2018 Ford Explorer vs. 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2018 Ford Explorer and 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2018 Ford Explorer and the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
When comparing the 2018 Ford Explorer's and the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, interior volume and overall quality score. The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2018 Ford Explorer's and the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee's specifications and ratings, the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a better car than the 2018 Ford Explorer.
Pricing: A used 2018 Ford Explorer ranges from $14,999 to $28,892 while a used 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee is priced between $16,998 to $35,991.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2018 Ford Explorer loses 47.6 percent of its value and the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee loses 46.3 percent of its value. This means the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee retains 1.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2018 Ford Explorer.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.7 out of 10 while the Jeep Grand Cherokee's quality rating is 8.3 out of 10. This results in the Ford Explorer being ranked 7 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs and the Jeep Grand Cherokee being ranked 16 out of 32. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Ford Explorer is ranked 8 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee is ranked 21.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.5 out of 10. For the Jeep Grand Cherokee the reliability rating is 8.6 out of 10. This gives the Jeep Grand Cherokee a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Ford Explorer.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2018 Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 290 horsepower, and the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee base engine makes 295 horsepower. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 20 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 446 miles. The Grand Cherokee is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 640 miles. This gives the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2018 Ford Explorer. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 2018 Ford Explorer has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee has the advantage in the area of cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2018 Ford Explorer has higher safety ratings than the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.66 out of 5 Stars.
Overview
The Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee midsize SUVs offer a diverse range of trim levels and powertrains. In addition to 3-row seating, a 2022 redesign of the Grand Cherokee brought exterior and interior styling improvements that far surpass the aesthetics of the Explorer. Pricing is a little more accessible for the Explorer, both at the entry level and among the high-end off-road and performance versions. While the Explorer employs a 4-cylinder engine on lower trim levels, the Grand Cherokee offers standard V6 power and optional V8s with horsepower aplenty and better tow ratings. However, Ford’s EcoBoost 4-cylinder provides better fuel economy across the board and, surprisingly, makes more power than Jeep’s standard V6. Both the Explorer and Grand Cherokee are capable off-road, yet the Jeep offers capabilities the Ford simply can’t match. There’s more passenger and cargo room in the Explorer, while the Grand Cherokee has more comfortable seats. The standard UConnect infotainment system in the Grand Cherokee offers a bigger screen and better user experience than the Explorer.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$32,140
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,126
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,995 - $34,810
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$30,895
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$30,126
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,995 - $34,810
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$21,806
Price Range:
$14,999 - $28,892
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,710
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$14,757 - $32,004
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,209
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
85,929
# Good or Great Deals:
471
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$24,749
Price Range:
$16,998 - $35,991
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$22,710
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$14,757 - $32,004
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1,505
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
84,603
# Good or Great Deals:
673
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Jeep Grand Cherokee Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
8.7 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Ford Explorer
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
3.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.6 - 7.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
19.5%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
4
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.6 - 7.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
20.9%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.1 - 16.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
9.3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.1 - 16.3
Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
3 out of / 18Ranking
3 out of / 17Ranking
4 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 39Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 39Ranking
9 out of / 67Ranking
9 out of / 39Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 39Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 39Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 16Ranking
14 out of / 39Ranking
14 out of / 21Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 67Ranking
17 out of / 39Ranking
17 out of / 34Ranking
17 out of / 32Ranking
20 out of / 39Ranking
20 out of / 28Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
22 out of / 39Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 39Ranking
28 out of / 30Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
53 out of / 59Ranking
59 out of / 67Jeep Grand Cherokee Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 7Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 32Ranking
10 out of / 18Ranking
10 out of / 17Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 67Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
14 out of / 16Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
17 out of / 28Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 32Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
27 out of / 32Ranking
29 out of / 30Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
36 out of / 67Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
40 out of / 67Ranking
45 out of / 67Ranking
51 out of / 67Ranking
51 out of / 59Ranking
53 out of / 67Summary Review
The Ford Explorer is one of the defining vehicles of its segment. This three-row SUV is big, tough, and versatile. Ford redesigned its Explorer for 2020, switching it back to a rear-wheel-drive-based vehicle with a more rugged foundation.
Summary Review
The two-row Jeep Grand Cherokee combines go-anywhere capability with a high level of luxury. One of Jeep’s most popular models, the Grand Cherokee is available as a basic, affordable off-road SUV or a $90K high-performance variant, with several options in-between.
Pros and Cons
- Passenger Space
- Advanced 4X4 all-wheel-drive system available
- Class-leading engines on many trims, including a hybrid
- Older models lack some basic advanced safety systems common for their model years
- No 8-passenger seating option for 2021
Pros and Cons
- Huge selection of trims
- Unmatched performance on 707 hp Trackhawk trim
- Capable of towing up to 7,200 pounds when properly equipped
- No green (hybrid/electric) trims available
- Aging platform
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Diesel, Gasoline
2018 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, Sport, XLT
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trim Levels
Altitude, High Altitude, Laredo, Laredo E, Limited, Overland, SRT, Sterling Edition, Summit, Trackhawk, Trailhawk, Upland
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 100000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.66 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
290 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
255 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.065 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
295 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
260 foot-lbs @ 4800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.065 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
17 / 24 / 20
Range (city/hwy):
316 / 446 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3.6 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X2 / 4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 26 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
467 / 640 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
N/A
Air Suspension:
Available
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61 inches
Cargo Space:
21 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
81.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
172.5 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
40.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58 inches
Cargo Space:
36.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
68.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
140.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4443 lbs
Width:
90.2 inches
Height:
70 inches
Length:
198.3 inches
Wheelbase:
112.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4545 lbs
Width:
84.8 inches
Height:
69.3 inches
Length:
189.8 inches
Wheelbase:
114.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.6 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P245/60R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P245/70R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Shadow Black
Blue
Blue
Silver
Ingot Silver
White
Oxford White
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Diamond Black Crystal Pearl Coat
Blue
Not available
Silver
Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat
White
Bright White Clear Coat
Red
Velvet Red Pearl Coat
Interior Colors
Beige
Medium Stone
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black / Black/Light Frost Beige
