone wheel failure resulting in vehicle not operating as intended. Required repair of which FCA stated the repair was not covered by the recall issued against the vehicle.
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly jolted, lost power, and went into LIMP Mode, almost causing a rear-end crash. …
When I push on the gas pedal, sometimes the car revs up and the speed does not increase. I have to shut the car down and then restart. …
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee, plus 1 recall of replacement equipment made for it.
The most recent, campaign 23V411000 from June 2023, concerns engine and engine cooling.
Engine and engine cooling accounts for 4 of the 9 campaigns, more than any other area.
16V814000 · November 10, 2016 · Gasoline fuel system
Problem: During the assembly of the engine, the fuel rail crossover tube may have been damaged, which, over time, may result in a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly for damage to the fuel rail crossover tube, replacing it as necessary, free of charge.
16V249000 · April 27, 2016 · Exterior lighting, Power train
Problem: The brake transmission shift interlock solenoid may have a loose electrical connection which could result in a loss of solenoid function.
Risk: If the solenoid loses function, the transmission may lock in the Park or Neutral position when the vehicle comes to a stop, possibly rendering the vehicle disabled in traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter assembly, free of charge.
| Campaign | Reported | Component | Grand Cherokee years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23V411000 | June 8, 2023 | Engine and engine cooling | 2014–2020 |
| 22V406000 | June 9, 2022 | Diesel fuel system | 2014–2020 |
| 20V699000 | November 12, 2020 | Engine and engine cooling | 2014–2019 |
| 20V475000 | August 13, 2020 | Engine and engine cooling | 2014–2016 |
| 18V332000 | May 17, 2018 | Electrical system, Vehicle speed control | 2014–2018 |
| 17E061000 | October 19, 2017 | Engine and engine cooling (equipment) | 2012–2017 |
| 16V168000 | March 23, 2016 | Hydraulic service brakes | 2015–2016 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA crash-tested 2 versions of the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee; the best overall score is 5 out of 5 stars.
The SUV 2WD version scored 4 stars overall.
| Version tested | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| SUV 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Crash-test photos: NHTSA (public domain). NHTSA can reuse a test for later model years of the same design.
Compared with other years
Complaints per year on sale divide each model year's NHTSA complaints by the years since it went on sale, so older and newer Jeep Grand Cherokees can be compared fairly. Among other 2016 models in the EPA's standard sport utility vehicle class, the 2016 Ford Explorer (22 mpg) and 2016 Toyota Highlander (22 mpg) come closest on combined fuel economy.
| Year | Best mpg | Complaints | Per year on sale | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 19 | 805 | 57 | 10 |
| 2014 | 25 | 2,383 | 182 | 19 |
| 2015 | 25 | 1,367 | 113 | 10 |
| 2016 | 25 | 311 | 28 | 9 |
| 2017 | 21 | 364 | 36 | 6 |
| 2018 | 25 | 855 | 94 | 11 |
| 2019 | 24 | 370 | 46 | 7 |
Every Jeep Grand Cherokee model year compared →
Similar 2016 models
FAQ
Is the 2016 Grand Cherokee a good car?
We don't rate cars, but the official data gives a picture. The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 28 NHTSA complaints per year on sale (15th most of 17 model years), 8 recall campaigns, a best overall crash rating of 5 stars and up to 25 mpg combined from the EPA.
What are common 2016 Grand Cherokee problems?
The components owners report most to NHTSA are power train (78), engine (76) and electrical system (61). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many recalls does the 2016 Grand Cherokee have?
NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns and 1 replacement-equipment recall. To see whether a recall is still open on a specific car, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Grand Cherokee get?
The EPA rates the versions at 15–25 mpg combined (13–22 city, 19–30 highway).
How much does it cost to fuel a 2016 Grand Cherokee per year?
About $3,770 a year for 15,000 miles in its most efficient form, up to about $3,930 for the thirstiest version, using EPA mpg and the September 2026 U.S. average diesel price of $6.29 a gallon (EIA).