2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2026 Ford Explorer
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee launches with rugged DNA, boasting a standard 293 hp engine and a respectable 37.7 cu ft of cargo space, signaling a focus on traditional SUV utility from a starting MSRP of $36,495. Meanwhile, the longer 2026 Ford Explorer enters the fray with superior power, delivering 300 hp and a commanding 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a more efficient 24 combined MPG. The Explorer's 10-speed automatic transmission hints at smoother acceleration compared to the Jeep's 8-speed unit. While the Jeep offers substantially more usable space with its cargo capacity nearly doubling the Explorer's 16.3 cu ft, the Ford edges ahead in efficiency and sheer grunt. Both share a RWD bias, but the Explorer’s slightly wider stance (78.9 inches) promises a planted feel, contrasting with the Jeep's emphasis on vertical presence (70.8 inches high).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 24 combined MPG versus the Jeep's 22 combined MPG.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee is the clear winner for families, offering a cavernous 37.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Explorer's smaller 16.3 cu ft.
2026 Ford Explorer
Enthusiasts will prefer the Explorer for its significantly higher torque rating of 310 lb-ft and its advanced 10-speed automatic transmission.
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee presents better immediate value, starting at a lower MSRP of $36,495 compared to the Explorer’s $38,330.
Choose the Jeep Grand Cherokee if...
- You prioritize massive interior utility, evidenced by 37.7 cu ft of standard cargo capacity.
- You want the lowest starting price point among the two, listed at $36,495 MSRP.
- You prefer a taller profile, as the Jeep stands at 70.8 inches high, suggesting better headroom.
Choose the Ford Explorer if...
- Maximum on-road performance is key, leveraging the 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- You want the efficiency advantage, achieving 29 MPG on the highway versus the Jeep's 26 MPG.
- You desire the latest gearbox technology, utilizing the smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Jeep Grand Cherokee | Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 193.5" | 198.8" |
| Width | 77.5" | 78.9" |
| Height | 70.8" | 69.9" |
| Wheelbase | 116.7" | 119.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Jeep | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear 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 |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | — |
| 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 Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags (with Head Protection Chamber) | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Jeep | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.6 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 293 hp @ 6400 rpm | 300 hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Jeep | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Jeep | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 19/26 MPG | 20/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 437.0/598.0 mi. | 358.0/519.1 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 23.0 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Jeep | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Jeep | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.4 in | — |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Jeep | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Jeep | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 40.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.3 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.2 in. | 61.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.4 in. | 59.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Jeep | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.4 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.2 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.0 in. | 61.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 59.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Jeep | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 6.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P245/70R17 | P255/65R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 18 in |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Jeep | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Jeep | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2026 Ford Explorer.
Which crossover offers better outright power: the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee or the 2026 Ford Explorer?
The 2026 Ford Explorer takes the performance crown with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This significantly outmuscles the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which provides 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.
If cargo room is critical, which vehicle should I select?
The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the undisputed champion for hauling gear, boasting an expansive 37.7 cu ft of cargo capacity. This volume nearly triples the 2026 Ford Explorer's stated 16.3 cu ft.
How do their fuel economy ratings compare for daily driving?
The 2026 Ford Explorer maintains a slight edge in efficiency across the board, achieving 24 combined MPG (20 city/29 highway). The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee lags slightly with 22 combined MPG (19 city/26 highway).
Is there a significant price difference between the base models?
Yes, the Jeep Grand Cherokee enters the ring with a more attractive entry price of $36,495 MSRP. The 2026 Ford Explorer commands a premium at $38,330 MSRP.
Do both vehicles use the same drive layout?
Both crossovers utilize a rear-wheel drive-based architecture, meaning they share the fundamental RWD drive type for their standard configurations. They both employ an automatic transmission as well.
Which vehicle has a physically larger footprint on the road?
The 2026 Ford Explorer is the larger vehicle overall, measuring 198.8 inches in length and 78.9 inches in width. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is shorter at 193.5 inches long and slightly narrower.
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