When looking for a reliable SUV to explore Sioux Falls, South Dakota, you'll likely discover that the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2023 Ford Explorer are two worthy choices. These two recent models provide impressive performance specifications, cutting-edge interior features, and an engaging driving experience, but they're certainly not identical. The team at Sioux Falls Ford has put together this guide comparing these SUVs to help make your decision easier.
Explorer vs. Grand Cherokee: Exterior
The 2023 Ford Explorer comes in eight trim levels: the Base Explorer, XLT, Limited, ST, Platinum, ST-Line, Timberline, and King Ranch. The 2023 Grand Cherokee has six: the Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve. Keep in mind that for both models, some times of the year may have limited trim level availability.
While these two SUVs carry a lot of similar equipment, the Ford Explorer has some advantages to the standard equipment on its middle and higher trims. For example, front and rear all-season tires and a panoramic roof are generally more accessible on the Ford. The Jeep Cherokee is also a bit smaller than the Ford Explorer. The latter is 198.8 inches in length, 69.9 inches in height, and 89.3 inches wide, counting side mirrors. The Jeep measures 193.5 inches in length, 70.8 inches in height, and 77.5 inches in width.
Explorer vs. Grand Cherokee: Interior Room
Before signing to buy or lease a new SUV, make sure it has adequate space for your future trips, both for passengers and cargo. The 2023 Ford Explorer series brings a remarkable passenger volume of 152.7 cubic feet, as opposed to the Jeep Cherokee's moderate 145 cubic feet. Perhaps the most important detail distinguishing the Explorer and Grand Cherokee is that the latter only has seats for up to five people, whereas the Explorer has seven. However, that doesn't necessarily mean five people would be more comfortable in the Jeep, and the key is to compare seat dimensions.
With only 41.3 inches of legroom in the front row and 38.2 inches in the back, the Jeep Grand Cherokee can seem a little more cramped compared to the Explorer, which has 43 inches in the first row and 39 inches in the back. When it comes to headroom, Ford's model has 40.7 inches in the front row and 40.5 inches in the back, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers 39.9 inches in the front and 39.4 inches in the back.
When you go on family road trips, you'll often need every bit of cargo space available. The Ford Explorer has 47.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind its second row, compared to 37.7 cubic feet in the Grand Cherokee. In total, the Explorer has 87.8 cubic feet of space with the back seats folded flat, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a maximum of 70.8 cubic feet.
Explorer vs. Grand Cherokee: Technology
The infotainment system is a crucial part of any modern vehicle, and the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee both bring a lot to the table. Bluetooth communication technology is included in the Ford SYNC and Jeep Uconnect standard systems. Controlling your favorite phone apps directly from the infotainment screen is easy, thanks to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which are included standard on both vehicles. To stay connected wherever your next journey takes you, both models also feature Wi-Fi hotspots, and you can make use of built-in turn-by-turn navigation on select trims.
The base Jeep Uconnect 5 model's 8.4-inch touch screen is smaller than the optional SYNC 3 touch screen on the Ford Explorer, which is 10.1 inches. Even the base Explorer's 8-inch screen should be enough for many drivers, but going larger doesn't cost too much.
Explorer vs. Grand Cherokee: Engine
The Explorer's 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder turbocharged engine produces a highly competitive rating of 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and it includes a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission as the sole shifter. On the other hand, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine in the Jeep Grand Cherokee can only produce 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque when paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. For more environmentally conscious drivers, both the Ford Explorer and the Grand Cherokee offer a hybrid powertrain.
Explorer vs. Grand Cherokee: Performance
The Explorer is equipped to adjust to any kind of paved surface, and many off-road paths, too. Up to seven driving modes are available for its Terrain Management System, including Normal, ECO, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Trail, and Deep Snow/Sand. Once chosen, these modes can automatically change the electrical stability control system to improve performance. The Grand Cherokee includes a similar Selec-Terrain Traction Management System, although it only has five settings.
The Explorer Hybrid offers a fuel economy of up to 27 combined city/highway mpg equivalent, whereas the Explorer purely driven by gas gets an estimated mileage of up to 24 combined mpg. The Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid offers a fuel efficiency of up to 56 combined mpg equivalent in electric mode and 23 combined mpg in hybrid mode. The gas-powered Grand Cherokee has an estimated gas mileage of up to 22 combined city/highway mpg.
While the Grand Cherokee hybrid's numbers might seem impressive, you'll find you can't use the electric mode very much, as it only manages about 26 miles at full charge. When you compare the numbers, you'll save more fuel with an Explorer or Explorer Hybrid.
Explorer vs. Grand Cherokee: Safety
Both of these SUVs have robust active and passive safety features and comprehensive suites of air bags. It's worth noting that the previous model year's Explorer received the prestigious Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ designation, the highest offered by that organization, whereas the Grand Cherokee failed to receive any sort of safety award from the IIHS due to its less-than-great performance in crash testing.
Explorer vs. Grand Cherokee: Winner
We believe the 2023 Ford Explorer is a stronger option than the 2023 Grand Cherokee overall, due to its well-balanced performance, excellent fuel economy, great safety ratings, and roomy cabin. If you're in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota, area, you're welcome to visit our dealership and take one of these vehicles for a spin. If you have any other questions about these two SUVs or want to arrange a test drive, get in touch with our team at Sioux Falls Ford, and we'll be happy to help.