Jeep Grand Cherokee Oil Type & Capacity Guide (2011–2026)

Using the correct engine oil — at the right viscosity, to the right specification, and at the right capacity — is the single most important thing you can do to protect your Jeep Grand Cherokee’s engine. Across the 2011–2026 model run, the Grand Cherokee has offered everything from the long-serving 3.6L Pentastar V6 to a supercharged 707-horsepower Trackhawk, and each engine has its own oil requirement. This guide consolidates manufacturer specifications for every Grand Cherokee engine so you can match the right oil to your specific Jeep, whether you service it yourself or bring it to our High Desert service center.

Most Grand Cherokee engines use oil meeting the Chrysler MS-6395 material standard, but viscosity and capacity vary by engine and model year — so always confirm against your oil filler cap and owner’s manual before you buy.

At-a-Glance Oil Reference: Mainstream Engines

*5W-20 is listed as an acceptable alternate in 2016–2021 owner’s manuals; 0W-20 is the primary recommendation. Always confirm on the oil filler cap.

**The 5.7L HEMI was dropped from the two-row Grand Cherokee during the 2023 model year and from the three-row Grand Cherokee L during the 2024 model year. It is not offered on 2025–2026 models.

***The 2.0L Hurricane Turbo 4 is an all-new engine for 2026. Confirm its exact viscosity and capacity in your 2026 owner’s manual or with our service department — we’ll verify the spec for your specific build.

Performance & Diesel Engines (SRT, Trackhawk & EcoDiesel)

The Grand Cherokee’s high-performance and diesel variants use different oil from the mainstream lineup — heavier viscosities and, in the diesel’s case, a completely different specification. If you own one of these, do not substitute standard 0W-20.

The 6.4L SRT and 6.2L Trackhawk both call for 0W-40 full synthetic to Chrysler MS-12633 — the factory fill is Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W-40. These engines have a hard maximum oil-change interval of 6,000 miles or 6 months, regardless of what the oil-life monitor shows.

The 3.0L EcoDiesel (offered in the U.S. Grand Cherokee from 2014–2019) went through an important specification change: a 2016 Stellantis technical service bulletin moved the engine from the original 5W-30 (MS-11106) to 5W-40 (MS-10902). If your software has been updated or your diesel was built or serviced after mid-2016, use 5W-40. When in doubt, confirm with our diesel-certified technicians.

Recommended Oil Change Intervals & Severe-Duty Schedules

Jeep equips the Grand Cherokee with an automatic Oil Change Indicator System that calculates remaining oil life based on engine revolutions, temperature, and driving style. Under normal conditions this can allow intervals up to 10,000 miles or 12 months — but it is a manufacturer requirement that you never exceed one year or 10,000 miles between changes, regardless of what the dashboard shows.

For many High Desert drivers, a more frequent cadence of 5,000–8,000 miles is better suited to the heat and airborne dust common in Victorville, Hesperia, and Apple Valley. Driving conditions here often fall into the manufacturer’s “Severe Duty” category. If you tow regularly or run frequent short trips where the engine never reaches full operating temperature, moisture and contaminants accumulate faster — push your interval toward the 5,000-mile mark and have the CV joints, front suspension, and brake components inspected more often. The performance engines (SRT, Trackhawk) and the diesel carry their own intervals noted in the tables above.

How to Reset the Oil Life Monitor

Once fresh oil and a new filter are installed, the onboard computer must be reset so it tracks the next interval accurately. This takes about a minute from the driver’s seat and requires no special tools:

1. With the key fob present, press the Engine Start/Stop button twice without pressing the brake — this puts the vehicle in ON/RUN without starting the engine.
2. Using the steering-wheel arrow buttons, navigate the instrument cluster to the Vehicle Info screen, then scroll to the Oil Life submenu.
3. With the oil-life percentage displayed, press and hold OK for several seconds until the display resets to 100%.

On some software versions, you can alternatively reset by slowly depressing the accelerator pedal fully three times within ten seconds with the ignition in ON. Only reset after the oil has actually been changed — resetting prematurely gives the system inaccurate data. If the light won’t reset, a software update may be needed; our team can address it during your next visit.

DIY Oil Change: Tools & Supplies (3.6L V6)

Changing your own oil on a Grand Cherokee 3.6L V6 is straightforward for those with basic mechanical aptitude. You’ll need a 13mm socket for the drain plug and a cap-style socket for the top-mounted cartridge filter housing (located on top of the engine, not underneath). This top-mounted cartridge design is cleaner than a traditional spin-on filter because the oil drains back into the pan before you open the housing.

Supplies for the 3.6L V6:

• Full synthetic 0W-20 meeting MS-6395 — 6.0 quarts for 2011–2021 (WK2), 5.0 quarts for 2022+ (WL). Use the viscosity matching your model year from the table above.
• A genuine Mopar cartridge oil filter (confirm the exact part number for your engine and model year)
• A new O-ring for the filter cap (usually included with the filter)
• A drain pan rated for at least 7 quarts, a funnel, and clean shop rags

Torque the drain plug to 20 ft-lb and the plastic filter cap to 18 ft-lb (25 N·m) — do not over-tighten the cap, as it can crack the housing. Lubricate the new O-ring with a dab of fresh oil before reinstalling. Always use jack stands or ramps rated for the vehicle’s weight; never work under a Jeep supported only by a floor jack.

Professional Service at Victorville Motors

Choosing professional service for your Grand Cherokee delivers more than a fresh filter — it includes a comprehensive multi-point inspection that catches small issues before they become expensive repairs. During a standard oil service, our technicians check battery health, cooling-system hoses, and tire tread depth — especially important in the High Desert, where heat accelerates the wear of rubber components and battery life.

We also perform a tire rotation with every oil change to promote even tread wear. Given the Grand Cherokee’s available 4×4 systems, maintaining consistent tire diameter is important for the health of the transfer case and differentials. Our Civic Drive location offers a comfortable waiting area and transparent service reporting, and we’re an easy stop for drivers across Victorville, Hesperia, Apple Valley, Adelanto, and Phelan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of oil does my Jeep Grand Cherokee take?

It depends on your engine and model year. Most 3.6L V6 models from 2016 on use full synthetic 0W-20 (MS-6395); 2011–2012 V6s used 5W-30 and 2013–2015 used 5W-20. The 5.7L HEMI uses 5W-20 (2011–2021) or 0W-20 (2022+). SRT and Trackhawk models use 0W-40 (MS-12633), and the EcoDiesel uses 5W-40 (MS-10902) after the 2016 specification update. Always confirm against your oil filler cap and owner’s manual.

How many quarts of oil does the 3.6L V6 need?

The WK2 generation (2011–2021) takes 6.0 quarts with filter; the WL generation (2022 onward) takes 5.0 quarts with filter, due to a redesigned oil pan. The 5.7L HEMI takes 7.0 quarts.

Does the 4xe plug-in hybrid require a different oil?

Yes. The 4xe (2022–2025) uses a 2.0L turbocharged engine that requires full synthetic 5W-30 meeting the MS-12991 specification — not the 0W-20 used in the V6. Capacity is 5.0 quarts with filter.

Can I use a synthetic blend if I change it more often?

Jeep specifies full synthetic oil for these engines to meet warranty terms and protection standards. Synthetic blends don’t provide the same protection against the high temperatures and shear forces in modern engines, so we recommend sticking with full synthetic.

What oil does the 2026 Grand Cherokee with the new Hurricane Turbo 4 use?

The 2.0L Hurricane Turbo 4 is an all-new engine for 2026. Its viscosity and capacity are specified in the 2026 owner’s manual — confirm with our service department, and we’ll verify the exact spec for your build.

What happens if I forget to reset the oil life light?

The system will keep counting down from the previous interval, which can trigger a “Change Oil” warning shortly after your service and make it harder to track when your next change is actually due.

Service Disclaimer: The oil specifications, capacities, and maintenance information in this guide are provided for general reference only and were compiled from manufacturer sources believed accurate as of June 2026. Specifications vary by engine, model year, and build, and are subject to change by the manufacturer. Always confirm the correct oil viscosity, specification, and capacity against your vehicle’s oil filler cap and owner’s manual before servicing. Vehicle service and repair should be performed by a qualified technician; Victorville Motors is not responsible for damage resulting from service performed by others. Contact our service department to verify the correct specification for your specific vehicle.