Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs Ford Explorer

Engine and fuel capacity: The Jeep Grand Cherokee L engine is a 3.6-liter V6 engine. The Jeep SUV has a 23-gallon fuel capacity. A 2.3-liter inline-4 engine is standard in the Ford Explorer, and the Ford SUV has a 17.9-gallon fuel capacity.

Drivetrain: Both the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Ford Explorer have standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) or standard or available four-wheel drive (4WD) depending on the trim level.

Driving range: The Jeep SUV provides a best-in-class driving range. You’ll get up to 437 city miles and 598 highway miles. The Ford Explorer has a driving range of only 376 city miles and 501 highway miles.

Towing capacity: The Jeep Grand Cherokee L can tow up to a maximum of 6,200 pounds when properly equipped. The Ford SUV only tows a maximum of 5,600 pounds and you need the Class IV Trailer Tow Package.

Off-road driving: Jeeps are famous for their off-road capabilities. The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is no exception. Depending on the trim level, your Jeep SUV will sport a Trail Rated badge. This signifies that it has undergone off-road testing ground clearance, traction, articulation, and maneuverability. You won’t find such a badge on any of the Ford SUV trim levels.

Seating capacity: The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee interior features three rows and seats six or seven passengers, depending on the configuration. The Ford Explorer is also a three-row SUV that seats seven. 

Seating materials: Both the Ford and Jeep SUVs have standard cloth seating. Higher Jeep Grand Cherokee L trim levels add a touch of luxury with vinyl, simulated suede/leatherette, or Nappa leather seats. Higher trim levels of the Ford Explorer offer leather seats.

Cargo space: The Grand Cherokee interior provides 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and a maximum cargo space of 84.6 cubic feet behind the first row. Behind the third row, the Ford SUV has 18.2 cubic feet and a maximum of 87.8 cubic feet behind the first row.

Convenience: Both full size SUVs have keyless entry, but only the Jeep Grand Cherokee L has keyless start as standard. The Ford and the Jeep SUV also have standard cruise control, but you’ll only find standard adaptive cruise control in the Jeep. When the weather turns chilly, only the Jeep has an optional heated steering wheel.

Specs: With a wheelbase of 121.7 inches, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L has the largest wheelbase in its class. The Ford Explorer has a wheelbase of 119.1 inches. The Jeep SUV is also taller and longer at 71.5 inches tall and 204.9 long, compared to the Ford SUV, which is 70.2 inches tall and 198.8 inches long.

Infotainment: The Jeep SUV features Uconnect® 5 with a 10.1-inch touchscreen. There’s also an optional 10.3-inch front-passenger display. The Ford SUV has SYNC® 3 with a standard 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Sound system: For those who love an entertainment experience in their vehicle, The Jeep Grand Cherokee L offers an available state-of-the-art McIntosh® system with 19 custom-designed speakers, a 10-inch subwoofer, and a 17-channel amplifier that delivers up to 950 watts of power. The Ford Explorer has a Bang and Olufsen® sound system with 12 or 14 speakers and a subwoofer.