Jeep Grand Cherokee Vs. Ford Explorer: The Ultimate Showdown Of Suvs

Two iconic SUVs, the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Ford Explorer, have long been favorites among drivers seeking adventure and versatility. Each vehicle offers a unique blend of rugged capability, comfortable interiors, and advanced technology. But which one is the better choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Jeep Grand Cherokee against the Ford Explorer to help you decide.

Performance and Capability

The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer both offer capable powertrains and impressive off-road capabilities. The Grand Cherokee comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. For more power, you can opt for the 5.7-liter V8 engine, which generates 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offer a choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

The Ford Explorer also comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, but it produces slightly less power than the Grand Cherokee, with 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque. However, the Explorer offers a wider range of engine options, including a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, a hybrid powertrain, and a powerful 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. All Explorer models come standard with a ten-speed automatic transmission and a choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

When it comes to off-road capability, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has a slight edge over the Ford Explorer. The Grand Cherokee offers a more advanced four-wheel-drive system with a low-range transfer case and an optional locking rear differential. It also has a higher ground clearance and better approach and departure angles. However, the Explorer is no slouch off-road, and it offers a variety of terrain management modes to help you tackle different types of terrain.

Interior and Comfort

Both the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer offer spacious and comfortable interiors with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The Grand Cherokee has a more upscale interior with higher-quality materials and a more intuitive infotainment system. It also offers more standard features, such as heated front seats, a sunroof, and a power liftgate.

The Explorer has a more spacious interior, with more headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats. It also offers more cargo space, with 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row of seats and 87.8 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. The Grand Cherokee offers 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row and 68.3 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down.

Technology and Safety

The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer both offer a wide range of technology and safety features. The Grand Cherokee comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, and a suite of driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning.

The Explorer also comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rearview camera, and a suite of driver assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning. However, the Explorer offers more available technology features, such as a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen, a wireless charging pad, and a panoramic sunroof.

In terms of safety, both the Grand Cherokee and Explorer have received high ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, the Explorer has a slight edge in safety, as it offers more standard safety features, such as automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.

Price and Value

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a starting price of $37,995, while the Ford Explorer starts at $36,675. Both vehicles offer a wide range of trim levels and options, so the price can vary significantly depending on the features you choose. However, the Grand Cherokee is generally more expensive than the Explorer, especially when equipped with similar features.

Which One is Right for You?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer are both excellent SUVs that offer a lot of value for the money. The Grand Cherokee has a more upscale interior, more standard features, and better off-road capability. The Explorer has a more spacious interior, more cargo space, and more available technology features.

Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a luxurious and capable SUV with a strong off-road pedigree, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a great choice. If you’re looking for a spacious and versatile SUV with a wide range of features and a lower price tag, the Ford Explorer is a great option.

The Verdict: Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Explorer

In the battle of the Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Ford Explorer, there is no clear winner. Both SUVs offer a lot of value for the money, and the best choice for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a luxurious and capable SUV with a strong off-road pedigree, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a great choice. If you’re looking for a spacious and versatile SUV with a wide range of features and a lower price tag, the Ford Explorer is a great option.

Questions You May Have

Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?

A: The Ford Explorer offers a more powerful engine option, the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.

Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?

A: The Ford Explorer has a more spacious interior, with more headroom and legroom in both the front and rear seats.

Q: Which SUV has a higher towing capacity?

A: The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a higher towing capacity, with a maximum towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The Ford Explorer has a maximum towing capacity of 5,600 pounds.