What To Know
- The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer both offer a range of powerful engine options, allowing you to choose the level of performance that suits your driving style and needs.
- Both the Grand Cherokee and Explorer offer spacious and comfortable interiors with a variety of features to keep you and your passengers entertained and connected.
- Safety is a top priority for many SUV buyers, and both the Grand Cherokee and Explorer have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
When it comes to choosing a used SUV, two models that consistently rank among the top contenders are the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Ford Explorer. Both vehicles offer a compelling blend of rugged capability, spacious interiors, and advanced features. But which one is the better choice for your needs and budget? To help you make an informed decision, we’ll compare the key aspects of these two popular SUVs, including performance, fuel efficiency, interior features, safety ratings, and overall reliability.
Performance and Capability
The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer both offer a range of powerful engine options, allowing you to choose the level of performance that suits your driving style and needs. The Grand Cherokee comes standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 290 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. For more power, you can opt for the available 5.7-liter V8 engine, which generates 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer, on the other hand, comes standard with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. You can also choose the available 3.5-liter V6 engine, which offers 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque.
In terms of off-road capability, the Grand Cherokee takes the lead with its legendary Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system, which provides exceptional traction and control in challenging conditions. The Explorer, while still capable off-road, is more suited for light off-road adventures.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for many SUV buyers, especially in today’s rising gas prices. The Grand Cherokee and Explorer offer comparable fuel economy ratings, but the Explorer has a slight edge in the city. The Grand Cherokee with the 3.6-liter V6 engine gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The Explorer with the 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Interior Features and Comfort
Both the Grand Cherokee and Explorer offer spacious and comfortable interiors with a variety of features to keep you and your passengers entertained and connected. The Grand Cherokee comes standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. You can also opt for available features like a panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled seats, and a premium audio system. The Explorer also comes standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker audio system. Available features include a dual-panel moonroof, heated and cooled seats, and a premium audio system.
In terms of cargo space, the Grand Cherokee offers slightly more room than the Explorer. The Grand Cherokee has 36.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row of seats and 68.3 cubic feet with the second row folded down. The Explorer has 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of seats, 43.9 cubic feet behind the second row, and 87.8 cubic feet with both rows folded down.
Safety Ratings and Features
Safety is a top priority for many SUV buyers, and both the Grand Cherokee and Explorer have received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Grand Cherokee received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Good” rating in all IIHS crash tests. The Explorer also received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a “Good” rating in all IIHS crash tests.
Both vehicles come standard with a range of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. Available safety features include blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Reliability and Maintenance
Reliability and maintenance costs are important considerations when choosing a used SUV. The Grand Cherokee and Explorer have both received mixed reviews in terms of reliability. The Grand Cherokee has been known to have some issues with its transmission and electrical system, while the Explorer has been known to have some issues with its engine and suspension.
In terms of maintenance costs, the Grand Cherokee and Explorer are both relatively affordable to maintain. The average annual maintenance cost for the Grand Cherokee is around $550, while the average annual maintenance cost for the Explorer is around $600.
Which One Should You Choose?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer are both excellent choices for used SUV buyers. The Grand Cherokee offers legendary off-road capability, a spacious interior, and a variety of features. The Explorer offers slightly better fuel economy, a more spacious cargo area, and a higher safety rating. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
The Verdict: A Close Call
The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer are both highly capable and feature-rich SUVs that offer a great value for the price. The Grand Cherokee has the edge in off-road capability, while the Explorer has the edge in fuel efficiency and cargo space. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which SUV has better off-road capability, the Jeep Grand Cherokee or the Ford Explorer?
A: The Jeep Grand Cherokee has better off-road capability thanks to its legendary Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive system.
Q: Which SUV has better fuel efficiency, the Jeep Grand Cherokee or the Ford Explorer?
A: The Ford Explorer has better fuel efficiency than the Jeep Grand Cherokee, especially in the city.
Q: Which SUV has a more spacious cargo area, the Jeep Grand Cherokee or the Ford Explorer?
A: The Ford Explorer has a more spacious cargo area than the Jeep Grand Cherokee, especially with the third row of seats folded down.
Q: Which SUV has a higher safety rating, the Jeep Grand Cherokee or the Ford Explorer?
A: Both the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer have received high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.
Q: Which SUV is more reliable, the Jeep Grand Cherokee or the Ford Explorer?
A: The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer have both received mixed reviews in terms of reliability. The Grand Cherokee has been known to have some issues with its transmission and electrical system, while the Explorer has been known to have some issues with its engine and suspension.
Q: Which SUV is more affordable to maintain, the Jeep Grand Cherokee or the Ford Explorer?
A: The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer are both relatively affordable to maintain. The average annual maintenance cost for the Grand Cherokee is around $550, while the average annual maintenance cost for the Explorer is around $600.