2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee Vs. Ford Explorer
Drivers with an adventurous spirit who want to bring their family along will likely look at their options between a Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer. These two titans of rugged quality offer three-row seating configurations, a wide array of standard and available features, and over 80 cubic feet of cargo space so you can take the vacation with you. However, the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the clear choice for families wanting a significant edge in off-roading experience, a hybrid option, and an incredible towing limit of over 6,000 pounds.1
We at Tony T CDJR of Gulfgate want you to have all the chips in your corner as you look into your next Sport Utility Vehicle. Let's see the highlights of these two options.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer at a Glance
- The Jeep Grand Cherokee has up to 6,200 pounds of towing capacity,1 vastly outpacing the 5,000-pound Explorer limit.1
- For the 2025 lineup, the Ford Explorer has no hybrid capability. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is a plug-in option with all-electric range.
- If available luxury calls to you, high-end Jeep Grand Cherokee trims comes with features like a 19-speaker sound system.
- The IIHS gave the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L a Top Safety Pick Award.2 The Ford Explorer received no such distinction.
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer Specs
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| Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo A | Ford Explorer Active | |
|---|---|---|
| Total Engine Options | 2 | 2 |
| Standard Engine | 3.6L V-6 | 2.3L turbo I-4 |
| Horsepower | 293 | 300 |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto | 10-speed auto |
| Drivetrain | 2WD, 4WD available | RWD, AWD available |
| EPA-Est. AWD MPG (City / Hwy / Cmb) | 19 / 26 / 223 | 20 / 27 / 234 |
| Recommended Fuel | Regular | Regular |
| Towing Capacity | 6,200 lbs1 | 5,000 lbs1 |
| Hybrid Capability? | Yes | No |
As you can see above, the Jeep Grand Cherokee specs are closely competitive with the Ford Explorer. Discounting the eco-friendly 25 miles of all-electric range you get under the hood of the plug-in hybrid Jeep Cherokee 4xe,5 the Ford SUV has marginal power and MPG advantages. However, it falls far behind compared to the Jeep Grand Cherokee towing capacity. At 6,200 pounds,1 the Jeep SUV is more than capable of handling medium-sized campers, personal vehicle carriers, or even some fishing boats. The Ford Explorer towing capacity is a less-impressive 5,000 pounds,1 making vacations relying on larger trailers too tricky for the Ford option.
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| Jeep Grand Cherokee L Laredo A | Ford Explorer Active | |
|---|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Three-Row Capability? | Yes | Yes |
| Length | 204.9 in | 198.7 in |
| Width | 84.6 in | 78.9 in |
| Height | 71.5 in | 69.6 in |
| Cargo Capacity (behind third row / behind first row) | 17.2 / 84.6 cu ft | 16.3 / 85.8 cu ft |
| Ground Clearance | 8.5 in | 7.6 in |
Similarly, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee offers fierce competition with the Ford Explorer across varied base dimensions. For instance, the Jeep Grand Cherokee seating capacity matches the Ford Explorer seating capacity when you take into account the available Grand Cherokee L variant. This option also gives the Jeep SUV the edge in length and trunk space.
Ford Explorer vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee Off-Road Experience
What is less even is the Ford Explorer off-road experience vs. what you're capable of in a Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Ford SUV is a competent enough adventuring vehicle, with a Ford Explorer ground clearance of 7.6 inches that increases to 8.2 inches at specific trim levels. But, it still cannot reach the confidence and capability brought to you by the standard Jeep Grand Cherokee ground clearance, which is a solid 8.5 inches. With the available air suspension, your vehicle gets bumped up to 10.9 inches. When combined with focused, adventure-ready drivetrains like Quadra-Drive II, it becomes increasingly apparent that the Ford Explorer is left in the dust once you move off concrete.
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer Interior
The next stop in our Ford Explorer vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee comparison is their cabins. As the more expensive vehicle, the Ford Explorer does have some advantages in the standard feature lineup, but not as many as you'd want. For example, both the Jeep and Ford SUVs have six-speaker sound systems and cloth upholstery on their base trim levels, despite the Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo A costing thousands less than the Explorer Active.
However, as you climb in luxury – a process made easier through our new Jeep specials – the Jeep Grand Cherokee starts scoring impressive wins. For instance, the 19-speaker premium audio system dwarfs the 14-speaker option for the Ford Explorer. The Jeep Grand Cherokee interior gets Nappa leather upholstery as early as the Overland trim, while the Explorer Platinum is the only Ford model with leather.
Ford Explorer vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee Safety Rating
Similarly, the Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer competition remains in the court of the Jeep SUV in terms of safety functionality. While the Ford SUV gets a very minor head start with its Front Parking Sensors and a Surround View Monitor, the Jeep model's available Parallel and Perpendicular Park-Assist, Drowsy Driver Detection, Active Driving Assist System, and Side Distance Warning put it above the competition by the prestigious Summit trim. Standard features, like Adaptive Cruise Control and an Active Lane-Management System, are what you can expect behind the wheel of the Jeep vehicle. With all of these innovative systems in place, it is no surprise that the Jeep SUV received a Top Safety Pick designation by the IIHS.2 The Ford Explorer safety rating is less impressive, earning no awards.
Tour the Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer Winner at Tony T CDJR of Gulfgate
Both the Jeep and Ford SUVs have excellent benefits that could make any driver think twice before making a decision. However, if you want a seven-seat model that can tow, off-road, and secure your family's peace of mind, contact us to learn more about the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. We also offer five-seater Jeep Grand Cherokee models and plug-in hybrid 4xe editions so you can match your new SUV to your expectations.
When you make your purchase at our dealership, you'll benefit from Jeep-licensed financing services. Browse our expansive selection of lease offerings and attractive payment plans before you bring your SUV home. We'll work with you to ensure your next road trip is memorable, safe, and fueled by the reliability Jeep vehicles are known for.
1When properly equipped. See dealer for details.
2Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this award, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Jeep/grand-cherokee-l-4-door-suv/2025
3EPA-estimated 19 city MPG with 3.6-liter V-6 and 8-speed automatic transmission. EPA-estimated 26 hwy MPG with 3.6-liter V-6 and 8-speed automatic transmission. EPA-estimated 22 cmb MPG with 3.6-liter V-6 and 8-speed automatic transmission. Actual mileage may vary.
4EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.
5Based on manufacturer's estimates with a fully charged battery. Actual mileage may vary.