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
Keep reading to learn more about the key differences between the new three-row Grand Cherokee L vs Ford Explorer: 

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 
 
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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.


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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. 

Added to this, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L Laredo stands out with a more boxier and upright profile that emphasizes Jeep's rugged off-road heritage, and the Ford Explorer Active trim level offers a more aerodynamic coupe-like silhouette .

In terms of wheel size, the Grand Cherokee L Laredo and the Ford Explorer Active trim level both come standard with 18-inch wheels.  

Ultimately, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L and the Ford Explorer are both attractive vehicles. Therefore it all comes down to your style. On the one hand, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L is built for drivers seeking the perfect blend of rugged elegance, and Ford Explorer adopts a more contemporary, rugged appearance. 


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Grand Cherokee L vs Ford Explorer Exterior Dimensions 

When it comes down to the exterior dimensions, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L is slightly bigger than the Ford Explorer. To be specific, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L features an overall wheelbase of 127.70-inches and the Ford Explorer offers a119.1-inch long wheelbase. To continue, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L max height is 71.-inches and the Ford Explorer's max height is 69.6-inches. As far as the ground clearance goes, the Grand Cherokee L stands out with an 8.5-inch ground clearance and the Ford Explorer's ground clearance is 7.6-inches. But for what it's worth the Ford  Explorer overall width is 78.9-inches and the Jeep Grand Cherokee L features a max width of 77.5-inches. With this in mind, it's obvious. The new Grand Cherokee L is slightly bigger than the Ford Explorer. 
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Grand Cherokee L vs Ford Explorer Max Towing Capacity 

In terms of towing, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L is the top contender. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L offers a max towing capacity of 6,200 lbs. and the Ford Explorer offers a max towing capacity of 5,600 lbs when properly equipped with a tow package.

All in all, if maximum towing is a top priority, we encourage you to take a glance at the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L. 

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Grand Cherokee L vs Ford Explorer Fuel Economy 

When it comes down to fuel-efficiency, the Ford Explorer is the front runner. At the base level, the Ford Explorer Active can successfully get up to an EPA estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. With the jeep Grand Cherokee L you'll get up to an EPA estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
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Grand Cherokee L Laredo vs Ford Explorer Active Horsepower & Torque 

When it comes down to torque and horsepower, the Ford Explorer is the front-runner. Off the line, the Ford Explorer comes standard with a 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 with Auto Start-Stop Technology that can get up to 300 horsepower and 300 lb.-ft. of torque, and the  Jeep Grand Cherokee L comes standard with a powerful 293 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine that can get up to 257 lb.-ft. of torque.  

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Grand Cherokee L Laredo vs Ford Explorer Active Road Handling 

In the context of road handling, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L and the Ford Explorer are to the most capable SUVs. At the base level, both vehicles come standard with two-wheel drive and the option to upgrade to four-wheel-drive. The key difference is that the Jeep Grand Cherokee L comes available with three four-wheel-drive systems and the Ford Explorer only comes available with one four-wheel-drive system. Take a glance below to get an up close look at the Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs Ford Explorer 4x4 systems: 

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

When comparing the Grand Cherokee L vs Ford Explorer interior dimensions there are several things to consider including  passenger volume, cargo volume, legroom, and shoulder room. Here's a quick breakdown on the key 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 
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2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs Ford Explorer Features & Technology

In terms of features, of the key differences is technology. To be clear, the 2025 Ford Explorer comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display and the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L comes standard with an 8.4-inch touchscreen display.   As far as other features go, both vehicles come standard with:
  • 6 speakers 
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Android Auto
  • Multiple USB Ports
  • Available Wi-Fi Hotspot
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2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs Ford Explorer Final Decision 

After taking a close look at the Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs Ford Explorer, it's obvious. Both SUVs are great options. However if you're looking for the best three-row SUV for driving on and off-road the Grand Cherokee L is the top choice. In comparison to the Ford Explorer, the Grand Cherokee L comes available with multiple 4x4 systems, a max towing capacity of 6,200 lbs, and Selec-Terrain Traction Management. But most of all, the new Grand Cherokee L cost less than the Ford Explorer. With this in mind, we believe the new Grand Cherokee L is a fantastic vehicle. But don't just take our word for it. See and drive the new Grand Cherokee L for sale near you today at Napleton Northlake Jeep conveniently located at 3701 Northlake BlvdLake Park, FL 33403-1629. 

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