The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a unique blend of luxury, and capability. While other vehicles try to replicate the same feel, they can’t quite do that. And to prove it, we’ll be putting it head to head with the Ford Explorer.
Key takeaways
- The Grand Cherokee offers more than one off-road focused drivetrain, as well as terrain management systems that help ensure you remain in control.
- While the base trim is pretty sparse on features, the highest end of Grand Cherokke is leaps and bounds better than the Explorer. Really driving home the luxury feel.
- If you want to bring some off-road vehicles with you on the trails, the Grand Cherokee can get it done. Thanks to its 6,200 pound towing capacity.
Which is better off-road: Grand Cherokee
It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that the Jeep has better off-road capabilities, it is a Jeep after all. The Grand Cherokee comes with three available 4x4 systems. These are Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II worth a rear electronic slip differential.
It is even Trail Rated, showing capability in five key areas. These are traction, ground clearance, maneuverability, articulation, and water fording. When paired with the terrain management system, you’ll conquer Rock, snow, mud, and sand with ease.
While the Explorer tries its best, the drive mode selector is mainly geared for on road use, as it only has a general “off-road” selection. Not nearly as specialized as the Grand Cherokee. The Explorer does offer 4WD, but nothing like the Jeep offers.
Which has a better price: Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a lower starting price, with the first trim starting at $36,495. The Explorer’s first trim starts at $39,785. While the first few trims are pretty barebones, that changes on some of the higher trims.
When looking at the highest trim level for both models, the Grand Cherokee comes with Palmero leather seating that is heated, and ventilated for the first, and second-row.
The Grand Cherokee also comes with a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, massaging seats for the driver, and even quad-zone automatic temperature control.
The highest trim on the Explorer does offer heated seats for the first, and second row, only the first is ventilated, and when the weather starts to get hot, you’ll wish you had the extra ventilation.
Some other features you can find are tri-zone automatic temperature control, as well as a larger 13.2-inch infotainment system, compared to the Grand Cherokee’s 10.1-inch system.
Which model can tow more: Grand Cherokee
When looking at how much each model can tow, the Grand Cherokee smashes the Explorer. The Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds, making it harder to tow some larger toys for an afternoon of fun.
The Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, can tow 6,200 pounds. This lets you tow even more for a weekend of fun. If you’re an off-road enthusiast, this model will be able to take you off-road while you unload your toys for even more fun.
While the Grand Cherokee can tow more, it loses out on some mileage. When looking at the two, the Explorer has an EPA rating of 24 MPG combined. While the Grand Cherokee has an EPA rating of 22 MPG combined.
Is the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee better than the Ford Explorer?
In most ways, yes. While the Grand Cherokee isn’t perfect, it comes close. Not only does it offer more luxurious features, it also has better capabilities. This helps it seem more than a Jeep while still retaining the Jeep spirit.
If you want to join the Jeep family, we want to help. Come on down to Alan Jay CDJR here in Clewiston today for more info!