The Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee trace their lineage back to the early 1990s. Since then, both nameplates have evolved into modern, high-tech family haulers that can seat up to seven. While every Ford Explorer has 3-row seating, the Jeep Grand Cherokee L adds extra seats to the Grand Cherokee lineup. A 2-row Grand Cherokee is also available, but for our purposes, we’re specifically talking about the L variant in this comparison.
Ford and Jeep have been competing for the hearts and minds (and dollars) of American SUV shoppers for decades, so let’s see how their midsize 3-row options compare in 2024.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L takes the Grand Cherokee, stretches its wheelbase, and shoehorns in a third row of seats. The Grand Cherokee debuted in 2021 as Jeep’s first 3-row SUV since the company stopped building the Commander in 2010. Jeep got the 3-row SUV right this time. Pricing starts at $41,830, including destination charges.
Jeep Grand Cherokee L Highlights
Jeep capability: The Jeep Grand Cherokee L has multiple all-wheel drive (AWD) systems available. Quadra-Trac I is excellent for all-season traction, Quadra-Trac II adds a two-speed transfer case and more drive modes, and the Quadra-Drive II system takes the capability up a notch with an electronic limited-slip rear differential. In other words, the Grand Cherokee L is one of the most off-road-ready SUVs in its class.
Luxurious upper trims: Step inside the Jeep Grand Cherokee L’s Overland, Summit, or Summit Reserve trim, and you may think you have just entered an expensive Range Rover. Luxurious options like Palermo massaging leather seats, a McIntosh audio system, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof make this Jeep a premium SUV without compromising practicality or capability.
Muscular V8: The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is one of the only SUVs in its class available with a V8 engine, a 357-horsepower Hemi V8, which not only gives this family-hauler muscle car flex but also increases the Jeep’s maximum tow rating up to 7,200 pounds.
See this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Grand Cherokee L models near you
2024 Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is among midsize SUVs’ most recognized and trusted names. It rides the reputational coattails of Ford trucks. The wide variety in its model range, from the rugged Timberline to the sporty ST to the fancy Platinum, ensures an Explorer for everyone. Pricing starts at $38,455, including destination charges.
Ford Explorer Highlights
Roomier interior: Compared to the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, the Ford Explorer has two more inches of third-row legroom and one more cubic foot of cargo space behind the third row. That might not sound like much, but every inch counts in a family SUV.
More affordable and efficient: Besides the lower starting price, the Ford Explorer posts a better EPA-reported fuel economy estimates than the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The Explorer gets up to 24 combined mpg, while the most efficient Grand Cherokee L gets 21. That adds up to much lower fuel costs for the Ford in the long run.
Exciting ST model: Sporty performance in a 3-row family hauler isn’t just reserved for luxury SUVs. The turbo V6-powered Explorer ST pumps out 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, and it manages the extra power with a sport-tuned suspension system. And yes, that’s more power and torque than the V8 available in the Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
See this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Explorer models near you
Similarities
Both of these SUVs come standard with rear-wheel drive (RWD), which is uncommon in this class. They also have standard 3-row seating and are available with AWD and powerful engines.
Conclusion
The Ford Explorer’s lower starting price, better fuel economy, and slightly roomier interior make it the more practical and thrifty option among these two midsize SUVs. However, if you have the extra coin, the Jeep Grand Cherokee flirts with luxury SUV territory with premium features and modern tech, plus the off-road chops of a Jeep and more towing muscle than the Ford. The right SUV for you depends on your budget and your priorities.
| 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L | 2024 Ford Explorer | |
| Starting Price | $41,830 | $38,455 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.6-liter V6 | 2.3L turbo 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 293 hp @ 6,400 rpm | 300 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 257 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed | 10-speed |
| Fuel Economy | 19 city/26 hwy/21 combined mpg | 21 city/28 hwy/24 combined mpg |
| Also Available | AWD, 5.7L V8 | AWD, 3.0L turbo V6 |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Star | 5-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 121.7 inches | 119.1 inches |
| Overall Length | 204.9 inches | 198.8 inches |
| Width | 77.9 inches | 78.9 inches |
| Height | 71.5 inches | 70.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.3 feet | TBD |
| Headroom, 1st Row | 39.8 inches | 40.7 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 39.9 inches | 40.5 inches |
| Headroom, 3rd Row | 37.3 inches | 38.9 inches |
| Legroom, 1st Row | 41.3 inches | 43.0 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 39.4 inches | 39.0 inches |
| Legroom, 3rd Row | 30.3 inches | 32.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 1st Row | 59.2 inches | 61.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 58.0 inches | 61.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 3rd Row | 51.9 inches | 54.6 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 17.2/46.9/84.6 cubic feet | 18.2/47.9/87.8 cubic feet |
