When looking for a new midsize sports utility vehicles (SUV), the choices can be overwhelming. Where do you start? Landmark Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram is here to help by comparing two of the top mid-size SUV models.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Ford Explorer are both great SUVs, each with their own features, performance, and price. Below we'll compare the features of the Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer - but we'll leave this hard decision up to you.
The Grand Cherokee was built for speed and performance. To achieve this, it has three engines to pick from: the standard V-6 engine (293 horsepower), the V-8 engine (357 horsepower), and the hybrid engine on 4xe trims. The 4xe yields an impressive 375 horsepower and can tow up to 6,000 pounds.
The Ford Explorer's engines differ based on the trim. The Base, XLT, and Limited models have the standard 2.3L 4-cylinder engine. Upgrade to the King Ranch, Platinum, or ST models, and you'll have a 3.0L V-6 engine. You can also opt for the hybrid model, which combines a 3.3L V-6 engine with an efficient electric motor.
When equipped with the V-6 engine, the Grand Cherokee gets 19 mpg in the city and 26 mph on the highway. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid trims get better fuel efficiency at a combined 24 mpg. The electric motor can go 25 miles before needing to be charged.
The Ford Explorer gets 27 mpg driving in the city and 29 mpg driving on the highway with rear-wheel drive system.
Overall, the base features of the Ford Explorer vs the Grand Cherokee are similar. Get behind the wheel of a Jeep Grand Cherokee, and you won't be disappointed. The base Laredo model has an impressive 6200-pound towing ability and 293 horsepower at 6400 RPM. Other features include cloth seats, traction control, side/front airbags, and hill-start assist.
Meanwhile, the base Explorer model has a towing capacity of just 5300 pounds but a horsepower of 300. The standard Explorer features include a power liftgate, a front airbag, automatic beam headlights, and the Terrain Management system.
The Grand Cherokee and the Ford Explorer both come with fun color options that expand as you move up trim levels. However, the Grand Cherokee has an overall sleeker look in comparison. Some trim levels come with a two-tone color scheme, with a black roof adding even more dimension to their final look.
The Ford Explorer may not be as attractive as the Grand Cherokee, but available appearance packages help. The XLT package includes carbonized gray touches, a gloss black cap on mirrors, gray paint detail on each wheel, and skid plate elements. The ST Street pack has 21” aluminum wheels and red-painted brake calipers. The same goes for the ST High-Performance package.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Trailhawk was designed to adjust to any conditions with up to 10.9 inches between it and the road. The available Quadra-Lift suspension can help even more. You can automatically lower your Grand Cherokee’s vehicle height on the highway. Then lift it up when you’re driving through obstacles - easy.
The Ford Explorer Timberline has exterior details that make it good for an adventure. It offers steel skid plates in the vehicle’s front, rear, and underbody and a TORSEN rear axle. The ground clearance comes in at 8.66 inches off the road. The final touch of the Explorer is 18” inch tires.
One major difference between what the Grand Cherokee SUV offers and what the Ford Explorer offers is purely aesthetic. After its complete overhaul in 2022, the Grand Cherokee has one of the boldest looks of its class. Even the base Laredo model has signs of refinement. The upscale trims come with leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and massaging front seats, leaving no doubt about their quality.
Compared to the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the interior of the Ford Explorer is simple and functional. This is understandable, given its reputation as a sporty and family-friendly vehicle. Available features like comfortable leather seats, ambient lighting, and a twin-powered moonroof give you options for making the interior of your Explorer more sophisticated.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has two different models to pick from: the regular two-row model or the three-row Grand Cherokee L. You can fit up to 7 passengers or fold up all the back seats for up to 84.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
Every Ford Explorer SUV has a third row of power-folding seats that make way for 47.9 cubic feet of storage. Fold down the second row of seats for cargo space of 87.8 cubic feet.
Both the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Ford Explorer are vehicles that customers look to for high levels of safety. Recent models from both manufacturers offer similar standard safety features. The Grand Cherokee takes the edge in advanced add-ons, but the Ford Explorer has good options.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has had numerous cutting-edge safety features for years, but they weren't standard until after 2021. Since then, all trims come standard with lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automated braking. This is on top of the already standard blind spot monitoring.
The Explorer offered all of these features on standard models starting back in 2020. The 2020 and 2021 Explorer years received 5-star safety ratings from the NHTSA. If you're looking for a used midsize SUV, you can feel safe in either one of these SUVs
Higher trim levels of the Jeep Grand Cherokee guarantee an even safer experience compared to the Explorer. Advanced features include night vision, the drowsy driver alert system, traffic sign recognition, and intersection collision assist.
Ford does not offer all of the advanced safety features as the Grand Cherokee, but the technology inside is nothing to scoff at. Along with its standard safety features, you can opt for the available Active Park Assist 2.0 and the 360-degree camera.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a 10.1-inch UConnect infotainment system. It's easy to connect your phone to the Grand Cherokee sound system using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. For even better sound performance, you can upgrade the base stereo to the 19-speaker McIntosh sound system. Other tech features of this midsize SUV include the standard voice recognition system and the available navigation system.
The Ford Explorer vs the Grand Cherokee is a fair comparison when it comes to tech. The Explorer offers Ford + Alexa app to keep you connected and an available sound system by Band and Olufsen. Higher trims offer a navigation system , internet availability, and hands-free phone access.
Customers love the Jeep Wave customer support program. Any Grand Cherokee from the model year 2021 or later is part of the program. Perks include 24/7 support from the customer service line as well as your first three oil changes and tire rotations free within 36 months.
In comparison to the Grand Cherokee, the Ford Explorer doesn't provide easy communication in a customer support package. Ford does offer a rewards system called Ford Pass Rewards to earn points that can be redeemed for discounts at the service center.
If you want a used vehicle that's older, the Ford Explorer is a good fit. It has been a reliable, safe, and durable car for years, and it will remain so for years to come. You can't go wrong with this midsize SUV, which comes at a fair price for its three rows and ample space.
If you're buying a car that's newer, especially if you want custom options for a good price, the Grand Cherokee is the right choice. It offers a fun exterior filled with updated safety features. Regardless of the model, each Grand Cherokee offers a spacious interior for passengers and cargo alike.
Whatever you need in a vehicle, our helpful team at Landmark Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram is here to help! Give us a call at 816-521-2699 to schedule a test drive today.
