2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee Vs. 2025 Ford Explorer
Drivers or families searching for a larger adventurous SUV will want to compare the Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer, as these two models offer rugged capabilities, spacious interiors, and advanced technologies at competitive prices. See our comparison of these two popular sport-utes below and contact the Haley Automotive Group when you want to test-drive either model – or both – at our family of full-service car dealerships.
Overview: Ford Explorer vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee
- The Jeep Grand Cherokee is considered full-size, has a lower starting MSRP, and offers more trim levels.
- The midsize 2025 Ford Explorer boasts more standard horsepower and torque.
- Both models are offered with RWD or available power to all four wheels.
- The Explorer is longer and comes with three rows, while the Jeep model has five seats.
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer Price & Warranty
Both of these SUVs provide excellent value for your money and come with a generous factory warranty to back up their automakers' confidence in their quality. The 2025 Grand Cherokee is an attractive option for those looking to upgrade to a brand-new full-size SUV at a lower cost, as the Jeep model's starting MSRP of $36,4951 is several thousand less than the Explorer, which comes in at a $40,0502 starting MSRP.
You can't make a wrong decision between these two regarding warranty coverage either, as they both get a basic Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty of 36 months or 36,000 miles,3 whichever occurs first. The Ford and Jeep SUVs also come with a 60-month or 60,000-mile Powertrain Warranty3 for added peace of mind.
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer Trims & Configurations
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee gives you an impressive nine trim levels to choose from. Select one of the following when searching for your ideal new Jeep Grand Cherokee for sale at our dealership group:
- Grand Cherokee Laredo A
- Grand Cherokee Laredo
- Grand Cherokee Laredo X
- Grand Cherokee Altitude
- Grand Cherokee Altitude X
- Grand Cherokee Limited
- Grand Cherokee Overland
- Grand Cherokee Summit
- Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve
Reach the peak of the stellar Grand Cherokee lineup in the range-topping Summit Reserve, which wears gorgeous Palermo leather seating surfaces featuring heating elements in the first and second rows.
The new Ford Explorer for sale has a simpler trim lineup in its 2025 model year, with just four versions to choose from:
- Explorer Active
- Explorer ST-Line
- Explorer Platinum
- Explorer ST
The top-trim Ford Explorer ST is the one to have if you're after the highest power output. It swaps out the standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine for a 400-horsepower 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 equipped with twin turbochargers. Its power increase is supported by complementary performance upgrades elsewhere, including a sport-tuned suspension and upgraded front and rear brake calipers.
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer Size & Cargo
One aspect where the 2025 Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee differ greatly is in their dimensions. The Explorer comes standard with three rows, whereas the Grand Cherokee has two; the only way to get three rows in the Jeep SUV is by opting for the Grand Cherokee L variant.
At 198.7 inches long and riding on a 119.1-inch wheelbase, the 2025 Explorer is slightly more sizable than its Jeep competitor. The Grand Cherokee measures 193.5 inches long with a 116.7-inch wheelbase.
Regarding cargo space, the Grand Cherokee has greater volume when both SUVs have all rows upright. The Jeep model provides 37.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind its second row, and the Explorer has 16.3 cubic feet behind its third row.
Fold down all but the first rows in both vehicles, though, and the Explorer provides more maximum cargo capacity, at 85.8 cubic feet compared to 70.8 cubic feet.
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| 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo A | 2025 Ford Explorer Active | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | $36,4951 | $40,0502 |
| Factory Warranty |
|
|
| Engine | 3.6L V-6 | 2.3L I-4 turbo |
| Horsepower | 293 | 300 |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto | 10-speed auto |
| Drivetrain | 2WD | RWD or AWD |
| Max EPA-Est. MPG (Cty / Hwy) | 19 / 264 | 20 / 295 |
| Fuel Tank Size | 23 gal | 18.6 gal |
| Length | 193.5 in | 198.7 in |
| Height | 70.8 in | 69.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 116.7 in | 119.1 in |
| Max # of Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Weight | 4,238 lbs | 4,303 lbs |
| Cargo Space (Min / Max) | 37.7 / 70.8 cu ft | 16.3 / 85.8 cu ft |
| Interior Features |
|
|
| Exterior Features |
|
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| NHTSA Overall Safety Rating | 5 stars6 | 5 stars6 |
| 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2025 Ford Explorer |
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer Specs & Fuel Economy
The Ford Explorer shines in the fuel economy department, thanks in part to its EcoBoost direct-injected turbocharged engine. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder, found beneath the hood of all but the high-performance Explorer ST, enables this sport utility to earn up to an EPA-estimated 20/29 MPG (City/Highway)5 rating. This engine is also potent, producing 300 horsepower, more than the V-6 in the Grand Cherokee.
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee returns up to an EPA-estimated 19/26 MPG (City/Highway)4 with its 293-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6. Compare the Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Grand Cherokee 4xe for a plug-in-hybrid powertrain option.
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer Off-Road & Towing
The new Explorer manages to pull up to 5,000 pounds when it is properly equipped. The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers greater trailering capabilities, as this SUV is rated up to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped with the standard V-6.
As for off-roading capabilities, the Grand Cherokee takes the lead here, too. Its legendary Jeep 4x4 system is more off-road ready than the available Intelligent 4WD on the Ford SUV, although both models can easily handle slick conditions and all-terrain exploration.
Discover Trail Rated versions of the new Grand Cherokee to experience an SUV with exceptional off-road capabilities in key disciplines like traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation, and water fording.
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer Interior
The three-row Ford Explorer interior is larger than the two-row cabin of the Grand Cherokee, and both are well-appointed with comfort, convenience, and tech features.
The Explorer, like other members of the 2025 Ford SUV lineup, gets a SYNC infotainment system, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee has Uconnect technology powering its standard 8.4-inch touchscreen. The Ford SUV comes standard with a 13.2-inch touchscreen, whereas the Jeep model is available with a 10.1-inch display.
Now that we've reviewed the 2025 Ford Explorer vs. 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee, it's time to find your favorite option at Haley Automotive Group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ford Explorer bigger than a Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Yes, the Ford Explorer is bigger than a Jeep Grand Cherokee. The 2025 Explorer SUV measures 198.7 inches long, whereas the 2025 Grand Cherokee is 193.5 inches long. The Explorer also has a longer wheelbase and comes with standard three-row seating. The Jeep SUV is a two-row model with seating for up to five occupants. Compare their sizes at Haley Automotive Group.
Which is more reliable: the Jeep Grand Cherokee or Ford Explorer?
Regarding long-term reliability, it's difficult to say one model, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee or the Ford Explorer, is better than the other this early on. Both of these new 2025 models follow in the footsteps of dependable SUVs that came before them, with both the Explorer and Grand Cherokee nameplates delivering proven performance and reasonable cost of ownership.
Which is better: the Jeep Grand Cherokee or Ford Explorer?
Determining which is better, the Jeep Grand Cherokee or the Ford Explorer SUV, will likely come down to personal preference. The new Explorer is larger, more spacious, and more accommodating, featuring three-row seating, and is also more powerful and fuel-efficient when comparing the standard configurations. The new Grand Cherokee is more off-road capable and boasts a lower starting MSRP.
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1MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your dealer.
2Current Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for base vehicle. Excludes destination/delivery fee plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge. Optional equipment not included. Starting A, Z and X Plan price is for qualified, eligible customers and excludes document fee, destination/delivery charge, taxes, title and registration. Not all vehicles qualify for A, Z or X Plan. All Mustang Shelby GT350® and Shelby® GT350R prices exclude gas guzzler tax.
3Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.
4EPA-estimated 19 city MPG with 3.6L V-6 and 8-speed automatic. Actual mileage may vary. EPA-estimated 26 hwy MPG with 3.6L V-6 and 8-speed automatic. Actual mileage may vary.
5EPA-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.
6Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit www.nhtsa.gov