2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Comparison Overview
The most significant immediate difference between the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Explorer starting at $40,050, which is $3,555 more than the Grand Cherokee's base price of $36,495. Performance favors the Explorer, offering 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque versus the Jeep's 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. However, the Explorer trails significantly in utility, providing only 18.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Grand Cherokee's superior 37.7 cubic feet. Fuel economy is closely matched, with the Explorer achieving a 24 MPG combined rating versus the Jeep's 22 MPG combined. Both models utilize rear-wheel drive and a standard 10-speed automatic transmission in the Explorer versus the Jeep's 8-speed unit, making the Explorer marginally more efficient on the highway at 29 MPG versus the Jeep's 26 MPG.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer offers slightly better fuel economy at 24 MPG combined and utilizes a 10-speed transmission, potentially leading to smoother highway cruising for daily travel.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers nearly double the initial cargo capacity at 37.7 cubic feet compared to the Explorer's 18.2 cubic feet, making it far more practical for family hauling.
2025 Ford Explorer
The 2025 Ford Explorer provides a measurable advantage in power output, delivering 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque over the Grand Cherokee's output.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the superior value proposition, starting at $36,495 while offering significantly more utility and competitive power specifications.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- You prioritize maximum engine output, as the Explorer provides 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- You require the slightly better efficiency profile, boasting a 24 MPG combined rating (20 city/29 highway).
- You prefer the operational familiarity of a 10-speed automatic transmission over an 8-speed unit.
Choose the Jeep Grand Cherokee if...
- Maximum cargo space is essential, given the Grand Cherokee's 37.7 cubic feet capacity, substantially larger than the Explorer's 18.2.
- You are focused on minimizing the initial purchase price, saving $3,555 at the base MSRP.
- Your daily drive requires a taller stance, as the Grand Cherokee is 0.9 inches taller (70.8 inches vs 69.9 inches).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Explorer | Jeep Grand Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198.8" | 193.5" |
| Width | 78.9" | 77.5" |
| Height | 69.9" | 70.8" |
| Wheelbase | 119.1" | 116.7" |
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 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
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 shiftable 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 | 22 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 | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
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. | 39.9 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 | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.5 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.0 in. | 38.2 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 | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
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 | P245/70R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | — |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 6.5 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.
Which vehicle offers better raw power for acceleration?
The 2025 Ford Explorer holds a measurable edge in power output, producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Jeep Grand Cherokee provides 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, meaning the Explorer has 7 more horsepower and 50 more lb-ft of torque.
How does the base MSRP and value compare between the two SUVs?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a lower entry price point at $36,495 compared to the Ford Explorer's $40,050 MSRP. Considering the nearly 20 cubic feet difference in cargo space, the Grand Cherokee presents a stronger initial value metric.
What is the trade-off in cargo volume between the 2025 Explorer and Grand Cherokee?
There is a significant disparity in standard cargo capacity; the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers 37.7 cubic feet, while the Ford Explorer is limited to 18.2 cubic feet. Buyers prioritizing utility will find the Grand Cherokee's volume nearly double that of the Explorer.
Is one vehicle significantly more fuel-efficient than the other based on these figures?
The efficiency ratings are close, with the Explorer achieving a combined 24 MPG (20 city/29 highway). The Grand Cherokee achieves 22 MPG combined (19 city/26 highway), indicating the Explorer maintains a slight advantage in fuel economy across the board.
Do both vehicles share the same drivetrain layout?
Yes, both the 2025 Ford Explorer and the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee are listed with a rear-wheel drive configuration as standard. Their transmissions differ, with the Explorer utilizing a 10-speed automatic and the Grand Cherokee using an 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Are there notable dimensional differences that affect parking or garage fit?
The Ford Explorer is longer by 5.3 inches (198.8 inches versus 193.5 inches), which might be a factor in tighter parking scenarios. Conversely, the Explorer is slightly wider (78.9 inches vs 77.5 inches) but slightly shorter in height.
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