VS
At a Glance
Power
300hp @ 5500
324hp @ 6000
Torque
310lb-ft @ 3500
332lb-ft @ 3000
Fuel
24 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Towing
5000lbs
6200lbs
Engine
2.3 L/140ci
2.0 L/122ci
Choosing between the Ford Explorer and the Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Explorer delivers 300hp @ 5500 while the Jeep Grand Cherokee produces 324hp @ 6000. On fuel, the Explorer returns 24 mpg est. while the Grand Cherokee uses 24 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $52,965 for the Explorer and $38,920 for the Grand Cherokee. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Ford ExplorerPlatinum 4WD 2026 - From $52,965
Jeep Grand CherokeeLimited 4x4 2026 - From $38,920
Performance
Power Output (hp)
300hp @ 5500
324hp @ 6000
Torque (lb-ft)
310lb-ft @ 3500
332lb-ft @ 3000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140ci
2.0 L/122ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
—
8
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
Four Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
24 mpg est.
24 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
20 (Est)mpg
21mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
27 (Est)mpg
26mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
17.9gal
23gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
198.8in
193.5in
Width (in)
78.9in
77.5in
Height (in)
70.2in
70.8in
Wheelbase (in)
119.1in
116.7in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4457lbs
4413lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
5000lbs
6200lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Jeep Grand Cherokee
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Grand Cherokee
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Grand Cherokee
Practicality
Grand Cherokee
Pros & Cons
Ford Explorer
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Lower starting price ($38,920)
Higher towing capacity (6200lbs)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Explorer or Grand Cherokee?
The Explorer gets 24 mpg est. and the Grand Cherokee gets 24 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Grand Cherokee is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Explorer or Grand Cherokee?
The Explorer produces 300hp @ 5500 and 310lb-ft @ 3500 of torque while the Grand Cherokee delivers 324hp @ 6000 and 332lb-ft @ 3000 of torque. The Grand Cherokee is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Explorer and Grand Cherokee?
The Explorer starts from $52,965 and the Grand Cherokee from $38,920. The Grand Cherokee is cheaper by $14,045 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Explorer or Grand Cherokee?
The Explorer has a braked towing capacity of 5000lbs and the Grand Cherokee can tow 6200lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Explorer or the Grand Cherokee?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.