Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Ford Explorer
The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer are two of the most cross-shopped midsize SUVs, but they take different paths. The short answer: the Explorer is a three-row, on-road-focused family SUV, while the Grand Cherokee leads on towing and genuine off-road capability. Here is how they compare.
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Ford Explorer: specs compared
Specs compared
| Specification |
Jeep Grand Cherokee |
Ford Explorer |
| Starting MSRP |
About $40,410 |
About $38,465 |
| Seating |
5 (7 in the L) |
Up to 7 |
| Base engine |
3.6L V6 (293 hp) |
2.3L turbo I4 (300 hp) |
| Max towing |
Up to 6,200 lbs |
Up to 5,000 lbs |
| Off-road |
Available Quadra-Drive II 4×4 |
Available Tremor |
| Drivetrain |
RWD, available 4×4 |
RWD, available 4WD |
| Third row |
Grand Cherokee L |
Standard |
By the numbers
| Specification |
Jeep Grand Cherokee |
Ford Explorer |
| Starting MSRP |
About $40,410 |
About $38,465 |
| Max towing |
Up to 6,200 lbs |
Up to 5,000 lbs |
| Standard rows |
Two (5 seats) |
Three (up to 7) |
| Powertrain warranty |
5 yr / 60,000 mi |
5 yr / 60,000 mi |
Starting MSRP is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price and may or may not include destination charges; it excludes taxes, title, and dealer fees. Contact us for current pricing.
Capability and towing
The Grand Cherokee is the pick if you tow or go off-road. It tows up to 6,200 pounds and, with its available Quadra-Drive II 4×4, adds serious 4×4 hardware. The Explorer tops out around 5,000 pounds and leans toward on-road manners.
Seating and space
The Explorer seats up to seven with a standard third row. The standard Grand Cherokee seats five; if you need three rows in a Jeep, the Grand Cherokee L covers it.
Price and value
The Explorer starts a bit lower at about $38,465 versus $40,410 for the Grand Cherokee. At ALM CDJR Perry, a new Grand Cherokee can also add ALM VIP Club benefits and our Included Lifetime Warranty on qualifying vehicles.
The bottom line for Perry shoppers
Choose the Explorer for a standard third row and a lower base price. Choose the Grand Cherokee for more towing and real off-road capability. The best way to decide is to drive them, so browse our inventory or contact our team.
See all Grand Cherokee comparisons
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Ford Explorer FAQ
Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee better than the Ford Explorer?
It depends on what you need. The Grand Cherokee tows more (up to 6,200 pounds) and is more capable off-road, while the Explorer offers a standard third row and a slightly lower starting price.
Which tows more, the Grand Cherokee or the Explorer?
The Grand Cherokee, at up to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped, versus up to 5,000 pounds for the Explorer.
Does the Grand Cherokee have a third row like the Explorer?
The standard Grand Cherokee seats five. For a third row, choose the Grand Cherokee L, which seats up to seven; the Explorer has a standard third row.
Is the Grand Cherokee more capable off-road than the Explorer?
Yes. The Grand Cherokee’s available Quadra-Drive II 4×4 handles the trail with dedicated 4×4 hardware, while the Explorer Tremor adds lighter off-road capability.
Is the Ford Explorer cheaper than the Grand Cherokee?
Slightly. The Explorer starts around $38,465 and the Grand Cherokee around $40,410, though options and trim change the final price.
Which should I buy, the Grand Cherokee or the Explorer?
For towing and off-road capability, the Grand Cherokee. For a standard third row and value, the Explorer. We can put you in both for a test drive at ALM CDJR Perry.