If you’re shopping for an SUV that offers venerable performance and off-road capability, there’s a good chance you’re comparing the 2021 Ford Explorer or the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Although both SUVs deliver impressive performance specs and are top performers in their segment, we think you’ll agree that the new Jeep Grand Cherokee is a great choice. To show you what we mean, we’ve compared the Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer below. Compare their specs side-by-side!

Explorer or Grand Cherokee: Performance

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021 Ford Explorer deliver noteworthy performance capabilities to Louisville drivers who want to upgrade their daily commutes and weekend adventures:

• The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers four engine options for car shoppers in Louisville to choose from.
• The Ford Explorer only offers three. The Explorer’s base engine delivers slightly more power, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s top engine offers twice as much horsepower as the Ford Explorer’s.

Below, we’ve listed the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer engines:

Jeep Grand Cherokee Engines

3.6L V6 Engine:

• 293 hp
• 269 lb-ft of torque
• 19 mpg city/ 26 mpg highway EPA-estimated Fuel Economy
• 3,500-pound towing capacity

6.4L V8 SRT® HEMI® MDS Engine:

• 475 hp
• 470 lb-ft of torque
• 13 mpg city/ 19 mpg highway EPA-estimated Fuel Economy
• 7,200-pound towing capacity

6.2L Supercharged HEMI® V8 SRT Engine:

• 707 hp
• 645 lb-ft
• 11 mpg city/ 17 mpg highway EPA-estimated Fuel Economy
• 7,200-pound towing capacity

Ford Explorer Engines

2.3L EcoBoost I-4

• 300 hp
• 310 lb-ft of torque
• 21 mpg city/ 28 mpg highway EPA-estimated Fuel Economy
• 5,300-pound towing capacity

3.0L EcoBoost V6

• 400 hp
• 415 lb-ft of torque
• 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway EPA-estimated Fuel Economy
• 5,600-pound towing capacity

3.3L Hybrid

• 318 hp
• 322 lb-ft of torque
• 23 mpg city/26 mpg highway EPA-estimated Fuel Economy
• 5,000-pound towing capacity

Explorer or Grand Cherokee: Off-Road Ability

Is off-roading one of your favorite pastimes? When you want to take the road less traveled, the Jeep Grand Cherokee makes a better vehicle of choice. The Grand Cherokee boasts rugged 4×4 technology and also features off-road amenities for easier and safer towing. The Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management System™ offered on the Jeep Grand Cherokee includes the following features:

• Hill Descent Control ™
• 180-degree camera with split-view and washer
• AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control ™
• LED Headlamps with Auto High Beams

On the Ford Explorer, you’ll get a Terrain Management System with selectable drive modes for up to seven different driving conditions. However, in testing, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Terrain Management System™ outperforms the Ford Explorer’s system every time.

Test Drive a Jeep Grand Cherokee Today!

When you compare the Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer, it’s easy to see that not only does the Grand Cherokee offer more engines, but it’s also better suited for off-roading around Louisville. Ready to get behind the wheel of the Grand Cherokee? Contact us online or give us a call at 502-305-7503 to schedule a test drive or learn about the Jeep Grand Cherokee L trims, and more. Be sure to browse our new vehicle specials for offers on a new Jeep SUV, learn about the Jeep Grand Cherokee towing, or preview the new 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 if you are still weighing your options.