Ford Explorer vs. Jeep Cherokee
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Explorer and Jeep 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 Ford Explorer and the Jeep Cherokee.
In comparing the Ford Explorer's and the Jeep Cherokee's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Jeep Cherokee has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and resale value. The Ford Explorer and Jeep Cherokee have the same fuel efficiency Based on this comparison of the Ford Explorer's and the Jeep Cherokee's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2023 Ford Explorer ranges from $25,995 to $47,794 while a used 2023 Jeep Cherokee is priced between $20,926 to $34,774. For a new model, the Ford Explorer's price is between $40,590 and $61,905, with the Jeep Cherokee priced between $33,191 and $45,185.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Explorer loses 52.9 percent of its value and the Jeep Cherokee loses 50.3 percent of its value. This means the Jeep Cherokee retains 2.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Explorer.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Ford Explorer is 8.4 out of 10 while the Jeep Cherokee's quality rating is 7.4 out of 10. This results in the Ford Explorer being ranked 8 out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs and the Jeep Cherokee being ranked 35 out of 67.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars' Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer and Jeep Cherokee is 7.5 out of 10.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Explorer’s base engine makes 300 horsepower, and the Jeep Cherokee base engine makes 180 horsepower. Both the Explorer and the Cherokee are rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 501 and 458 miles respectively. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Ford Explorer, a crossover/midsize SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room and rear shoulder room. The Jeep Cherokee, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage in the areas of rear leg room cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Ford Explorer has higher safety ratings than the Jeep Cherokee, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
40590 - 61905
Starting MSRP:
36760
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
36046
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
28750 - 41535
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
33191 - 45185
Starting MSRP:
37695
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
27723
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
23610 - 37695
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
34582
Price Range:
25995 - 47794
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
34361
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
24907 - 50072
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
3553
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
34615
# Good or Great Deals:
935
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
24899
Price Range:
20926 - 34774
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
26187
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
21318 - 30705
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
446
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
50229
# Good or Great Deals:
148
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Jeep Cherokee Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
7.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Explorer
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
9.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.7 - 14.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.153
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Jeep Cherokee
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
9.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
7.6 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.087
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
16.59079873740409
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
4.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 27.9
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.4631234937934832
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
3.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.3 - 17.9
Ford Explorer Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 67Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 34Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
2 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 34Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 67Ranking
6 out of / 34Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 30Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
13 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 34Ranking
14 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 34Ranking
15 out of / 30Ranking
15 out of / 28Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
18 out of / 34Ranking
18 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 34Ranking
19 out of / 28Ranking
20 out of / 34Ranking
21 out of / 32Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 34Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
31 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 56Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
49 out of / 56Ranking
62 out of / 67Jeep Cherokee Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 67Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 17Ranking
9 out of / 17Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
16 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 19Ranking
22 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
35 out of / 67Ranking
50 out of / 67Ranking
51 out of / 67Ranking
54 out of / 67Ranking
56 out of / 67Ranking
56 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 Jeep Cherokee has come a long way since its introduction in 1974. The current generation, introduced in 2014, was given an exterior update in 2019, along with some added engine options. The Cherokee is best known for its fuel economy, off-road capability, and family friendly design. New models cost an average of $32,172 and 3-year-old models average $22,989.
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
- Suspension capable for both on-road and off-road use
- Excellent infotainment touchscreen and user interface
- Smart interior design and comfort
- Base engines feel underpowered
- Wind and road noise at highway speeds
- Cargo capacity is limited compared to rivals
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Flex Fuel, Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Base, King Ranch, Limited, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, ST-Line, Timberline, XLT
Jeep Cherokee Trim Levels
Altitude Lux, Trailhawk
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:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 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:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.069 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
180 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
171 foot-lbs @ 4600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.046 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 28 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
376 / 501 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 29 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
332 / 458 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Quad Seats:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
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
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
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:
Standard
Safety Features
Backup 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
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
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:
170.9 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
40.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Cargo Space:
25.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
54.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
128 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4345 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:
3875 lbs
Width:
73.2 inches
Height:
66.2 inches
Length:
183.1 inches
Wheelbase:
106.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/65R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Agate Black
Blue
Atlas Blue
Gray
Carbonized Gray
Green
Forged Green
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White
Exterior Colors
Black
Diamond Black Crystal Pearl Coat
Blue
Hydro Blue Pearl Coat
Gray
Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat / Sting-Gray Clear Coat
Green
Not available
Silver
Not available
White
Bright White Clear Coat
Interior Colors
Beige
Sandstone
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black
