Ford Explorer vs Jeep Grand Cherokee

Technology, performance, and versatility—they’re qualities we all look for in a midsize SUV. Morganton and Newland families have plenty of incredible options, including the 2020 Ford Explorer and 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While each vehicle broadcasts adventure, only one can earn a spot in your driveway.

See these two SUVs go head to head in this car comparison. We’ll evaluate the qualities you care about most in a vehicle. Learn which one is perfect for your Lenoir or Boone drives, and contact us at Cloninger Ford Morganton for more information!

Explorer vs Grand Cherokee: Technology

Connectivity reaches new levels in the Explorer and Grand Cherokee. Infotainment plays a star role in both—and you’re the conductor. From those sleek touchscreens, you can control key features and apps on the go.

Ford SYNC® 3 and its Jeep equivalent make it easy to connect smartphones. Use Android Auto™ or Apple CarPlay™ for the most intuitive experience. You’ll have your playlists just one swipe away—along with all your contacts and go-to map apps.

The Ford SUV has been fully redesigned for 2020, and it offers state-of-the-art features you won’t find in the Jeep Grand Cherokee. These include a portrait touchscreen and a fully digital instrument panel, both available on higher trim levels.

A Performance that Drives You Forward

You want a muscular drive from your next new SUV. The Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee deliver on this front with some of the most potent powertrains on the market.

Under the hood of the base Grand Cherokee is a vigorous 3.6L V6 with 295 horsepower on tap. It’s nearly as robust as the 2.3L EcoBoost® 4-cylinder in the base Ford Explorer. The latter serves up 300 horsepower and may feel even livelier with that turbocharger. 

The Explorer also offers a 10-speed automatic transmission, with more gears to enhance efficiency. Fittingly, it can achieve better fuel economy ratings than the Grand Cherokee. While the former tops out with an EPA-estimated 28 combined MPG, the Jeep sees just 21 combined MPG at its most efficient.

Interior Amenities for the Whole Family

There’s no doubt about it: The Explorer and Grand Cherokee are roomy vehicles. The Explore has space for more passengers, though, as it comes standard with a third row. It can seat up to six or seven people, while the two-row Grand Cherokee makes room for no more than five.

You can relax in any weather with optional heated and cooled front seats. In the Ford SUV, multicontour seats with Active Motion® offer massage programs. It’s the perfect way to support and rejuvenate your back on long journeys. The Jeep, unfortunately, lacks such a feature.  

Need storage space? The Grand Cherokee can swallow up 68.3 cubic feet of your gear with the rear seats folded. While that’s a solid total, the Explorer has a cavernous 87.8 cubic feet in the same configuration.

Ford Explorer vs Jeep Grand Cherokee: The Verdict

So, all you Morganton and Lenoir shoppers—which midsize SUV will it be? The 2020 Ford Explorer and 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee make strong cases for themselves across many categories.

However, we think you’ll like the efficiency, advanced tech, and cozy, spacious cabin of the Explorer. See what you think: Schedule a test drive at Cloninger Ford Morganton today. We’ll get you behind the wheel to see if this SUV can handle your Boone or Newland adventures!