You're standing in the Costco parking lot. It’s raining. You have a flat-pack TV, three cases of sparkling water, and a massive bag of dog food that feels like it weighs eighty pounds. This is the exact moment when the advertised "cubic feet" in your owner's manual stops being a math problem and starts being a survival situation. Most people look at the Jeep Grand Cherokee trunk and see a big, carpeted void. But if you've actually lived with one—especially the WL generation that dropped a couple of years ago—you know that those numbers Jeep puts on the window sticker don't always tell the whole story.
The current Grand Cherokee offers roughly 37.7 cubic feet of space behind the second row. That sounds great on paper. It's competitive. But numbers are sneaky. They measure volume, not "stuff-ability."
Why the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trunk Shape Actually Matters
Jeep engineers had a weird challenge with the latest redesign. They wanted to keep that iconic, rugged silhouette while making the interior feel like a luxury lounge. To do that, they slanted the rear glass. It looks sharp. It's aerodynamic. But honestly, it’s a nightmare for anyone trying to stack square boxes.
If you’re moving a dresser or a bunch of plastic storage bins, you’ll hit that glass sooner than you think. You’ve got a wide floor, sure. But the vertical space tapers off aggressively as you move toward the tailgate. It’s a trade-off. You get the "Summit Reserve" luxury vibes, but you lose the boxy utility of something like a Honda Pilot or even the older, more utilitarian Jeeps.
The Two-Row vs. Three-Row Debate
There’s a massive distinction here that catches buyers off guard. The standard Grand Cherokee is a two-row beast. Then you have the Grand Cherokee L. The "L" is longer. Much longer.
If you get the L, and you have all three rows of seats up, your Jeep Grand Cherokee trunk space shrinks to about 17.2 cubic feet. That is basically enough for four bags of groceries and a backpack. Maybe a slim stroller if you’re a Tetris master. However, fold that third row down, and suddenly you’re looking at 46.9 cubic feet. It’s a cavern. You could practically host a small gala in there.
Most owners I talk to keep those third-row seats folded 90% of the time. Why? Because the floor is flat. Jeep did a solid job ensuring there isn't a weird hump between the rows. If you're sliding a heavy piece of plywood or a surfboard in there, it won't snag. That matters. Details like the height of the load floor also play a huge role. The Grand Cherokee sits a bit high. If you have a senior dog or a bad back, lifting a heavy cooler into the back isn't exactly a "breeze." It’s a lift.
Real-World Features You’ll Actually Use (And Some You Won't)
Let’s talk about the power liftgate. It’s standard on most trims now. On the higher-end trims like the Overland or Trailhawk, you can get the foot-activated version.
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Does it work? Usually.
Is it frustrating when your hands are full of grocery bags and you're kicking at the bumper like a frustrated soccer player? Absolutely.
The real gem in the Jeep Grand Cherokee trunk area isn't the hands-free sensor, though. It’s the small stuff. The grocery bag hooks are actually sturdy. Unlike the flimsy plastic clips in some competitors, these can hold a heavy bag of milk without snapping. Then there’s the 12-volt power outlet. If you’re camping or tailgating at a game, having that power source right at the D-pillar is a lifesaver for portable air compressors or small coolers.
- Under-floor storage: There’s a hidden compartment. In the 4xe plug-in hybrid models, this is where the charging cable lives. In gas models, it's great for hiding a laptop bag or your emergency kit.
- Tie-down loops: These are metal. They are bolted in. Use them. If you’re off-roading in a Trailhawk, anything loose in the trunk becomes a projectile the second you hit a technical trail.
- The LED lighting: Jeep finally moved away from those dim, yellow incandescent bulbs. The new LED strips in the cargo area actually let you find your keys at 11 PM in a dark driveway.
The 4xe Compromise
I have to mention the 4xe because it’s the direction Jeep is heading. Everyone wants the hybrid. They want the torque. They want the fuel savings. But batteries take up space.
In the Grand Cherokee 4xe, the floor of the Jeep Grand Cherokee trunk is technically a tiny bit higher to accommodate the hardware. To most people, it’s unnoticeable. But if you’re someone who measures every inch for a specific dog crate, you need to bring a tape measure to the dealership. The spare tire situation also changes. You still get a full-size spare in some configurations, which is rare for a hybrid. Most brands give you a "fix-a-flat" kit and a prayer. Jeep knows their audience—nobody wants to be stuck on a trail with a punctured sidewall and a can of goo.
Comparing the Competition: The Cold Truth
How does it stack up? If we’re being real, the Toyota 4Runner has a more "usable" boxy shape. It feels like a shed on wheels. But the 4Runner’s interior feels like it was designed in 2005.
The Ford Explorer has more raw volume, but the interior materials feel... cheaper. The Grand Cherokee is trying to be a Range Rover. It feels expensive. The carpet in the trunk is thick. The side panels don't scratch the second a plastic box rubs against them.
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When you look at the Jeep Grand Cherokee trunk, you’re paying for the refinement. You’re paying for the fact that the seats fold down with a satisfying "thud" rather than a clunky "clack."
Dealing With the Slope
The biggest complaint I see in forums like JeepGarage or JeepForum is that rear pillar. Because the D-pillar is so thick for safety and style, it creates a massive blind spot, and it cuts into the upper-tier cargo volume.
If you're a "stacker"—someone who fills the car to the ceiling—you will hate this car. If you're a "sprawler"—someone who lays things flat—you will love it.
I’ve seen people try to fit 65-inch TVs in the back. Does it work? Yes, but only if you slide the front seats forward and pray you don't have to slam on the brakes. The actual floor length with the second row folded is about 71 inches. That’s just shy of six feet. It’s enough for a twin mattress, barely.
Maintenance and Durability of the Cargo Area
If you actually use your Jeep like a Jeep, that carpet is going to get destroyed. Mud, dog hair, and spilled mulch are the enemies.
Honestly, the first thing you should do after buying a Grand Cherokee is throw away the factory floor mats and buy a heavy-duty rubber cargo liner. WeatherTech or Mopar—it doesn't matter. Just get something with a lip. The Jeep Grand Cherokee trunk floor is relatively flat, meaning if a jug of milk leaks, that liquid is going to migrate under the seats before you can pull over.
- Check the seals: Periodically wipe down the rubber gasket around the liftgate. Dirt buildup here can lead to leaks, especially if you spend time on dusty trails.
- Lube the latch: If the power liftgate starts making a grinding noise, a little lithium grease on the latch mechanism usually fixes it.
- Vacuum the tracks: If you have the sliding tie-down rails (found on some higher trims), sand and grit will jam them up.
The Surprising Truth About the Spare Tire
Most modern SUVs are ditching the spare tire to save weight and improve MPG. Jeep isn't most SUVs.
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Under the floor of your Jeep Grand Cherokee trunk, you’ll likely find a real tire. Not a "donut" that limits you to 45 mph for ten miles. In many trims, it’s a full-size spare. This is a massive peace of mind factor. It does mean the trunk floor is higher than it would be in a minivan, but that’s the price you pay for being able to actually leave the pavement.
Is it perfect? No. The lift-over height is around 30 inches. That’s a workout if you’re loading a heavy generator.
Actionable Steps for Potential Buyers
If you’re currently cross-shopping the Grand Cherokee against something like a BMW X5 or a Chevy Blazer, don't just look at the spec sheet.
Go to the dealership. Bring your most annoying piece of cargo. If you have a massive double-stroller, take it with you. Put it in the Jeep Grand Cherokee trunk. See how much room is left for a diaper bag.
Check the following during your test drive:
- The Fold: Pull the levers for the rear seats. Do they drop easily? Does the headrest flip down automatically or do you have to manually wrestle with it?
- The Height: Stand at the back and imagine lifting a 50-pound bag of salt. Is it at waist height or chest height for you?
- The Depth: Reach all the way to the back of the seats. If you’re shorter, you might find yourself leaning against a dirty bumper to reach a bag that slid forward.
The Grand Cherokee is a lifestyle vehicle. It’s built for people who want to look good at a valet stand but still be able to haul a mountain bike to the trailhead on Saturday morning. The trunk reflects that. It’s stylish, well-appointed, and just rugged enough to handle real life—as long as you don't expect it to hold more than its sleek profile allows.
Before you sign those papers, decide if you need the "L." That extra length changes the vehicle's driving dynamics, making it harder to park, but it turns the cargo area from "sufficient" to "limitless." For most families of four, the standard wheelbase is the sweet spot. For anyone with a large dog and a hobby that requires gear, the L is the only way to go.
Clean the trunk often. Protect the carpet. And for heaven's sake, don't block the rearview camera sensor when you're stacking boxes to the roof.