The Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer debate makes sense. Both SUVs can support families, each comes with helpful safety features, and both have strong reliability records. So, how can you begin to split the two? Well, if traits such as performance and capability factor into your decision, the choice becomes a lot easier.
At Ray Price Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, it's our job to keep those around Mount Pocono, Tobyhanna, Scranton, Stroudsburg, and East Stroudsburg informed. Part of how we do this is by creating comparison articles such as this Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer piece!
Grand Cherokee vs Explorer: Engine Options
There are a host of engine options for both the 2021 Ford Explorer and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. To be exact, there are four from Jeep and three from Ford. Having choices is a good thing. Yet, if your choice is to have as much horsepower and torque as possible, the Grand Cherokee is the obvious call.
At the top of the Grand Cherokee engine lineup is a sizzling 6.2L V8 which makes 707 horsepower, 645 lb-ft of torque, and will motivate your SUV from 0-60 MPH in just 3.5 seconds. You don't need to step up to this V8 for absurd power, either. Here are the other three motors:
- 6.4L V8 that makes 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque
- 5.7L HEMI® V8 that makes 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque
- 3.6L V6 that makes 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque
Ford does an admirable job of giving the Explorer performance power, yet it doesn't match its Jeep counterpart. The strongest motor is a 3.0L V6 tuned to make 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The other two motors are a 2.3L 4-cylinder and 3.3L Hybrid which both make between 300-318 horsepower and 310-322 lb-ft of torque.
Maximum Towing Capacity
Models such as the Ford Explorer and the Jeep Grand Cherokee are often tasked with towing responsibilities. If you have a trailer full of gear you want to bring on vacation or a boat, or you're eager to get on the water, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is the more able and willing companion.
It's not like the Explorer is completely out of its depth when towing. Depending on how you configure the performance, towing will range from a minimum of 5,000 pounds to a maximum of 5,600 pounds. It's just that the minimum towing capacity of the Grand Cherokee, which measures 6,200 pounds with the V6 engine, is higher than anything you'll get with the Explorer. And then if you want to step it up a notch, the Jeep SUV has a maximum towing capacity of 7,200 pounds!
Jeep Grand Cherokee is Stronger, More Able than the Ford Explorer
With loads more performance and superior towing, the Jeep Grand Cherokee makes a strong case for itself vs. the Ford Explorer. Come by Ray Price CDJR and you can test out the Grand Cherokee near Mount Pocono, Tobyhanna, Scranton, Stroudsburg, and East Stroudsburg.