Ford Explorer vs. Jeep Grand Cherokee
2021 Ford Explorer vs. 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Make the most of your daily drive with the adventure-ready 2021 Ford Explorer or 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Both mid-size SUVs boast powerful engines, versatile interiors, and robust safety options. But which one is right for you? Read through this 2021 Ford Explorer vs. 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee comparison prepared by the team at Imlay City Ford to learn more. For the purpose of this comparison, we looked at the 2021 Ford Explorer Limited, starting at $45,005 MSRP, versus the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited X, starting at $45,270 MSRP.
If you find that the 2021 Explorer is the right SUV for you, browse our new inventory available in Imlay City, MI. Have questions? Reach out using our online contact form or by phone at (810) 724-5900.
Ford Explorer vs. Jeep Grand CherokeePower & Handling
The do-it-all nature of both the 2021 Explorer and Grand Cherokee starts with their robust engine options. In the trims we compared, the Explorer Limited provides better standard performance numbers across the board. The Explorer Limited also offers an available hybrid powertrain. Tackle tough terrain in the Explorer with the available Terrain Management System™ or in the Grand Cherokee with an available Selec-Terrain®. Both models can be had in either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations.
2021 Ford Explorer Limited Engines
| Standard | Available | |
| Engine | 2.3L EcoBoost® I4 | 3.3L Hybrid engine |
| Horsepower |
300 HP
|
318 HP
|
| Torque |
310 lb.-ft.
|
322 lb.-ft.
|
| MPG city/hwy | 21/28 | 27/28 |
| Max. Towing |
5,300 lbs.
|
5,000 lbs.
|
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited X Engines
| Standard | Available | |
| Engine | 3.6L Pentastar® V6 | 5.7L HEMI® V8 |
| Horsepower |
295 HP
|
360 HP
|
| Torque |
260 lb.-ft.
|
390 lb.-ft.
|
| MPG city/hwy | 19/26 | 14/22 |
| Max. Towing |
3,500 lbs.
|
7,200 lbs.
|
Ford Explorer vs. Jeep Grand CherokeeInterior
Support your active lifestyle with the versatile interiors of the 2021 Ford Explorer or Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Explorer Limited and Grand Cherokee Limited X both feature leather-trimmed seats, a heated and leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an eight-way power front passenger’s seat.
Interior differences between the Explorer and Grand Cherokee include:
- Configuration - The Explorer is a three-row SUV that offers seating for six or seven people, with either second-row captain’s chairs or optional bench seat for the second row. The Grand Cherokee seats five, though a three-row Grand Cherokee L is slated for release in spring 2021.
- Cargo space - Capitalize on 87.8 cubic-feet of maximum cargo volume in the Ford Explorer, versus 68.3 cubic-feet in the Grand Cherokee we compared.
- Driver’s seat - The Explorer Limited features a ten-way power driver’s seat, while the Grand Cherokee Limited X includes an eight-way power driver’s seat.
- Climate control - The Explorer features a tri-zone climate control versus a dual-zone climate control in the Grand Cherokee, as well as heated and ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. The Grand Cherokee Limited X is equipped with heated front seats.
Ford Explorer vs. Jeep Grand CherokeeExterior
Take one look at either the 2021 Ford Explorer or Jeep Cherokee and you’ll appreciate their muscular and classy exterior design. In the trims we compared, both models roll on 20-inch aluminum wheels and feature LED tail lamps and LED fog lamps. However, the Grand Cherokee Limited X includes a power sunroof, while the Explorer Limited makes a twin-panel moonroof optional. The Explorer also includes standard LED low-beam headlights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a foot-activated liftgate.
Still Have Questions?
Ford Explorer vs. Jeep Grand CherokeeTechnology
Experience your news and entertainment through either the Ford Explorer SYNC® 3 or Jeep Grand Cherokee Uconnect® 4C NAV systems. The Jeep display measures in at 8.4 inches, while the Explorer Limited includes an 8-inch touchscreen. Connect to the internet in either SUV with 4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot capabilities, and integrate your digital life into your travels with both Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® integration. The 2021 Ford Explorer Limited provides you with enhanced musical fidelity with a B&O® sound system by Bang & Olufsen with 12 speakers.
Ford Explorer vs. Jeep Grand CherokeeSafety
Bring peace of mind along for the journey when you choose either the 2021 Ford Explorer or Jeep Grand Cherokee. The 2021 Ford Explorer was named an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) 2020 Top Safety Pick+ for models manufactured after May 2020. Standard safety equipment in the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited X includes the ProTech I group, with:
- Blind spot and cross-path detection
- Parksense® rear park assist with stop
- ParkView® rear backup camera
Standard safety technology in the 2021 Ford Explorer Limited include:
- Ford Co-Pilot360™
- Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking
- BLIS® (blind spot information system)
- Cross-traffic alert
- Lane-keeping system
- Auto high-beam headlights
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+
- Intelligent adaptive cruise control
- Evasive steering assist
- Voice-activated touchscreen navigation system
- 360-degree camera
- Forward sensing system
May not represent actual vehicle. (Options, colors, trim and body style may vary)