2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Ford Explorer
With so many outdoor activities nearby to enjoy drivers in Hurricane, Charleston, and Huntington are need of a tough and reliable midsize SUV that can handle all the challenges both nature and family life can throw at it. If you’re search of that type of vehicle, both the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Ford Explorer are great options.
We here at Walker Chrysler Jeep Ram are committed to providing you with the best information so you can be confident when deciding on the right vehicle for you. If you’re torn between these two great models, read our comparison below to see how each one stacks up.
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Explorer: Power and Performance
The Jeep name is synonymous with fantastic off-road capability and that remains true with 2018 Grand Cherokee. The standard base trim provides a 3.6L V6 VVT engine with 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The Ford Explorer offers a similar 3.6L V6 Ti VCT V6 engine with up to 290 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque. Either model also offers different V8 engines in their higher trims along with options for either front-wheel or four-wheel-drive.
Whether you’re hauling the family camper up to the lake or a trailer full gardening mulch, you should have zero issues with either model’s towing capacity. The max towing capacity on the Grand Cherokee’s base trim is a remarkable 6,200 lbs compared to the Explorer’s equally impressive 5,000 lbs. When properly equipped, the Grand Cherokee’s can reach a staggering 7,200 lbs making this midsize SUV feel more like a midsize pickup.
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Ford Explorer: Interior and Available Technology
The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Explorer are quite comparable when it comes to interior passenger room. In either model, comfort and space shouldn’t be an issue as things like headroom and legroom are similar across the board.
The Grand Cherokee comes standard with: one 7.0-inch Uconnect® touch screen display with Apple CarPlay®, Google Android Auto™, and voice command system with Bluetooth®. Other available features like HD Radio™ and GPS Navigation can turn this rough-and-ready midsize SUV into a fully equipped mobile entertainment center. The Explorer also comes equipped with a few similar tech features including Ford’s SYNC® Connect entertainment and Wi-Fi Hotspot.
Available Safety on 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer
No matter how you intend to use these vehicles in your day-to-day life, safety should always be at the forefront. The Explorer offers multiple safety features like AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™, Safety Canopy® system, and SOS Post-Crash Alert System™ that automatically sounds your car’s horn and emergency flashers, making you easily visible to emergency first responders.
For its part, the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers similar features and also comes standard with: a ParkView® Rear Back Up Camera, ready-alert braking, Hill Start Assist, and trailer sway damping which helps keep your SUV and trailer in sync via the vehicle’s built-in Electronic Stability Control sensors.
Come See for Yourself
While both vehicles have quality features, in our opinion the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s towing-power, off-road capability and overall comfort make it the clear winner on our list.
If you drive in the Hurricane, Charleston, and Huntington area and are interested in seeing for yourself, stop by the Walker Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram showroom or go online and schedule a test drive today!