Ford Explorer Platinum vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Explorer Platinum and Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 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 Ford Explorer Platinum and the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit.
In comparing the Ford Explorer Platinum's and the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer Platinum has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Ford Explorer Platinum's and the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer Platinum is a better car than the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit.
Pricing: For a new model, the Ford Explorer Platinum's price is between $56,764 and $62,427, with the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit priced between $58,890 and $74,228.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Explorer Platinum loses 47.6 percent of its value and the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit loses 46.3 percent of its value. This means the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit retains 1.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Explorer Platinum.
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 Ford Explorer Platinum’s base engine makes 400 horsepower, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit base engine makes 293 horsepower. The Platinum is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 525 miles. The Summit is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 598 miles. This gives the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Explorer Platinum. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the Ford Explorer Platinum 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit has the advantage in the area of cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Ford Explorer Platinum has higher safety ratings than the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.66 out of 5 Stars. When comparing IIHS evaluations, the Ford Explorer Platinum has the better rating with a Top Safety Pick+ award compared to the Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit’s Top Safety Pick award.
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:
$56,764 - $62,427
Starting MSRP:
$54,770
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$58,890 - $74,228
Starting MSRP:
$62,560
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$37,697
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$31,990 - $43,320
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
18
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
9,191
# Good or Great Deals:
4
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$61,347
Price Range:
$54,311 - $65,764
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$47,563
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$40,678 - $66,020
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
52
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
13,769
# Good or Great Deals:
10
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$29,666
Depreciation %:
47.4%
Resale Value $:
$32,894
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
46.3%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
27.5% - 53.5%
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 Ford Explorer Platinum
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
19.5%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
20.8%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
15.9
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
3.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.6 - 14.8
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 / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Other Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, King Ranch, Limited, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, ST-Line, Timberline, XLT
Other Jeep Grand Cherokee Trim Levels
Altitude, Altitude X, Laredo, Laredo A, Laredo X, Limited, Overland, Summit Reserve
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 / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK +
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.66 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
TOP SAFETY PICK
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
400 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
415 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.085 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5600 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
293 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
260 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.061 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
6200 lbs
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
18 / 26 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
364 / 525 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:
4X4 / 4X2
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 26 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
437 / 598 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Massage Seats:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Air Suspension:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Backup camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Backup camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
61.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Cargo Space:
18.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
87.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
170.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
58 inches
Cargo Space:
37.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
70.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
144.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4701 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
69.9 inches
Length:
198.8 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4784 lbs
Width:
84.6 inches
Height:
70.9 inches
Length:
193.5 inches
Wheelbase:
116.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
21.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
275/45R21
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P265/50R20
