The Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee hint their lineage again to the early Nineteen Nineties. Since then, each nameplates have advanced into trendy, high-tech household haulers that may seat as much as seven. Whereas each Ford Explorer has 3-row seating, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L provides additional seats to the Grand Cherokee lineup. A 2-row Grand Cherokee can be obtainable, however for our functions, we’re particularly speaking concerning the L variant on this comparability.
Ford and Jeep have been competing for the hearts and minds (and {dollars}) of American SUV buyers for many years, so let’s see how their midsize 3-row choices examine in 2024.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L takes the Grand Cherokee, stretches its wheelbase, and shoehorns in a 3rd row of seats. The Grand Cherokee debuted in 2021 as Jeep’s first 3-row SUV for the reason that firm stopped constructing the Commander in 2010. Jeep received the 3-row SUV proper this time. Pricing begins at $41,830, together with vacation spot fees.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L Highlights
Jeep functionality: The Jeep Grand Cherokee L has a number of all-wheel drive (AWD) techniques obtainable. Quadra-Trac I is great for all-season traction, Quadra-Trac II provides a two-speed switch case and extra drive modes, and the Quadra-Drive II system takes the aptitude up a notch with an digital limited-slip rear differential. In different phrases, the Grand Cherokee L is without doubt one of the most off-road-ready SUVs in its class.
Luxurious higher trims: Step contained in the Jeep Grand Cherokee L’s Overland, Summit, or Summit Reserve trim, and it’s possible you’ll suppose you’ve simply entered an costly Vary Rover. Luxurious choices like Palermo massaging leather-based seats, a McIntosh audio system, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof make this Jeep a premium SUV with out compromising practicality or functionality.
Muscular V8: The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is without doubt one of the solely SUVs in its class obtainable with a V8 engine, a 357-horsepower Hemi V8, which not solely offers this family-hauler muscle automotive flex but in addition will increase the Jeep’s most tow ranking as much as 7,200 kilos.
See this week’s Honest Buy Worth or see the Grand Cherokee L fashions close to you
2024 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is amongst midsize SUVs’ most acknowledged and trusted names. It rides the reputational coattails of Ford vehicles. The big variety in its mannequin vary, from the rugged Timberline to the sporty ST to the flamboyant Platinum, ensures an Explorer for everybody. Pricing begins at $38,455, together with vacation spot fees.
Ford Explorer Highlights
Roomier inside: In comparison with the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, the Ford Explorer has two extra inches of third-row legroom and yet another cubic foot of cargo area behind the third row. Which may not sound like a lot, however each inch counts in a household SUV.
Extra reasonably priced and environment friendly: In addition to the decrease beginning worth, the Ford Explorer posts a greater EPA-reported gasoline financial system estimates than the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The Explorer will get as much as 24 mixed mpg, whereas probably the most environment friendly Grand Cherokee L will get 21. That provides as much as a lot decrease gasoline prices for the Ford in the long term.
Thrilling ST mannequin: Sporty efficiency in a 3-row household hauler isn’t simply reserved for luxurious SUVs. The turbo V6-powered Explorer ST pumps out 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, and it manages the additional energy with a sport-tuned suspension system. And sure, that’s extra energy and torque than the V8 obtainable within the Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
See this week’s Honest Buy Worth or see the Explorer fashions close to you
Similarities
Each of those SUVs come normal with rear-wheel drive (RWD), which is unusual on this class. Additionally they have normal 3-row seating and can be found with AWD and highly effective engines.
Conclusion
The Ford Explorer’s decrease beginning worth, higher gasoline financial system, and barely roomier inside make it the extra sensible and thrifty possibility amongst these two midsize SUVs. Nonetheless, when you’ve got the additional coin, the Jeep Grand Cherokee flirts with luxurious SUV territory with premium options and trendy tech, plus the off-road chops of a Jeep and extra towing muscle than the Ford. The best SUV for you is determined by your finances and your priorities.
| 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L | 2024 Ford Explorer | |
| Beginning Worth | $41,830 | $38,455 |
| Well-liked Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.6-liter V6 | 2.3L turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 293 hp @ 6,400 rpm | 300 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 257 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed | 10-speed |
| Gas Economic system | 19 metropolis/26 hwy/21 mixed mpg | 21 metropolis/28 hwy/24 mixed mpg |
| Additionally Accessible | AWD, 5.7L V8 | AWD, 3.0L turbo V6 |
| Specs | ||
| Fundamental Guarantee | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Guarantee | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA General Security | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capability | 7 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 121.7 inches | 119.1 inches |
| General Size | 204.9 inches | 198.8 inches |
| Width | 77.9 inches | 78.9 inches |
| Top | 71.5 inches | 70.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.3 toes | TBD |
| Headroom, 1st Row | 39.8 inches | 40.7 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.9 inches | 40.5 inches |
| Headroom, third Row | 37.3 inches | 38.9 inches |
| Legroom, 1st Row | 41.3 inches | 43.0 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.4 inches | 39.0 inches |
| Legroom, third Row | 30.3 inches | 32.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 1st Row | 59.2 inches | 61.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.0 inches | 61.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, third Row | 51.9 inches | 54.6 inches |
| Cargo Quantity | 17.2/46.9/84.6 cubic toes | 18.2/47.9/87.8 cubic toes |
