Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs Ford Explorer

Jeep Grand Cherokee L Comparison

Looking for a new SUV to help you tackle life’s adventures can certainly be an exciting time. At Walker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR), we’ve put together a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs. Ford Explorer review for our neighbors in Hurricane, Charleston, and Huntington, WV, so they can be better informed and make the right purchasing decision for themselves.

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs Ford Explorer: Power and Performance

Jeep Grand Cherokee L Engine Specs

The Grand Cherokee L comes equipped with a 3.6L Pentastar® V6 engine that’s been coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This configuration is great for off-roading and getting a good feel for the landscape, as it has a power output of 290 horsepower and a maximum towing capacity of 6,200 pounds. The latter makes your hauling experience even more convenient while expanding what you can travel with.

The Explorer shows up with a 2.3L Turbocharged EcoBoost® engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. While it has a higher power output of 300 horsepower, we don’t believe that’s a significant enough difference to give it the advantage. However, what is significant is the difference in maximum towing capacity, with the Explorer capping it at 5,300 pounds.

2021 Grand Cherokee L vs Ford Explorer: All-Terrain Performance

Both vehicles are designed with off-road adventures in mind, but which one offers the most capability? You see that both share their own versions of terrain selection, with the Grand Cherokee L offering the Selec-Terrain® Traction Management System that offers the following five modes:

Auto
Sport
Rock
Snow
Mud/Sand

The Explorer has the available Terrain Management System™ which reflects the Grand Cherokee L with similarly named modes, with the addition of tow/haul and eco. The remaining five are:

Normal
Trail
Deep snow/sand
Slippery
Sport

However, something that sets the Grand Cherokee L apart in this category is that it offers an available trim dedicated to all-terrain performance, specifically off-roading. This would be the Grand Cherokee L Overland trim, and a few highlights from it are…

Water Fording: Able to power through up to 24 inches of water.
Ground Clearance: Has a Best-in-Class available ground clearance of up to 10.9-inches between the underside of the SUV and the road.
Articulation: All four tires are kept on the ground to ensure stability and engagement.
Traction: Jeep 4x4 systems ensure that the tire needing the most traction gets it every time.
Maneuverability: Precision steering and optimized wheelbases give the Grand Cherokee L the ability to veer around narrow gaps or around rocks or tighter spots.

Grand Cherokee L vs Ford Explorer: Infotainment

Jeep Grand Cherokee L Technology

The Grand Cherokee L is loaded with advanced standard infotainment technology, like the new editions of Uconnect® 5 and the Jeep Connect app on your smartphone. These features give you access to the connectivity you’ve come to expect from Jeep. Always welcome, too, is the integration of both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™.

The Explorer has a bare bones approach to infotainment as standard, with the biggest attractions being FordPass Connect™ and FordPass Connect™ 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot.

Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs Ford Explorer: The Verdict

Now that our neighbors in Hurricane, Charleston, and Huntington, West Virginia, have read our review, we think they’ll agree that the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L is the superior vehicle. The next step is to get behind the wheel with a test drive you can schedule with the team at Walker CDJR today!