Ford Explorer vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Explorer and 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 Ford Explorer and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
In comparing the Ford Explorer's and the Jeep Grand Cherokee's specifications and ratings, the Ford Explorer has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The Jeep Grand 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, reliability and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Ford Explorer's and the Jeep Grand Cherokee's specifications and ratings, the two cars are fairly comparable.
Pricing: A used 2025 Ford Explorer ranges from $37,722 to $57,414 while a used 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee is priced between $34,500 to $56,928. For a new model, the Ford Explorer's price is between $40,643 and $61,641, with the Jeep Grand Cherokee priced between $37,601 and $62,086.
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 Grand Cherokee loses 52.7 percent of its value. This means the Jeep Grand Cherokee retains 0.2 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 Grand Cherokee's quality rating is 8.0 out of 10. This results in the Ford Explorer being ranked 5 out of 32 Best Midsize SUVs and the Jeep Grand Cherokee being ranked 9 out of 32. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Ford Explorer is ranked 8 and the Jeep Grand Cherokee is ranked 15.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Ford Explorer is 7.5 out of 10. For the Jeep Grand Cherokee the reliability rating is 7.6 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’s base engine makes 300 horsepower, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee base engine makes 293 horsepower. The Explorer is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 539 miles. The Grand Cherokee is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 598 miles.This gives the Ford Explorer the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Jeep Grand Cherokee the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/midsize SUVs, the 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee has the advantage in the area of cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Ford Explorer has higher safety ratings than the Jeep Grand Cherokee, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.84 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:
40643 - 61641
Starting MSRP:
40050
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
38382
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43000
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
37601 - 62086
Starting MSRP:
36495
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
38382
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
31990 - 43000
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
46451
Price Range:
37722 - 57414
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
45804
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
36966 - 59949
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
16122
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
703
# Good or Great Deals:
514
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
43572
Price Range:
34500 - 56928
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
45804
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
36966 - 59949
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.48432299
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.30530799 - 0.56163117
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
19398
Depreciation %:
0.53152512
Resale Value $:
17097
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.48432299
Category Depreciation Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
0.30530799 - 0.56163117
Ford Explorer Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.4 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Jeep Grand Cherokee Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.0 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
8.8 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Explorer
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
9.3
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.7 - 16.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.153
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Jeep Grand Cherokee
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.4
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
10.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
8.7 - 16.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.136
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
35.73669729298925
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 39.2
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.285872675449776
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.5 - 39.2
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 Grand Cherokee Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
3 out of / 16Ranking
4 out of / 67Ranking
4 out of / 17Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
6 out of / 16Ranking
7 out of / 67Ranking
7 out of / 17Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
8 out of / 28Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 28Ranking
9 out of / 9Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 32Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 32Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
22 out of / 32Ranking
23 out of / 67Ranking
24 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 32Ranking
25 out of / 32Ranking
26 out of / 56Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 32Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
34 out of / 67Ranking
38 out of / 56Ranking
40 out of / 67Ranking
41 out of / 67Ranking
48 out of / 67Ranking
61 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
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
Ford Explorer Trim Levels
Active, Platinum, Police Interceptor Utility, ST, ST-Line
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trim Levels
Altitude, Altitude X, Laredo, Laredo A, Laredo X, Limited, Overland, Summit, 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:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.84 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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
310 foot-lbs @ 3500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.070 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
5000 lbs
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
293 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque:
260 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.069 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):
20 / 29 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
372 / 539 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 / 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
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
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
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
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
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
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
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
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:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
62.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
40.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
61.9 inches
Cargo Space:
16.3 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
85.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
169.2 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:
4303 lbs
Width:
89.3 inches
Height:
69.6 inches
Length:
198.7 inches
Wheelbase:
119.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.6 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4238 lbs
Width:
84.6 inches
Height:
70.8 inches
Length:
193.5 inches
Wheelbase:
116.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.4 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 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P245/70R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Agate Black
Blue
Vapor Blue
Gray
Carbonized Gray
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White / Space White / Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
Exterior Colors
Black
Not available
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Silver
Not available
White
Bright White Clear Coat
Interior Colors
Gray
Dark Gray/Onyx / Light Space Gray/Onyx
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Not available
Black
Global Black
