
Compare the Jeep Cherokee vs Ford Explorer

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Ford Explorer
How These Two SUVs Measure Up in Key Areas: Performance, Off-Road Readiness, and Design
A well-rounded SUV balances power, capability, and refinement to meet the drivers' demands. The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer stand out in this competitive segment, offering distinct advantages in performance, off-road capability, design, and interior comfort. A closer comparison emphasizes why the Jeep Grand Cherokee remains the superior choice for more drivers near Grand Rapids, MI.
Horsepower
293 | 400
Grand Cherokee vs. Explorer
Engine Displacement
3.6 l | 3.0 l
Grand Cherokee vs. Explorer
MPG (City/Hwy)
19/26 | 18/24
Grand Cherokee vs. Explorer
Engine and Performance Capabilities

The Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers power and versatility with multiple engine options. The standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 generates 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, providing ample strength for daily commutes and highway cruising. A 5.7-liter HEMI V8 raises the bar with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, ensuring confident towing of up to 7,200 pounds. For even greater performance, the 4xe plug-in hybrid (PHEV) configuration pairs a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque while enhancing efficiency.
The Ford Explorer presents a lineup with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. A twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 pushes output to 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. However, its 5,600-pound towing capacity lags behind the Jeep Grand Cherokee. While the Explorer's available hybrid option improves fuel efficiency, it falls short in overall power compared to the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe model.
Off-Road Readiness

Built for adventure, the Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers trail-tested capability that sets it apart. Available Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II 4x4 systems ensure confident handling across diverse terrain. The Selec-Terrain Traction Management System offers sand, snow, mud, and rock modes, providing optimized grip in any environment. The Trailhawk trim takes capability further with an electronic limited-slip rear differential, underbody skid plates, and an air suspension system that raises ground clearance up to 11.3 inches.
The Ford Explorer, while offering an Intelligent 4WD system, lacks the specialized engineering that makes the Jeep Grand Cherokee a true off-road performer. Limited ground clearance and a less advanced traction system make the Explorer more suited for light off-road use rather than serious trail excursions. Drivers near Wyoming, MI, looking for superior all-terrain confidence will find the Jeep Grand Cherokee better suited to unpredictable conditions.
Exterior Design

The Jeep Grand Cherokee commands attention with its bold, chiseled exterior that reflects its rugged capability. Its signature seven-slot grille, sleek LED headlights, and sculpted body lines create a strong presence on city streets and backroads. Available two-tone styling and blacked-out accents enhance its upscale appeal. The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a wider stance and higher ground clearance, improving its capabilities and dominant road presence.
The Ford Explorer adopts a sportier, more rounded design with a sloped roofline and a streamlined profile. While modern in appearance, its design leans more toward suburban practicality rather than rugged versatility. The Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV's timeless styling makes a stronger impression on drivers around Grandville, MI, looking for an SUV with superior strength and durability.
Interior Amenities and Cargo Space

Inside the Jeep Grand Cherokee, premium craftsmanship and thoughtful design create a refined atmosphere. Palermo leather seating, open-pore wood trim, and ambient lighting enhance sophistication and passenger comfort. A 10.1-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5 offers seamless connectivity, allowing a 19-speaker McIntosh audio system to provide an immersive listening experience. Second-row passengers enjoy generous legroom, and the available third-row configuration in the Jeep Grand Cherokee L extends seating capacity. With up to 70.8 cubic feet of cargo space, versatility remains a key strength.
The Ford Explorer offers a spacious interior with user-friendly technology, including an optional 10.1-inch touchscreen. Standard materials lean more toward practicality than luxury, with fewer upscale finishes than Jeep Grand Cherokee. Its cargo capacity reaches 87.8 cubic feet, but the Explorer's lower-quality cabin materials and less refined design leave room for improvement.
Schedule a Jeep Grand Cherokee Test Drive Today
The Jeep Grand Cherokee blends power, refinement, and off-road capability into a well-rounded SUV built for adventure and daily comfort. Learn more about the luxurious and powerful Jeep Grand Cherokee online by browsing our new inventory and plan your visit to get a closer look and schedule a test drive through Lowell, MI, at Baker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.