How do you plan to spend your summer weekends along the Lake Erie shoreline? For many outdoor enthusiasts, the warmer months mean loading up heavy coolers, packing bulky tents, and heading out for water sports or trail hiking. Choosing an SUV with the proper dimensions ensures you never have to leave essential gear behind or crowd your passengers. The physical space inside your vehicle directly dictates the scale of your adventures, making cargo capacity a primary consideration when shopping for a new vehicle.
At Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Willoughby, we understand that suburban drivers require versatile vehicles that transition seamlessly from the daily commute to weekend recreation. If you are packing up for a day of fishing and kayaking near the Chagrin River in Willoughby, having a vehicle designed for heavy hauling makes all the difference. Our sales team is ready to walk you through the physical dimensions of each model on our lot so you can find the perfect match for your lifestyle.
If you want to experience these spacious cabins in person, you can easily get directions to our showroom and explore the lineup today. We can help you compare the seating configurations and rear opening widths of our latest models. To speak with a sales specialist about current vehicle availability or to ask specific questions about cargo dimensions, feel free to give us a quick call today.
Which Jeep SUV Has the Most Cargo Space for Bulky Summer Gear?
When your summer plans involve hauling oversized items like camping stoves, large coolers, and heavy-duty storage bins, maximum volume is the metric that matters most. The Jeep Wagoneer and Jeep Grand Wagoneer lead the entire brand lineup in absolute storage capacity. These full-size models offer an expansive cargo area designed to handle the bulkiest gear you can throw at them, ensuring that large families do not have to compromise between passenger comfort and luggage space.
For those who need three rows of seating but prefer a slightly more maneuverable footprint, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L is an exceptional choice. This extended version of the classic mid-size SUV provides plenty of room for gear while maintaining the premium driving dynamics the brand is known for. If you prefer a highly agile two-row layout, the standard 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers a generous about 38 cu ft of cargo space behind the second row. This space is highly usable thanks to a wide rear opening and flat load floor, allowing you to stack suitcases or outdoor gear with ease.
If you are ready to explore these spacious models, we invite you to browse our new-vehicle inventory online to see what we currently have available on our showroom floor. Our sales team can show you how the different trim levels compare in terms of cabin layout and utility features. Below is a breakdown of the key specifications for the standard two-row Grand Cherokee lineup:
- 85th Anniversary Edition: Seating for 5, cargo volume of about 38 cu ft, curb weight of 4,413 lbs, towing capacity of 6,200 lbs, and a payload of 1,260 lbs.
- Altitude 4x2: Seating for 5, cargo volume of about 38 cu ft, curb weight of 4,238 lbs, towing capacity of 6,200 lbs, and a payload of 1,280 lbs.
- Altitude 4x4: Seating for 5, cargo volume of about 38 cu ft, curb weight of 4,365 lbs, towing capacity of 6,200 lbs, and a payload of 1,240 lbs.
- Laredo: Seating for 5, cargo volume of about 38 cu ft, curb weight of 4,238 lbs, towing capacity of 6,200 lbs, and a payload of 1,280 lbs.
- Laredo X 4x4: Seating for 5, cargo volume of about 38 cu ft, curb weight of 4,365 lbs, towing capacity of 6,200 lbs, and a payload of 1,240 lbs.
- Limited: Seating for 5, cargo volume of about 38 cu ft, curb weight of 4,266 lbs, towing capacity of 6,200 lbs, and a payload of 1,260 lbs.
- Limited Reserve: Seating for 5, cargo volume of about 38 cu ft, curb weight of 4,413 lbs, towing capacity of 6,200 lbs, and a payload of 1,260 lbs.
- Summit: Seating for 5, cargo volume of about 38 cu ft, curb weight of 4,784 lbs, towing capacity of 6,200 lbs, and a payload of 1,160 lbs.
Dimensions & Capacity
Capacity and dimensions by trim
| Feature | 85th Anniversary Edition | Altitude 4x2 | Altitude 4x4 | Laredo | Laredo X 4x4 | Limited | Limited Reserve | Summit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo | 37.7 cu ft | 37.7 cu ft | 37.7 cu ft | 37.7 cu ft | 37.7 cu ft | 37.7 cu ft | 37.7 cu ft | 37.7 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 4,413 lbs | 4,238 lbs | 4,365 lbs | 4,238 lbs | 4,365 lbs | 4,266 lbs | 4,413 lbs | 4,784 lbs |
| Towing | 6,200 lbs | 6,200 lbs | 6,200 lbs | 6,200 lbs | 6,200 lbs | 6,200 lbs | 6,200 lbs | 6,200 lbs |
| Payload | 1,260 lbs | 1,280 lbs | 1,240 lbs | 1,280 lbs | 1,240 lbs | 1,260 lbs | 1,260 lbs | 1,160 lbs |
Fitting Golf Clubs and Camping Gear: Wrangler and Grand Cherokee L Real-World Loading
Are you wondering if your favorite leisure equipment will fit in the back without folding down the seats? This is a common question for local golfers who frequent the courses around Euclid. In the three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee L, you will find roughly 17 cubic feet of storage space directly behind the third-row seats. This area is wide enough to accommodate multiple golf bags placed sideways or at an angle, meaning you can head out for an early morning round with your friends without sacrificing passenger space in the first two rows.
For those who prefer rugged, open-air weekend excursions, the four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is a highly capable cargo hauler. This iconic off-roader offers about 31 cubic feet of storage space behind the second-row seats, which expands to roughly 72 cubic feet when you fold the rear seats flat. This is more than enough room to pack a large 65-quart cooler, a multi-person tent, sleeping bags, and several duffle bags for a weekend getaway.
If you are shopping on a budget or looking for excellent value, we encourage you to browse our used-vehicle inventory to find high-quality pre-owned Wrangler and Grand Cherokee models. Our pre-owned selection is thoroughly inspected to ensure reliability and performance. Visiting our dealership allows you to test-load your own gear to see exactly how these vehicles fit your specific summer lifestyle.
How the Jeep Grand Cherokee Outperforms the Ford Explorer in Practical Storage and Ground Clearance
When comparing mid-size SUVs, the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Ford Explorer are two of the most popular options on the market. While the Ford Explorer offers a slightly larger maximum cargo volume on paper when all rear seats are folded flat, the Grand Cherokee excels in real-world cargo usability and overall utility. The rear cargo opening of the Grand Cherokee is squarer and sits at a highly convenient liftover height, making it much easier to load heavy, boxy items like portable generators or large storage bins.
Beyond raw volume, outdoor capability is where the Grand Cherokee truly shines. When properly equipped with the available Quadra-Lift air suspension system, the Grand Cherokee can achieve up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance, easily outperforming the Ford Explorer's standard ride height. This extra clearance is essential when navigating rough, unpaved paths or heading out to remote camping spots where deep ruts and rocks could damage the undercarriage of lesser SUVs.
Choosing the right SUV is a major financial decision, and our team is here to make the purchasing process as smooth as possible. You can get a head start on your purchase by choosing to apply for financing online through our secure portal. Our finance specialists work with a variety of lenders to help you secure competitive rates and terms that fit your monthly budget.
Maximizing Your Space: Seat Folding Steps and Compact Jeep Compass Capabilities
Hauling larger items often requires configuring your cabin on the fly. To fold down the rear seats in a Grand Cherokee for maximum storage, start by locating the release levers positioned on the outer shoulders of the rear seatbacks. Pull these levers forward to release the latch, then push the seatbacks down until they lie completely flat. To ensure a smooth fold, make sure the front seats are slid slightly forward so the rear headrests easily clear the front seatbacks.
If you prefer a smaller, more city-friendly footprint for navigating daily commutes and tight parking spaces in Bedford, the compact Jeep Compass offers surprising utility. The Compass features about 27 cubic feet of cargo space behind its second row, which expands to roughly 60 cubic feet when the 60/40 split-folding rear seats are laid flat. This makes the Compass highly adaptable, allowing you to easily haul a bicycle, a weekend's worth of groceries, or small outdoor gear while enjoying excellent maneuverability.
Before you upgrade to a more spacious SUV, it is highly beneficial to know the trade-in value of your current vehicle. You can use our online tool to value your trade-in using Kelley Blue Book's trusted valuation system. This quick process provides you with a realistic idea of your current vehicle's worth, which you can apply directly toward the down payment of your new summer-ready Jeep SUV.
Expanding Your Hauling Power with Mopar Rooftop Cargo Carriers and Under-Floor Storage
When the interior cabin is fully occupied by passengers, utilizing external storage solutions is the best way to carry extra gear. Official Mopar rooftop cargo carriers are designed specifically to fit your Jeep vehicle's roof rack system, providing a secure, weather-resistant space for luggage, sleeping bags, or sports equipment. These carriers typically range in price from $400 to $700, depending on whether you choose a heavy-duty hard-shell carrier or a flexible, soft-sided cargo bag. Our parts department can help you order the exact carrier designed for your model.
In addition to rooftop options, many Jeep SUVs feature clever interior storage solutions that keep smaller items organized and out of sight. For example, the Grand Cherokee L features a convenient under-floor storage compartment located beneath the rear cargo floor panel. This hidden space is perfect for storing flatter items, emergency roadside tools, muddy hiking shoes, or wet beach towels, keeping the main cargo area clean and dry for the rest of your summer gear.
Engine & Performance
Powertrain specs by trim
| Feature | 85th Anniversary Edition | Altitude 4x2 | Altitude 4x4 | Laredo | Laredo X 4x4 | Limited | Limited Reserve | Summit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L | 2.0L | 2.0L | 3.6L | 3.6L | 2.0L | 2.0L | 2.0L |
| Horsepower | 324 hp | 324 hp | 324 hp | 293 hp | 293 hp | 324 hp | 324 hp | 324 hp |
| Torque | 332 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Four-wheel Drive | Rear-wheel drive | Four-wheel Drive | Rear-wheel drive | Four-wheel Drive | Rear-wheel drive | Four-wheel Drive | Four-wheel Drive |
Quick Answers Before You Visit
Q: Which Jeep SUV has the absolute most cargo space for large families?
The Jeep Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L models offer the largest cargo capacities in the lineup. They provide up to about 44 cubic feet of storage space behind the third row and can expand to a massive about 131 cubic feet when both the second and third rows are folded flat.
Q: Can I fit a standard 65-quart cooler in a two-door Jeep Wrangler?
Yes, but you will likely need to fold down or remove the rear seat to accommodate a large cooler along with other camping gear. The two-door Wrangler offers about 13 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat, which expands to roughly 31 cubic feet when the rear seat is folded.
Q: Does the compact Jeep Compass have enough room for a week-long road trip?
The Jeep Compass is highly capable of handling a road trip for two or three passengers. With about 27 cubic feet of space behind the second row, it easily holds several suitcases, and folding down the 60/40 split rear seats expands the total volume to about 60 cubic feet for larger items.
Q: Are Mopar rooftop cargo carriers covered by a warranty?
Yes, official Mopar accessories purchased through an authorized dealer like us are backed by a manufacturer's warranty. This ensures that your rooftop carrier is built to last and will perform reliably through years of summer road trips.
Q: How does the towing capacity of the Grand Cherokee compare to its cargo payload?
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a maximum towing capacity of 6,200 lbs, allowing you to pull a boat or camper. However, you must also mind the payload capacity, which ranges from 1,160 lbs to 1,280 lbs depending on the trim level, representing the maximum weight of passengers and cargo inside the vehicle.