2012–2021 WK2 (4th generation)
2012–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Battery Size (BCI Group and CCA)
The 2012–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee uses a BCI group H6/Group 48 (some builds/trims reported as H7/Group 94R) battery rated at 730 cold cranking amps. Fitment, replacement notes, and what to check before you buy.
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Quick answer
2012–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee battery specifications
Check your manual| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| BCI group size | H6/Group 48 (some builds/trims reported as H7/Group 94R) |
| Cold cranking amps | 730 CCA |
| Battery type | FLOODED |
| AGM required | No |
| Location | Cabin, under the front passenger seat, move the seat all the way forward to access, not under the hood |
Group size is inconsistently reported across owner threads (H6/48 vs H7/94R). Very likely varies by build/options package. Confirm the size stamped on your existing battery before ordering a replacement. Diesel and some heavier-optioned builds may spec a larger Group 65/H8 battery. See the EcoDiesel engine entry.
3.0L EcoDiesel V6 (VM Motori) battery
Check your manual| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| BCI group size | Group 65 or H8/49 (diesel-specific; larger than the gas-model battery) |
| Battery type | FLOODED |
| Location | Under the front passenger seat, same cabin location as gas models |
Diesel models are commonly reported to need a higher cold-cranking-amp battery than the gas V6/V8; confirm exact group size against your build sheet.
Which Jeep Grand Cherokee model years does this cover?
These battery specifications apply to every Jeep Grand Cherokee built from 2012 through 2021 — the WK2 (4th generation), mid-size 2-row suv. Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2012–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- 2012Launch of the 6.4L SRT8; carries over 3.6L Pentastar/5.7L HEMI lineup from 2011 introduction
- 2014Mid-cycle facelift: new front/rear fascias, 8-speed automatic standard, 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 introduced, monostable rotary shifter introduced (see rollaway recall)
- 2017Minor refresh: revised grille/lighting, Uconnect updates
- 2018SRT Trackhawk introduced with the 707-hp supercharged 6.2L
- 2019Final year for the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 in the US Grand Cherokee
- 2021Final full model year of the WK2 as the primary Grand Cherokee nameplate
- 2022WK2 continues alongside the new WL for one more year, marketed as "Grand Cherokee WK" in reduced Laredo E, Laredo X, and Limited trim, 3.6L Pentastar only, not to be confused with the WL redesign sold in parallel
2012–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee battery: common questions
What size battery does a 2012–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee take?
- BCI group H6/Group 48 (some builds/trims reported as H7/Group 94R), rated at 730 cold cranking amps from the factory. Group size is a physical dimension and terminal-position standard, so a battery from a different group may not clamp down or may put the terminals on the wrong side.
How many CCA does a 2012–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee need?
- At least 730 CCA. Going higher is harmless and helps in cold climates; going lower is how a vehicle that started fine in October stops starting in January.
Does the 2012–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee need an AGM battery?
- The factory battery is a conventional flooded type. AGM is a valid upgrade, but never downgrade from AGM to flooded.
Where is the battery on a 2012–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
- Cabin, under the front passenger seat, move the seat all the way forward to access, not under the hood.
Does a 2012–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee need the battery registered after replacement?
- Group size is inconsistently reported across owner threads (H6/48 vs H7/94R). Very likely varies by build/options package. Confirm the size stamped on your existing battery before ordering a replacement. Diesel and some heavier-optioned builds may spec a larger Group 65/H8 battery. See the EcoDiesel engine entry.
Sources
- Wikipedia, Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2), engine table and generation history
- NHTSA recall 14V-530, TIPM fuel pump relay
- NHTSA recall 16V-240, monostable shifter rollaway
- NHTSA recall 20V-699, EcoDiesel EGR cooler
- Fontana CDJR, Jeep Grand Cherokee Oil Type & Capacity Guide (2011–2026), aggregated by-engine oil specs
- Victorville Motors, Jeep Grand Cherokee Oil Type & Capacity
- Collierville CDJR, Jeep Grand Cherokee Bolt Pattern Guide (1999–2026)
- Wheel-Size.com, 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee wheel/tire fitments
- Firkins CJ, How to Reset the Oil Life Indicator on a Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Suncore Industries, Common Quadra-Lift air suspension issues (WK2)
