2020 Ford Explorer vs Jeep Cherokee

It’s time to boldly strike out on an adventure in your next new SUV. The 2020 Ford Explorer and the 2020 Jeep Cherokee are popular with many Boone and Morganton drivers—but which can handle your daily drive better? In this car comparison, we want to help you decide.

See the 2020 Ford Explorer vs. Jeep Cherokee showdown you’ve been waiting for! Newland and Lenoir shoppers can examine these SUVs in detail, then contact us at Cloninger Ford Morganton to learn more.

Explorer vs Cherokee: A Performance Rivalry

We live in the age of hyperbole. Everyone craves the biggest and the best—and when it comes to SUVs, that means more power. The 2020 Explorer and the Cherokee have some potent powertrains in their lineups.

The Jeep Cherokee offers an available V6 engine that cranks out 271 horsepower. It’s a strong total for the crossover, but the mighty Ford Explorer is even more robust. Awe-inspiring power awaits in the ST trim that features an EcoBoost® V6 engine with 400 horsepower on tap!

Both SUVs make off-roading key to their appeal. A Terrain Management System™ is standard on all 4WD Ford Explorer models, and the Jeep Cherokee offers similar terrain modes. For towing muscle, however, the Explorer’s 5,600-pound capacity outpaces the Cherokee’s 4,500-pound limit.  

A Tablet Touchscreen? New Ford Technology

Your travels may take you far beyond Boone and Morganton. The longest journeys demand connectivity to your music, your friends and family, and—of course—the road ahead.

The Ford Explorer and the Jeep Cherokee accomplish this with innovative and intuitive infotainment. SYNC® 3 in the Ford SUV, as well as its Jeep counterpart, provide touchscreen convenience and a smartphone interface to boot. Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ come standard in both vehicles.

The redesigned Explorer, though, comes with some exclusive new features. Use its available 10.1-inch portrait touchscreen to queue up directions or message your favorite people back home. That vertical setup gives it a tablet-like feel that’s both familiar and laid back!

Room for Adventure: Cargo Space & Storage

The most significant difference between the 2020 Explorer and the Cherokee may be one of size. The Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV, while the Jeep Cherokee is a compact SUV. This gives the advantage to the Ford when it comes to cabin room and cargo space.

Three rows of seats allow the Explorer to seat up to six or seven people in comfort. While the 2-row Cherokee is quite cozy, it only makes space for five passengers. If you don’t need the third-row seats in the Explorer, available PowerFold® seats fold flat and out of the way.

This leaves you with more room for cargo. The Ford Explorer has 47.9 cubic feet of storage space behind the second-row seats. In the same configuration, the Jeep Cherokee can only muster 25.8 cubic feet.

Ford Explorer vs Jeep Cherokee: The Verdict

We hope Newland and Lenoir shoppers have found this car comparison helpful! The 2020 Ford Explorer and the Jeep Cherokee are compelling choices as SUVs for drivers in Morganton and Boone. Both are rugged and ready for action.

In the end, though, the new Explorer is more spacious, powerful, and capable—with a few tech features you won’t find from the competition. If you think it may be the perfect adventure vehicle for you, simply schedule a test drive at Cloninger Ford Morganton. We’ll get you in the driver’s seat today!