Choosing between the Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer puts these two respected midsize SUVs head-to-head. Both have earned their spots in American driveways through years of solid performance, but which one actually delivers when your family needs a vehicle that'll be around for the long haul? We'll compare the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer by exploring reliability data, ownership costs, and real-world performance to see which SUV stands out.
Pricing and Value Comparison
Black Jeep Grand Cherokee at Sunset by Nasr Al is licensed with Pexels License
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee starts at $36,495 for the Laredo A, while you'll need at least $40,050 to drive home in a Ford Explorer. That $3,555 gap becomes even more meaningful when you consider that the Grand Cherokee offers nine trims compared to just four for the Explorer. This gives Jeep buyers more freedom to find the perfect fit for their lifestyle and budget. The Grand Cherokee lineup ranges from the budget-friendly Laredo A to the luxurious Summit Reserve at $63,040. Ford's lineup isn't as extensive, running from the $36,350 Active trim to the sporty ST at $54,770.
Ford adds about $4,000 to $4,756 for all-wheel drive across its lineup, which can increase your final cost if you need extra traction. Both models compete in a market where SUVs account for 52% of all new-vehicle sales, with families typically spending around $43,000.
Performance and Engine Options
The Jeep Grand Cherokee comes standard with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that produces 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Ford takes a different approach with its turbocharged engines. The Explorer's base 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder surpasses Jeep's V-6 with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The optional 3.0-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 delivers 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both Ford engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 3.0-liter EcoBoost accelerates to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, the 2.3-liter takes six seconds, while the Grand Cherokee needs 7.4 seconds.
The Grand Cherokee shines with towing, offering 6,200 pounds compared to the Explorer's 5,000 pounds. This extra capability is a significant advantage if you haul boats, trailers, or RVs.
Fuel Economy and Efficiency
When it comes to fuel economy over the long haul, the Explorer holds a slight edge. The Grand Cherokee achieves 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, while Ford's 2.3-liter engine reaches 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The muscular 3.0-liter V-6 Explorer also matches the Grand Cherokee at 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
Although the Explorer is slightly more fuel-efficient, Jeep offers a 4xe plug-in hybrid. It achieves an impressive 56 MPGe in hybrid mode, offers 26 miles of all-electric driving, and delivers a total range of up to 470 miles. This powertrain gives you the efficiency of electric power for city driving and the reliability of gas power for long trips.
Interior Space and Comfort
These SUVs handle passengers differently. The Grand Cherokee seats five in its 193.5-inch frame and 116.7-inch wheelbase. The Explorer stretches to 198.7 inches with a 119.1-inch wheelbase and seats seven passengers. The Ford Explorer's longer length provides more front and third-row legroom, offering up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row and 16.3 cubic feet behind the third.
Although the Grand Cherokee has only 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and a total of 70.8 cubic feet, its primary focus is on luxury and refinement rather than volume. Higher Grand Cherokee trims improve comfort with real wood accents, quilted leather heated seats, and massage functions.
Technology and Infotainment
The Ford Explorer comes standard with a 13.2-inch touch screen and replaces its SYNC 3 with Ford Digital Experience, featuring Google Assistant, Maps, and Play Store integration. It also features a 12.3-inch digital dash, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, a 5G hotspot, and USB-C ports in all rows. Jeep starts with an 8.4-inch screen and offers an available 10.1-inch Uconnect 5 system.
Audio systems show different priorities. Jeep's McIntosh 19-speaker system offers the most speakers in its class, while Ford has a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen system. While Ford includes an integrated soundbar in the passenger dashboard, the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers front-seat passengers their own console with an interactive touch screen. Although Ford's system appears impressive, the Jeep Grand Cherokee prioritizes technology that enhances everyday usability and comfort.
Safety Ratings and Features
Both these family SUVs score top marks for safety, giving families peace of mind on every trip. The Grand Cherokee and Explorer both earned five-star Overall Safety Ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The 2025 Grand Cherokee took home a Top Safety Pick award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Explorer also made NHTSA's shortlist for its 2025 five-star Safety Ratings testing program.
Standard safety technology reveals what matters to these manufacturers. Every Explorer comes loaded with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist, which includes smart cruise control, lane centering, evasive steering help, and intersection assist. Not to be outdone, the Grand Cherokee offers adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, active lane management, blind-spot monitoring, emergency braking, and rear park assist on all models.
Which SUV Delivers Superior Long-Term Value?
Your needs will determine which SUV is the right choice for you when considering Jeep vs. Ford reliability. Although the Explorer wins with better fuel economy and slightly improved engine performance, if towing or off-road capability is important, consider the Grand Cherokee. Both maintain used market appeal, but the Jeep combines reliability with comfort to handle both family driving and weekend adventures. This makes it the smarter investment if you want performance that lasts. Visit us at Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Lewisville to test-drive the Jeep Grand Cherokee today.
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Jeep Grand Cherokee