Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Ford Explorer
If you’re gearing up to find a vehicle that can head off-road and bring the camper or boat with you, then you’ll want either the Jeep Grand Cherokee or Ford Explorer. Both vehicles are known for their adventurous sides that enable you to head out to the great outdoors.
If you’re not sure which one would tackle the wilderness around New Holland, Lancaster, or Reading, Pennsylvania, better, New Holland Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) is here to help.
Read our Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer comparison below!
Performance and Power
The Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee offer impressive engine options.
The Explorer has three engines to choose from, with a standard 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine kicking things off, producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer also offers a V6 option that produces 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
By comparison, the Grand Cherokee has four engine options to choose from. The standard 3.6L Pentastar® V6 engine, featuring stop/start fuel-saving technology, generates 293 horsepower.
The 2.0L I4 Turbo PHEV engine found in the Grand Cherokee outshines both Ford engines, as it produces 375 maximum horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.
Off-Road Capability
The Explorer and Grand Cherokee are equipped to go off-road, allowing you to unleash your adventurous side.
The Explorer has available Intelligent 4-wheel drive with selectable drive modes. This system gives you up to seven drive modes to choose from so that you can match your drive to the terrain.
The Grand Cherokee has a similar system: the available Selec-Terrain® Traction Management System. Combine that with the available Quadra-Drive® II 4x4 System with Rear Electronic Limited-Slip Differential, and you’ll be able to take on whatever terrain you come across.
Like to tackle rocky areas? The available Quadra-Lift® Suspension System gives your Jeep 10.9 inches of ground clearance. The Grand Cherokee also boasts impressive water fording capabilities, capable to navigating up to 24 inches of water.
Towing Capacity
For adventurous weekends, you might want to bring along a trailer or a boat to experience the great outdoors to the fullest. To do that, you’ll need an SUV that can tow.
The maximum towing capacity of the Ford Explorer when properly equipped comes to 5,000 lbs.
On the other hand, the maximum towing capacity of the Grand Cherokee tops out at 6,200 lbs. when properly equipped—that’s almost 2,000 more pounds to work with.
FAQs
Which SUV is better for off-road driving?
Both SUVs are capable off-road, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee has advanced features like the Quadra-Drive® II 4x4 System, Selec-Terrain® Traction Management, and available Quadra-Lift® Suspension System, giving it superior ground clearance and terrain adaptability.
Which SUV is better for adventurous activities like camping or boating?
While both SUVs are suitable, the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s higher towing capacity, off-road systems, and ground clearance make it more capable for outdoor adventures around New Holland, Lancaster, and Reading, PA.
Which SUV can tow more weight?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee can tow up to 6,200 lbs. when properly equipped, whereas the Ford Explorer maxes out at 5,000 lbs.
Which Adventure-Ready SUV Wins the Day?
When you compare the performance, power, off-roading capabilities, and towing capacity of the Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer, the former comes out ahead. The Grand Cherokee is better equipped to tackle the great outdoors around New Holland, Lancaster, and Reading, PA.
If you'd like to see this Jeep for yourself, please contact New Holland CDJR. We’ll help get you behind the wheel and show you what this SUV is capable of. Test drive the Jeep Grand Cherokee today!
*Source: Jeep
