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Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs Ford Explorer: Which Is Better? Find Out
- The new three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee L has a max towing capacity of 6,200 lbs. and the Ford Explorer has a max towing capacity of 5,600 lbs. when properly equipped with a tow package.
- The Grand Cherokee L offers 159.1 cu.-ft. of passenger volume and the Ford Explorer offers 152.9 cu.-ft. of passenger volume.
- The Grand Cherokee L comes available three four-wheel-drive systems and the Ford Explorer comes available with one all-wheel-drive system

Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs. Ford Explorer: How Do They Compare?
When it comes down to the new three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs Ford Explorer, there are several key things to consider.
For starters, the Ford Explorer has a max towing capacity of 5,600 lbs. and the Jeep Grand Cherokee L three-row SUV has a max towing capacity of 6,200 lbs.
In addition to that, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L comes standard with three four-wheel-drive systems and the Ford Explorer comes available with one all-wheel-drive system.
To continue the Ford Explorer offers an EPA rated fuel-economy of 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, and the three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee L can get up to 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
As far as the interior goes, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L comes standard with 159.1 cu.-ft. of passenger volume and the Ford Explorer comes standard with 152.9 cu.-ft. of passenger volume.
To learn more about the key differences between the Grand Cherokee L vs. Ford Explorer, keep reading.
4x4 Capabilities
When it comes down to road-handling, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L surpasses the Ford Explorer with three rugged four-wheel-drive systems.
- QUADRA-TRAC I®
- QUADRA-TRAC II®
- QUADRA-DRIVE® II
Meanwhile, the Ford Explorer is equipped with Ford's Intelligent Four-Wheel-Drive System as its only option.
Interior Space & Safety
For interior room, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L offers 159.1 cubic feet of passenger volume, compared to 152.9 cubic feet in the Explorer. It also features over 110 available safety and security technologies, adding peace of mind for families.
Where the Explorer Excels
The Ford Explorer comes standard with 300 horsepower, slightly more than the Grand Cherokee L's 293 horsepower. It also features a larger standard touchscreen at 12.3 inches, compared to Jeep's 8.4-inch display.
In terms of cargo, the Explorer offers up to 85.8 cubic feet of space behind the first row, giving it a slight edge in storage capacity.
For a deeper dive into how these two capable three-row SUVs stack up, continue reading below.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L Laredo | Ford Explorer Active | |
Engine | 3.6-liter V6 engine | 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 with Auto Start-Stop Technology |
Horsepower | 293 @ 6,400RPM | 300 |
Torque | 257 @ 4,000RPM | 310 |
Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic 8HP50 Transmission | 10-speed automatic transmission |
Max Towing Capacity | 6,200 lbs. | 5,600 lbs. |
Wheel Size | 17-Inch x 6.5-Inch Fully-Painted Alum Wheels | 18-inches |
Fuel Economy City/HWY | 19 mpg/26/ mpg | 20 mpg / 29 mpg |
Drivetrain Configuration | 2WD | 2WD |
Available Drivetrain Configuration | Four-Wheel-Drive | Four-Wheel Drive |
Drive Mode | ||
Seating Capacity | 7- passengers | 7-Passengers |
Passenger Volume | 159.10 cu.-ft. | 152.9 cu.-ft. |
Cargo Volume Behind First Row | 84.6 cu.-ft. | 85.8 cu.-ft. |
Cargo Volume Behind Second Row | 46.9 cu.-ft. | 46 cu.-ft. |
Cargo Volume Behind Third Row | 17.2 cu.-ft. | 16.3 cu.-ft. |
First Row Legroom | 41.30-inches | 43-inches |
Second Row Legroom | 39.4 -inches | 39-inches |
Third Row Legroom | 30.3-inches | 32.2-inches |
First Row Shoulder Room | 59.20-inches | 62.1-inches |
Second Row Shoulder Room | 58.0-inches | 61.9-inches |
Third-Row Shoulder Room | 51.9-inches | 54.6-inches |
Exterior Height | 71.5-inches | 69.6-inches |
Exterior Width | 77.5-inches | 78.9-inches |
Exterior Length | 204.90-inches | 198.7-inches |
Overall Wheelbase | 127.70-inches | 119.1-inches |
Ground Clearance Approach Angle | 20.6 degrees | 20 degrees |
Ground Clearance Breakover Angle | 18.2 degrees | 17 degrees |
Ground Clearance Departure Angle | 21.5 degrees | 26 degrees |
Running Ground Clearance | 8.5 degrees | 7.6-inches |
Fuel Tank Gallons | 23 gallons | 18.6 gallons |
Touchscreen Size | Uconnect® 5 with 8.4-Inch Touch Screen Display | 12.3-inches |
Apple CarPlay | Standard | Standard |
Android Auto | Standard | Standard |
Integrated Voice Command | Standard | Standard |
Steering Wheel Mounted Audio Controls | Standard | Standard |
Speakers | 6 | 6 |
Wireless Charging Pad | Available | Available |
Active Lane Management System | Standard | Not Available |
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go | Standard | Standard |
Blind-Spot and Cross-Path Detection | Standard | Standard |
Electronic Stability Control | Standard | Standard |
Four-Wheel Traction Control | Standard | Standard |
Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus | Standard | Standard |
Hill Start Assist | Standard | Standard |
Remote Start System | Available | Standard |
ParkSense® Rear Park-Assist with Stop | Standard | Standard |
ParkView® Rear Back-Up Camera | Standard | Standard |
Basic New Vehicle Warranty | 36 months/ 36,000 miles | 36 months/ 36,000 miles |
Powertrain Warranty | 60 months/ 60,000 miles | 60 months/ 60,000 miles |
Roadside Assistance | 60 months/60,000 miles | 60 months/60,000 miles |
Grand Cherokee L vs Ford Explorer Price
First, let's start with everyone's favorite part. Price. At the base level, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L Laredo cost less than the Ford Explorer Active. This trend continues through the higher trim levels as well.
Grand Cherokee L vs Ford Explorer Exterior Design
Side by side, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs Ford Explorer are significantly different. To demonstrate, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L Laredo features Jeep's iconic seven-slot grille with active shutters flanked by automatic LED reflector headlamps, and the Ford Explorer Active features a black mesh grille with chrome bars, and auto lamp LED headlights.
Grand Cherokee L vs Ford Explorer Exterior Dimensions
Grand Cherokee L vs Ford Explorer Max Towing Capacity
Grand Cherokee L vs Ford Explorer Fuel Economy
Grand Cherokee L Laredo vs Ford Explorer Active Horsepower & Torque
Grand Cherokee L Laredo vs Ford Explorer Active Road Handling
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L 4x4 Systems
- Quadra-Trac I®: No buttons to push or levers to pull. The Quadra-Trac I® 4x4 System is always engaged for all-weather capability and peace of mind. Combined with a brake lock differential, the Quadra-Trac I 4x4 System provides command-of-the-road confidence that only comes in a Jeep® Brand vehicle.
- Quadra-Trac II® : No buttons to push or levers to pull. The Quadra-Trac I® 4x4 System is always engaged for all-weather capability and peace of mind. Combined with a brake lock differential, the Quadra-Trac I 4x4 System provides command-of-the-road confidence that only comes in a Jeep® Brand vehicle.
- Quadra-Drive® II with a rear electronic limited slip differential: No buttons to push or levers to pull. The Quadra-Trac I® 4x4 System is always engaged for all-weather capability and peace of mind. Combined with a brake lock differential, the Quadra-Trac I 4x4 System provides command-of-the-road confidence that only comes in a Jeep® Brand vehicle.
Ford Explorer Four-Wheel-Drive Systems
- Intelligent 4WD with 7 Selectable Drive Modes and Hill Descent Control
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs Ford Explorer Interior Dimensions
Jeep Grand Cherokee L Interior Dimensions
- Passenger Volume : 159.10 cu.-ft.
- Cargo Volume Behind The First Row: 84.6 cu.-ft.
- Cargo Volume Behind The Second Row: 46.9 cu.-ft.
- Cargo Volume Behind The Third Row: 17.2 cu.-ft.
- First Row Legroom: 41.30-inches
- Second Row Legroom: 39.4-inches
- Third Row Legroom: 30.3-inches
- First Row Shoulder Room : 59.20-inches
- Second Row Shoulder Room: 58.0-inches
- Third Row Shoulder Room: 51.9-inches
Ford Explorer Interior Dimensions
- Passenger Volume : 152.9 cu.-ft.
- Cargo Volume Behind The First Row: 85.8 cu.-ft.
- Cargo Volume Behind The Second Row: 46 cu.-ft.
- Cargo Volume Behind The Third Row: 16.3 cu.-ft.
- First Row Legroom: 43-inches
- Second Row Legroom: 39-inches
- Third Row Legroom: 32.2-inches
- First Row Shoulder Room : 62.1-inches
- Second Row Shoulder Room: 61.9-inches
- Third Row Shoulder Room: 54.6-inches
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs Ford Explorer Features & Technology
- 6 speakers
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Multiple USB Ports
- Available Wi-Fi Hotspot
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs Ford Explorer Final Decision
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