When it comes to SUVs, a few models stand above the rest. The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021 Ford Explorer are two of the most well-known vehicles in their class. This is fitting because both SUVs have plenty going for them.
Which one will be the best choice for driving around Madison, Hamilton, and Smyrna, NY? Our Friendly Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Hamilton team has an inside scoop. Read our Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Ford Explorer vehicle comparison below to find out which SUV is right for you!
Whether you’re dealing with inclement weather, traveling with your family for a weekend excursion, or leaving the asphalt behind in search of the perfect place to camp, SUVs excel in all types of conditions with lots of dependability. In terms of sheer variety in trim levels, the Grand Cherokee edges out the Explorer with far more options.
The Jeep includes seven standard trims including Laredo E, Limited, Trailhawk®, Overland, Summit, SRT®, and Trackhawk®. Plus, you can get five limited edition trims like 80th Anniversary, Laredo X, Limited X, High Altitude, and Freedom. Whew!
With the Ford Explorer, you’ll choose among the entry level XLT, Limited, ST, King Ranch®, and Platinum trims. A good amount, but the Jeep offers more.
As a result of this diversity, the Grand Cherokee has what it takes to allow you to customize your driving experience to fit in with your sensibilities.
Consider yourself well entertained in the Jeep Grand Cherokee. An amazingly generous 19 speakers, supported by the available Harman Kardon® Premium Audio System, fit into the Jeep. Plus, your rear seat passengers can look forward to a treat. Add the available Blu-Ray Compatible Screen Video and the Rear Seat Video System to the back for movie night or afternoon.
At its best, the Ford Explorer gives you the optional 14-speaker B&O™ Sound System by Bang & Olufsen, but no video system for the back.
While both the Grand Cherokee and the Explorer provide you with several possibilities for what you have propelling you under the hood, it’s the Grand Cherokee that successfully comes out on top in terms of sheer output.
The 3.6L Pentastar® V6 engine can generate as much as 295 horsepower, and the 5.7L HEMI® engine gives you 360 horsepower. The 6.4L SRT® V8 engine boasts as much as 475 horsepower, and the 6.2L Supercharged V8 engine produces a beastly 707.
The Explorer’s four engines give you a lot less oomph. The 2.3L EcoBoost® puts out 300 horsepower, the 3.3L V6 Hybrid can reach 318 horsepower, and the 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 supplies you with 365 horsepower. The Enhanced 3.0L EcoBoost® V6, exclusive to the ST trim, can produce a maximum of 400 horsepower–impressive, but still less than the Jeep.
There’s a good chance that you’re considering one of these SUVs because you need it to tow toys or tools. Both give you substantial towing power, but which one exceeds the other?
If you choose the Jeep Grand Cherokee, you’ll be granted best-in-class towing capability. It sports a maximum towing capacity of 7,200 pounds, so it can handle massive equipment, large boats, and trailers.
Ford Explorer adopters will get up to 5,600 pounds of towing, so it really comes down to what you need to accomplish your personal and work tasks. Make sure you figure out how much you need and what works for your lifestyle.
Want to learn more about the Jeep Grand Cherokee? Check out our library of reviews and comparisons.
Although the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021 Ford Explorer are both solid SUV options, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is the better choice. With more power in the engine department and higher ground clearance, it excels in all types of situations. It’s just as capable on a dusty trail as it is cruising down the highway.
Plus, with its numerous trim options, there’s a Jeep Grand Cherokee to fit in with everyone’s lifestyle.
If you’re in Madison, Hamilton, or Smyrna and want to learn more about the Jeep Grand Cherokee, contact us at Friendly CDJR of Hamilton today! We’ll be sure to get you set up with a test drive that best suits your schedule.
