2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Ford Explorer Quick Facts
 | 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2021 Ford Explorer |
EPA-estimated V6 MPG | 19/26 city/highway MPG | 18/24 city/highway MPG |
Maximum horsepower | 707 horsepower | 400 horsepower |
Standard engine | 3.6L Pentaster® V6 | 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 |
Configurations | 7 trim levels | 6 trim levels |
Maximum number of seats | 5 passengers | 7 passengers |
Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Ford Explorer Horsepower and Towing Specs
You work hard, so you play hard, too. Both the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer are on your level with their V6 engine power that offers some hefty capability. If you're going to be towing a trailer with a couple ATVs or bringing a pop-up camper with you on your next hike, you'll be able to tow well over 5,000 pounds in either SUV. Although you can haul a heavier load with the Jeep, as you can see in the table below:
 | 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2021 Ford Explorer |
V6 Engine | Standard 3.6L Pentastar® V6 | Available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 |
Maximum V6 Towing Capacity | 6,200 pounds | 5,600 pounds |
The Jeep Grand Cherokee also has three available V8 engines that can boost your output to a maximum of 707 horsepower and take your towing capacity to a maximum of 7,200 when properly equipped.
Advanced Handling Capabilities: Grand Cherokee vs Explorer
Now, let's hit the trail! Both the 2021 Grand Cherokee and Explorer are ready to go with their available 4-wheel drive (4WD) systems that include a drive mode system. This system allows you to highly optimize your handling capabilities for the exact conditions you face. Simply choose between several different drive modes in either SUV, including modes for:
If the road ahead is especially bumpy, however, you may have a smoother ride in the Jeep Grand Cherokee thanks to the available Quadra-Lift® Air Suspension.
This gives your Jeep four different suspension heights to choose from whether you're off-roading, cruising down an open highway, or parked. Choose Off-Road 1 or Off-Road 2 to extend your suspension height on rocky or wet trails. Then, lower your suspension in Aero mode to reduce drag on the highway.
Unfortunately, the Ford Explorer doesn't offer a similar feature, so your ride may be less optimized overall than it would be in the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Exterior Dimensions and Off-Road Readiness
No matter what the path ahead may put in your way, both the Jeep Gran Cherokee and Ford Explorer are up for the challenge. Both have standard 18-inch wheels or available 20-inch wheels that sit you high above the trail and increase your traction control.
You get a little more ride height with the Jeep, though, as you can see here:
- Jeep Grand Cherokee Standard Ground Clearance:Â 8.5 inches
- Ford Explorer Standard Ground Clearance:Â 7.9 inches
Not only does the Grand Cherokee have a higher standard ground clearance, but it can also boost its ride height to 10.8 inches with the available Quadra-Lift® Air Suspension. With its lower ride height, the Explorer may not be as adept at fording through water or climbing over big rocks as the Jeep.
Will You Adventure in the Jeep Grand Cherokee or Ford Explorer?
When it's time to hit the trail in the Sunbury, Lewisburg, and Danville, PA, areas, will you be behind the wheel of the Jeep Grand Cherokee or Ford Explorer? If you like what the Jeep brings to the table, then reach out to the team at B. Z. Motors CDJRF to get behind the wheel.
Contact us to test drive the Grand Cherokee today!
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