2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ford Explorer leaps forward with an assertive stance and a powerhouse engine, delivering 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, making its RWD platform feel genuinely spirited. Conversely, the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L brings a commanding, taller presence at 71.5 inches in height and a more substantial footprint overall at 204.9 inches long. While the Explorer achieves a respectable 24 MPG combined, the Jeep trails slightly at 21 MPG combined, though both utilize regular unleaded fuel. For those prioritizing sheer power delivery, the Explorer’s 10-speed automatic ensures rapid engagement. The Explorer's slightly higher MSRP of $40,050 contrasts with the Jeep's $39,035 base price, giving the Jeep a slight initial cost edge. However, the Explorer's superior output and efficiency make a strong case for performance-minded drivers needing American utility.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer offers better efficiency with 24 MPG combined compared to the Jeep's 21 MPG combined.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is noticeably taller at 71.5 inches, suggesting greater headroom and interior volume appeal for family hauling.
2025 Ford Explorer
The Explorer holds a distinct performance advantage with 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque paired with a 10-speed transmission.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L wins on initial outlay, priced nearly $1,000 lower at $39,035 versus the Explorer's $40,050 MSRP.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You demand the maximum available power, evidenced by the 300 hp output.
- You prefer the quicker shifting dynamics of a 10-speed automatic transmission.
- Fuel economy is a priority, as the Explorer delivers 24 MPG combined versus 21 MPG.
Choose the Jeep Grand Cherokee L if...
- You are looking for the most affordable entry point, with an MSRP of $39,035.
- You need maximum vertical space, benefiting from the Jeep’s 71.5-inch height.
- A longer wheelbase appeals to you, as the Jeep measures 204.9 inches in length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Explorer | Jeep Grand Cherokee L |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8" | 204.9" |
| Width | 78.9" | 77.9" |
| Height | 69.9" | 71.5" |
| Wheelbase | 119.1" | 121.7" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 3.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm | 293 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm | 260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/29 MPG | 19/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 21 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 358.0/519.1 mi. | 437.0/598.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 gal. | 23.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Infotainment Display | — | 8.4 in |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.7 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.0 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.8 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.2 in. | 57.4 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.5 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.0 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.9 in. | 58.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 59.1 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P255/65R18 | 265/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 8.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
How significant is the performance difference between the two crossovers?
The difference is noticeable, as the Ford Explorer pushes out 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Jeep Grand Cherokee L sits just behind with 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, giving the Explorer the edge in raw acceleration feeling.
Which vehicle is the more practical choice for city driving efficiency?
The Explorer is the slightly thriftier choice for daily driving, quoting 20 MPG city versus the Grand Cherokee L's 19 MPG city. Both utilize regular unleaded, keeping running costs predictable for commuters.
Does the size difference impact usability?
Yes, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L is significantly longer at 204.9 inches compared to the Explorer's 198.8 inches, which might affect parking ease. Conversely, the Jeep is taller (71.5 inches vs. 69.9 inches), potentially offering a commanding view of the road.
Which vehicle offers better overall value based on the MSRP?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L presents a lower barrier to entry with its $39,035 MSRP, beating the Explorer’s $40,050 price tag. This nearly $1,000 difference is a significant factor for budget-conscious buyers.
Is the cargo space substantially different between the two SUVs?
The published cargo figures show a slight edge to the Explorer, offering 18.2 cubic feet versus the Jeep's 17.2 cubic feet. This modest difference might not be critical unless you frequently maximize trunk space.
Which vehicle uses a more advanced transmission setup?
The 2025 Ford Explorer features a modern 10-speed automatic transmission, whereas the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
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