Starting at
Starting at
27 | Combined Fuel Economy (mpg) | 21 |
87.8 | Max Cargo Space (cu.ft.) | 68.3 |
Yes | Hybrid Option | No |
7 | Seating (passangers) | 5 |
An SUV filled with entertainment tech and safety features is hot on the market these days. With our society busier than ever, people need an SUV large enough to fit the family and their gear while getting them places in style. We also want to enjoy our ride, whether near or far, and stay connected with convenience and technology. For many years now, the Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee have embodied the adventure mindset and deliver on all of our mid size adventure SUV expectations. However, if we look at the 2021 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which will go on top?
The 2021 models of each of these SUVs are quite remarkable. Staying up-to-date with technology and safety features is key in the automobile industry, and the Explorer and Grand Cherokee give us exactly what we’re looking for. When you put the two head-to-head, we can see which is more capable for a weekend adventure, which has a convenient interior, and which one has more intelligent technology that’s useful on a daily basis. So, which will it be?
If you’re on the market for a 2021 Ford Explorer or 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, you probably lead a busy life and need a midsize SUV that can keep up.
The 2021 Ford Explorer comes standard with RWD and has available 4WD for maximum capability. The intelligent 4WD comes with a Terrain Management System that has seven selectable drive modes. This makes driving the 2021 Explorer more flexible and enjoyable because you can tackle a number of terrains like snow, trails, and slippery roads. Even when you have extra gear to haul, the 2021 Explorer is there for you. With a maximum towing capability of 5,600 lbs, you can bring along that Airstream camper for a weekend trip.
For the 2021 Explorer’s engines, there’s an available 3.0L EcoBoost engine that does exactly what it suggests, gives you that extra performance boost you want for maximum capability. You can expect a maximum of 400 horsepower with this engine in the 2021 Explorer ST. If you thought high-performance metrics are only available in compact sports cars or massive trucks, think again because you get the best of both worlds in the 2021 Ford Explorer, with room for all and stellar capability.
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee was also made to drive any terrain and through a variety of road conditions. Jeep has bestowed a Trail Rated badge to the 2021 Grand Cherokee because of its great capability for off-roading and different weather and road conditions. You can even drive through up to 20 inches of water. All of this is possible with the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s available 4x4 systems that ensure proper tire tractions when it’s especially necessary. The 2021 Grand Cherokee also has a maximum towing capability of 7,200 lbs. This midsize SUV definitely stands out as a top contender for towing and off-roading capabilities.
An efficient engine is absolutely needed to keep up with the 2021 Grand Cherokee’s capability. There are a variety of engine options, the most supercharged one being a 6.2L V8 engine that gives off 707 horsepower. However, the Explorer still comes out on top.
Overall the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is not as fuel-efficient as the 2021 Ford Explorer. Here the Explorer comes out on top by offering a 3.3L V6 hybrid engine, something the Grand Cherokee cannot contribute. With the hybrid engine, the Explorer can get an EPA estimated 27 MPG combined. The Jeep Grand Cherokee does not have a hybrid engine, so the only way to save at the pump is with its 3.6L V6 engine that can get an EPA estimated 21 MPG combined. If you’re heading out for excursions and adventures quite frequently, great gas mileage might be very important to you. Despite all of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s power and capability, the 2021 Ford Explorer makes the most sense offering more flexible ways to use the SUV and better fuel economy.
Many people choose the 2021 Ford Explorer as their primary family vehicle. For a good reason, too, because of its seven-passenger seating, plus a number of features that keep all of the passengers comfortable and connected. Not to mention the Explorer’s stellar cargo system. When your crew is heading out on the road, you’re likely not just bringing the people closest to you. You’re also bringing along all of the gear needed to make for a productive outing. With both the second and third-row in use, you still have cargo space to bring along your most needed items. For cargo-heavy trips, the second and third rows can fold flat to extend your space. This makes the 2021 Explorer especially useful and versatile for a variety of needs.
Maximum comfort is available in the 2021 Ford Explorer. There’s a tri-zone climate system so everyone can get their perfect temperature, plus an available heated steering wheel and heated and cooling seats give that extra touch of premium. Other convenience features on the inside of the 2021 Explorer include an available 12.3-inch screen on the instrument cluster to customize what you see when you drive and an available 10.1-inch portrait touchscreen infotainment system to keep you connected and entertained throughout the ride.
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee has many premium interior features that are also in the 2021 Explorer, like a premium sound system and dual sunroof. The 2021 Grand Cherokee also has available luxurious leather seating and heated and ventilated seats. With all of that off-roading you’re bound to do, you should feel the most comfortable wherever you go. The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee truly does have some beautiful interior design that’s important to note for the person who likes to combine premium and rugged capability.
While the Grand Cherokee does have a maximum 68.3 cu.ft. of cargo volume, it falls to the Explorer’s maximum 87.8 cu.ft of cargo volume. Clearly if you’re looking for maximum seating and cargo storage, the 2021 Ford Explorer is your go-to midsize SUV.
Need one more reason to love the Explorer? The 2021 Ford Explorer can be equipped with a 12 speaker B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen. The Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, can't compete with its nine-speaker Alpine audio system.
There are high expectations when it comes to SUVs and technology these days. We literally want to be able to leave our homes and pick up right where we left off with innovative technology in our vehicles. The 2021 Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee deliver with high-class technology available in each of their trim levels.
Ford has partnered with Amazon Alexa to bring the Alexa voice assistant to the 2021 Explorer. Now you can do all of the things you use Alexa for in your home in your 2021 Ford Explorer. Up to ten devices can connect to the available Wi-Fi hotspot so all of your passengers can stay happy and entertained throughout the drive. Whenever your device gets low on battery, there’s an available wireless charging pad that keeps you fully charged. Finally, Ford’s innovative Active Park can help you park with a push of a button so you can take advantage of those tight parallel or perpendicular parking spots.
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee allows you to integrate your smartphone with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, a must for those who want to utilize their phone’s features while out and about. You also have the ability to utilize the available Wi-Fi hotspot in the 2021 Grand Cherokee. This allows for eight devices to stay connected while on the go.
The Jeeps UConnect app allows you to control components of your Grand Cherokee like unlocking and locking doors, remote start, and find your vehicle all through your phone. This extra convenience comes in handy when you’re coming in after an excursion or leaving a crowded event in a hurry. Both the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2021 Ford Explorer offer an available navigation system that’s essential when heading into unknown territory.
While the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee stays up-to-date with the necessary technology, it simply pales in comparison to the Ford Explorer’s technology capabilities. The 2021 Explorer has a larger touchscreen availability that has more features, more devices to connect on the Wi-Fi hotspot, and extra technology that helps fill in the details. The 2021 Grand Cherokee is definitely not lacking in the essentials, but for a busy family or group, the extra features the 2021 Explorer offers can make all the difference.