Comparison: Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Ford Explorer

Two of America's best-known SUVs are the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Ford Explorer, as both offer exceptional versatility alongside confident performance and thoughtful luxury amenities.

And with many configurations to choose from that also include intelligent four-wheel drive systems, both SUVs provide an extra layer of adaptability so you can experience your best lifestyle on your own terms.

Let's see if we can help you discover the right vehicle for your next big adventure by highlighting the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2023 Ford Explorer.

       

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee Comparison Highlights

The Jeep Grand Cherokee premium SUV has three decades of experience with facilitating daily adventures, and continues to push boundaries with sophisticated design and unmatched capabilities.

And for the 2023 model year, the Grand Cherokee lineup has expanded significantly with the introduction of a new three-row Grand Cherokee L, accompanying the core Grand Cherokee and its electrified variant the Grand Cherokee 4xe.

There are six unique trims to choose from for the 2023 Grand Cherokee, with each one offering additional upgrades through a 4x4 drivetrain and the extended wheelbase "L" version. This makes for over 20 possible combinations, and we're not even counting the five exclusive trims for the plug-in hybrid Grand Cherokee 4xe, which includes the legendary Trailhawk model.

The Grand Cherokee's all-new platform and body style are a result of Jeep's efforts to enhance the luxury experience while reducing vehicle weight, noise, and ride harshness, all without compromising overall on- and off-road performance. As you're surrounded in comfort by premium materials and hand-crafted details, three available 4x4 systems deliver unbeatable off-road capabilities: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II with rear electronic limited slip differential.

Each of these legendary 4x4 systems are equipped with an active transfer case to optimize traction in real-time, and work alongside the class-exclusive Jeep Quadra-Lift air suspension. With this combination, you'll benefit from up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance and 24 inches of water fording capability. And the advantages aren't just for the trail as the suspension system's electronic semi-active damping also improves comfort and stability on the highway.

Propulsion for every gasoline-only 2023 Grand Cherokee is an all-aluminum 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that's rated at 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This translates to a towing capacity of up to 6,200 pounds, and an estimated driving range of over 500 miles. For the Grand Cherokee 4xe models, the plug-in hybrid system offers up to 25 miles of all-electric operation and an estimated fuel efficiency of 56 MPGe thanks to its two electric motors and 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.

You'll continue to benefit from advanced technology in the cavernous passenger area, with the Grand Cherokee offering the most digital features ever. Highlights include the most advanced Uconnect system produced by Jeep, a passenger display for co-pilot functions, a digital rearview mirror, enhanced Amazon Alexa integration, and Amazon Fire TV built-in. Using the vehicle's 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, you can watch streaming or downloaded content on dual rear displays, and take advantage of Alexa voice commands for additional dynamic features.

And helping to keep you and your passengers out of harm's way are over 110 advanced safety and security features. Some key highlights include full-speed collision warning with active braking and pedestrian/cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, night vision camera with pedestrian and animal detection, parallel and perpendicular park assist, and so much more. The available Active Driving Assist also adds semi-autonomous steering and throttle support, dramatically reducing the stresses of daily commutes or heavy traffic conditions.