Which SUV tows more and inspires more confidence in Columbus, OH?
Valley Jeep of Columbus – Which SUV tows more and inspires more confidence in Columbus, OH?
The question we hear most from shoppers comparing these two three-row SUVs is simple: which one tows more and delivers more confidence in everyday driving? That’s a practical way to frame the 2026 Jeep® Grand Cherokee and the 2026 Mazda CX-90, because both are feature-rich, family-ready vehicles with strong reputations. When you step back, though, differences in chassis hardware, traction systems, and driver-assistance technology tell a clear story about how each brand thinks about real-world demands across central Ohio. Below, we break down towing, traction, cabin tech, and safety in a structured way so you can quickly see what matters for your driveway and your routes.
Towing and trailering confidence
Trailering performance is about more than a headline rating. The Grand Cherokee offers up to 6,200 pounds of maximum towing when properly equipped, which opens the door for heavier trailers and more gear flexibility. Matching that number is the way the Jeep® platform supports towing—its new Gen IV transmission, robust cooling, available air suspension with load-leveling benefits, and traction-focused 4×4 systems all contribute to stable, predictable pull and confident braking. The CX-90 can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, a solid number for small boats, pop-ups, and compact utility trailers. For many families, that’s enough. But if you move equipment frequently, plan to upsize your trailer, or want more headroom for travel weight, the Grand Cherokee’s extra capacity and chassis support are meaningful.
Traction systems and all-weather assurance
Power is one thing; putting it down smoothly in the real world is another. The Grand Cherokee’s available Quadra-Lift® Air Suspension raises for clearance or lowers for efficiency, and the Selec-Terrain® system offers five tailored modes, including Rock. Pair that with three available 4×4 systems—up to Quadra-Drive® II with a rear electronic limited-slip differential—and you get torque that actively finds grip on broken pavement, wet grass near a launch, or rutted campground paths. The CX-90’s standard i-Activ AWD® anticipates slip and responds proactively, and its Mi-Drive modes support Off-Road and Towing. It’s a well-tuned, refined system ideal for rain and light trail use. For drivers who regularly find themselves on unmaintained roads or variable boat ramps, the Jeep® adds another layer of hardware-driven confidence.
Cabin tech, screens, and audio
Families prioritize calm, intuitive tech—and here, the Grand Cherokee leans into a driver-first layout. A new 12.3-inch Uconnect® 5 NAV touchscreen with newly standard navigation anchors the cabin experience, and the available Front Passenger Interactive Touchscreen Display allows your copilot to manage route info without leaning across the console. It’s a small thing that meaningfully reduces distraction. For premium audio, Jeep® offers an available McIntosh® system with up to 19 speakers and a 17-channel amplifier for lifelike sound. The CX-90 brings a tasteful interface with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ plus an available Bose® audio system. It all works well in daily use, but the Jeep® package simply offers more depth and unique features, particularly for front passengers and music lovers.
Driver-assistance and visibility
Driver-assistance tech can reduce stress in traffic and expand your driving window with greater visibility at night. The Grand Cherokee’s available Hands-Free Active Driving Assist allows hands-off, eyes-on driving on compatible roads while monitoring driver attentiveness—a premium feature that eases longer stints on I-70. Available Night Vision uses infrared to help detect pedestrians and animals ahead, supplementing headlights with thermal awareness. Both models offer 360-degree camera technology, but Jeep’s available 360º Surround View Camera plus a Digital Rearview Mirror and Drowsy Driver Detection combine to create a layered safety net. The CX-90 counters with the i-Activsense® suite, including Smart Brake Support, Lane-keep Assist, and Blind Spot Monitoring, and it has earned top-tier safety scores. For buyers seeking advanced, hands-free assistance and thermal-imaging visibility, the Jeep® brings unique tools to the drive.
Which is right for your lifestyle?
You’ll be happy in either vehicle if your needs are light towing, pleasant commuting, and refined interiors. If your plans include a heavier trailer, irregular surfaces, or you value enhanced driver-assist capability, the Grand Cherokee builds in more margin for growth. That’s true whether you stick with the new Hurricane 4 Turbo gas engine or move to the Grand Cherokee 4xe PHEV for quieter low-speed driving and off-road finesse.
- Towing headroom: Up to 6,200 pounds in the Jeep® provides more flexibility for heavier trailers and future needs.
- Hardware advantages: Available Quadra-Lift® Air Suspension and Quadra-Drive® II rear eLSD distribute traction where it’s needed most.
- Advanced assists: Available Hands-Free Active Driving Assist and available Night Vision broaden confidence for longer and late-night drives.
The good news is you can test-drive the features that matter most. Bring your typical gear, map your daily routes, and see how the steering, ride height, and cameras contribute to confidence behind the wheel. And if you’re comparing screen usability and audio, plan a longer loop to explore the Uconnect® interface or queue up a few favorite tracks to hear how the McIntosh® system reproduces detail.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does the CX-90 offer a plug-in hybrid like the Grand Cherokee 4xe?
Yes. Both lineups include plug-in hybrids. The CX-90 PHEV and Grand Cherokee 4xe each blend engine and battery power for flexible daily driving and strong low-speed control.
Is the Jeep’s hands-free driving the same as Mazda’s Cruising & Traffic Support?
No. The Grand Cherokee’s available Hands-Free Active Driving Assist is a hands-off, eyes-on system for compatible roads that monitors driver attentiveness. Mazda’s Cruising & Traffic Support assists with steering and speed but is not hands-free.
Do both models have a 360-degree camera?
Yes. Each offers a surround view system. Jeep® also offers a Digital Rearview Mirror and the available Interior FamCAM on Grand Cherokee L to monitor the second and third rows.
Which one is better for launching a small boat?
Both can do it. If your trailer weight pushes near the top of the CX-90’s 5,000-pound limit, the Jeep’s higher tow rating and available rear eLSD can provide added assurance on slick ramps.
Who can help me compare trims side by side?
The product specialists at Valley Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Columbus can walk you through key trim differences, hardware options, and the test-drive routes that best reflect your daily driving.
Summing it up, both SUVs are impressive. If you value extra towing capacity, added traction hardware, and advanced driver-assist capabilities, the Jeep® edges ahead for confidence and flexibility. If your needs lean toward lighter towing and you prefer a polished, sleek three-row with standard AWD, the CX-90 is a strong contender. Our team, serving Columbus, Granville, and Newark, can help you decide which configuration aligns with your life now—and gives you space to grow tomorrow.
0 comment(s) so far on Which SUV tows more and inspires more confidence in Columbus, OH?