Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer: SUV Smackdown

After the full-size pickup, the mid-sized SUV is America’s favorite way to get around. This segment has been around for a long time, but the competition didn’t really heat up until Ford sent a shot across the bow with the launch of the Ford Explorer in 1990. Fast forward to 2025, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer are still neck and neck in fierce competition.

This Major World article is an SUV smackdown: Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer. We look at the pros and cons of each SUV to help you decide. Let’s get into it!

Is a Used Jeep Grand Cherokee The Right SUV for You?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the best-selling Jeep model in the United States and one of the best-selling mid-sized SUVs overall. 

The fourth-generation Grand Cherokee, sold from 2011 to 2022, is an choice option for used SUV buyers. This sleek model boasts the advanced Quadra-Trac 4WD system and offers five(!) hearty engine choices, ranging from the 295-horsepower 3.6L Pentastar V6 to the incredibly powerful 707-horsepower supercharged 6.2L Hemi V8 found in the Trackhawk variant.

The latest fifth-generation Grand Cherokee (WL) was launched in 2021. Low-mileage used models of this generation, which look nearly identical to the new ones in showrooms, are available at a fraction of the cost. The latest iteration focuses on enhancing technology and in-car entertainment, featuring 8.4-inch or 10.1-inch high-resolution touchscreen displays.

Check our selection of low-mileage used Jeep Grand Cherokees right here

4 Reasons Why a Used Jeep Grand Cherokee is the Better Buy

1: Quadra-Lift Air Suspension: 

This off-road option allows for adjustable ride height, providing up to 11.1 inches of ground clearance, which the Ford Explorer cannot match by a long shot. With or without Quadra-Lift, the Grand Cherokee is unquestionably superior off the pavement. 

2: Powerful Engine Options: 

Includes a 3.6L V6 with 290 hp, a 5.7L V8 with 360 hp, and the supercharged 6.4L V8 in the SRT8 model with 470 hp. Ford no longer offers a V8 in the Explorer, and the Explorer ST isn’t quite as powerful as the SRT8. 

3: Advanced 4×4 Systems: 

Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II systems offer superior off-road capability to almost everything on the market. The Ford Explorer’s AWD system is plenty capable for snow and mud, but it’s not intended for legit 4×4 work and overlanding. 

4: uConnect Infotainment System:

This may be a personal preference, but many people swear by uConnect and prefer it to Ford’s SYNC. uConnect features Bluetooth connectivity, hands-free accessibility, and voice prompts with a choice of 8-inch or 10-inch touchscreens. 

Would a Used Ford Explorer Be Your Best Bet for Your Next SUV?

There were plenty of mid-sized SUVs around, but Ford was one of the first companies to build an SUV for the way most people were actually using them. The first Ford Explorer could handle muddy roads and snow, but it was just as comfortable shuttling the kids to school and getting dad to work. It was one of the first “civilized” SUVs. 

The Ford Explorer still serves that role all these years (and generations) later. The latest Explorer is the sixth generation (2020-present), and it has just about every tech option you can imagine on the table. Even the base model with the willing 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine comes well equipped. It also sips gas while delivering up to 29 mpg and a massive 310 lb-ft of low-end torque, more than most naturally aspirated V6s by the way. 

Check our selection of low-mileage used Ford Explorers right here.

4 Reasons Why a Used Ford Explorer is the Better Buy

1: Passenger Room & Comfort

A used Ford Explorer offers more legroom for the rear seat and third-row passengers vs the Grand Cherokee. If you’re looking at a 2019 or older, the Explorer has even more advantages because it offers a standard third-row bench, and the Grand Cherokee didn’t until the longer Grand Cherokee L came out in 2019—now that’s the only model with a 3rd row. 

2: Cargo Room

This one’s simple. The current gen (2020-present) Ford Explorer and the one before it both have significantly more cargo room for your stuff than the Jeep Grand Cherokee. With seats folded: 88 square feet for the Explorer and only 70 square feet for the Grand Cherokee. A Ford Explorer even has more cargo room than Jeep’s new longer Grand Cherokee L (though the margin is just a few feet there). 

3: Comfortable Ride

The Ford Explorer is a unibody design vs the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s ladder frame. While hardcore off-roaders prefer body-on-frame, the truth is that unibody vehicles tend to be a little lighter, ride nicer, and have fewer squeaks and rattles in the long run. We’d go as far as to say the Explorer has the most settled and chill ride of any SUV in its class. 

4: Fuel Economy

Gas isn’t getting any cheaper. Not only has Ford offered a Ford Explorer Hybrid version since 2016, but its regular models beat the Jeep Grand Cherokee for MPG across the board thanks to Ford’s advanced Ecoboost turbocharged engine. If you want the least thirsty Explorer of all, go for the HEV (High-Efficiency Vehicle) version with rear-wheel drive—it gets 29 mpg highway, which is incredible for an SUV this size. The regular Explorer still delivers 20 city / 27 highway to the Jeep’s 18 city / 25 highway (V6) or 14 city / 22 highway for the V8. 

Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer Summary

Here’s a TL;DR for you. 

If you plan on going off-road for real or prefer a more truck-like SUV with V6 and V8 power, a used Jeep Grand Cherokee is what you want. The Jeep Grand Cherokee had overlanding bona fides the Explorer couldn’t hope to match. It stands up the Jeep reputation proudly. It also has the best AWD/4WD system for driving in deep, unplowed snow and sand. 

If you’re driving on regular roads, snow, gravel, and muddy roads and drive a lot, a used Ford Explorer is a better choice. It’s more comfortable, with punchy turbocharged engines that achieve up to 29 mpg highway. It also offers more room for passengers, standard third-row seating, and significantly more cargo space than the Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L.

Major World: The Best Place in Queens for Low-Mileage Used SUVs

For more than 20 years, Queens residents have known that Major World is the place to go for the coolest pre-owned SUV at the hottest prices. No cap. So what are you waiting for? Come on down!

Shop online for your perfect used SUV in our online search portal before you get here!

Major World’s no-nonsense financing process is the best in the business. You can even pre-qualify yourself right now to save time, and it won’t ding your credit. 

Don’t settle for less than the best used SUV dealer in Queens. You deserve the Major World standard of customer care. Give us a call now at (866) 614-2884

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